It's been almost 70 years since we last saw the crowning of a monarch in the UK, so King Charles III's coronation ceremony on Saturday is set to be a much anticipated once-in-a-generation event.
While there will be public events and parties as well as the official Coronation Concert over the course of the long weekend, if you're after a keepsake to remember the occasion for years to come, you may be looking for memorabilia to mark the historic event.
We've all got mugs we got from school to commemorate past Royal events such as weddings and jubilees, but you may want to chose a souvenir for yourself or your children and grandchildren to remember May 6, 2023, and there's no shortage of choice, from traditional coins, stamp and tableware to the more bizarre offerings such as Asda's Coronation gnomes or Marks and Spencer's hooded blankets
Read more: King Charles coronation - running times and how to watch
Whether you're after something small like a commemorative cake tin or want a bigger piece, iconic brands like Radley, Wedgwood and Harrods are offering plenty of unique ideas. However, with prices of £259 for a Radley Bag, £95 for a Wedgwood mug and £440 for a single earing at Harrods, you may want to cast your net wider if you're looking for budget-friendly gifts to mark the occasion.
We've come up with 10 keepsakes under £25 each to prove you can still celebrate a new monarch, even in the cost of living crisis:
Under £5
It may not be the obvious place to look, but if you want a fun memento, Aldi is offering its Kevin the Carrot toy in limited-edition regal forms. The King and Queen of veg cost £3.99 each. King Charles dons a black and white dotted robe and crown, Queen Camilla is depicted in a nude dress and blue sash.
If you want something a little more traditional, Aspin have some great bits for under a fiver, such as a King Charles III Coronation Woven Patch for £3.49 or a King Charles III Coronation Pin Badge for the same price. Both follow the emblem guidelines as supplied by The Royal Family.
Under £10
Royal Mail unveiled the long-awaited special Coronation stamps last week. The four new stamps, priced at £7.50 for the set, represent the Coronation, diversity and community, the commonwealth and sustainability and biodiversity. Since this is only the third time the Royal Mail has issued Coronation stamps, they are one of the most widely-anticipated souvenirs of the event. You can pre-order this pack of all four stamps now, ahead of the release on May 6
If you want to stay local, Ringtons has a collection of Coronation goodies, including this King Charles III Tea Caddy, containing 50 Royal Gold Blend Tea Bags, for £6.99.
Under £15
No great British event passes without the Royal Mint producing special editions of legal tender coins, and the Coronation £5 coin will be the first to show His Majesty crowned. Since standard coins will not feature the crown, these may well be the best mementos to invest in. The coin, which is £14.50, which is legal tender, is a proof coin: this means it's the best quality coin Royal Mint makes in terms of sharpness, detail and finish. The Royal Mint's commemorative coins are now available to buy. A bigger Sovereign Collection will launch later this year.
John Lewis is selling an Arthur Price King Charles III Coronation Spoon for £12.95, a commemorative teaspoon presented in a gift box. The top of the stainless steel spoon is decorated with a King Charles III portrait.
Under £20
Medal manufacturers Award have struck a commemorative King Charles Coronation medal in support of the armed forces charity SSAFA. It can be bought by veterans and current members of the armed forces, emergency services staff and volunteers, prison service and police community support officers, as well as holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. Next of kin and direct descendants can also apply. A miniature version of the medal is available to everyone else for £17.50.
Under £25
Emma Bridgewater's ceramics company was founded in 1985, a year before the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and has commemorated every royal event since then, according to Emma. The Coronation collection includes Your Highness 1/2 Pint Mug at £24 and this 3 Cheers For King Charles III 8 1/2 Inch Plate at £20.
Now read:
- Do I still need to buy a TV licence to watch Netflix or Sky? Find all you need to know here
- Wonderful footage of a 1937 Newcastle street party celebrating that year's royal coronation
- Decorating your car for the King's Coronation could land you a £2,500 fine and driving ban
- Sausage roll from Greggs among freebies celebrating King Charles' coronation this bank holiday
- Pop-up cinema in Gosforth will launch with Coronation screening this Saturday
