British History
Celebrate 75 years of Windrush with the BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
2023 marks 75 years of the Windrush Generation.
And to celebrate, The Royal Mint have released a BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
But what is the Windrush Generation? Carry on reading to learn more and find out how you can commemorate this historic occasion…
England, 1948
The term ‘Windrush Generation’ is coined from the arrival of individuals onboard the HMT Empire Windrush ship, travelling from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1973.
After UK migration laws changed in 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush docked in England for the first time whilst carrying over 1,000 Caribbean passengers.
The aim was to help reduce British labour shortages and to prevent an economic collapse post-Second World War, with the individuals who travelled to the UK becoming known as the Windrush Generation.
The movement was successful in rebuilding the nation after WWII, and their contributions to the UK have helped to shape modern British society and culture to this day.
In fact, the voyage became a symbol of the mass-migration movement altogether, and in 2023, we celebrate 75 years since the Windrush ship first docked in England.
The Windrush 50p
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, The Royal Mint have released a brand-new 50p coin in a range of specifications.
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated – to the stunning 92.50% Silver Proof and double thickness Silver Piedfort in vivid colour, there is something for everyone.
In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to preserve such a key period of British history for generations to come.
But, with limited numbers available, you must act now! Click here to explore the range >>
Everything you need to know about the King’s first Trooping the Colour…
On Saturday 17th June 2023, the UK will witness King Charles III’s FIRST Trooping the Colour ceremony as our monarch.
Whether you’re tuning in on the television or travelling to see the spectacle in person, we can all expect to see a stunning display of military precision and horsemanship as the procession makes it way from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
But what exactly is Trooping the Colour, and why do we celebrate it? Continue reading to find out more…
The origins of the ceremony
Trooping the Colour is an annual ceremony held in June to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign, originating as far back as 260 years ago.
The service was first believed to have been performed during King Charles II’s reign, however it wasn’t until 1760 that it became an annual event to commemorate the British Monarch’s official birthday under the reign of King George III.
This historical parade was named in tribute to the British Army’s regiment flags, which are referred to as ‘Colours’ due to the different coloured insignia displayed on each one. Young officers would then march the Colours between the line of troops, giving us the ‘Trooping the Colour’ title, and the colourful celebration we still see to this day.
Credit: The British Army
The British Sovereign’s Official Birthday
But why does the British Sovereign have an official birthday?
The answer to having two birthdays is simply down to British weather being better for the parade in the month of June.
Unless the Monarch already has a summer birthday, their second ‘official’ one will always be in June to line up with when Trooping the Colour takes place and to maximise the chances of good weather conditions.
So, although King Charles III’s actual day of birth is 14th November, he will be celebrating his very first King’s Birthday Parade on 17th June this year.
What to expect on the day
Credit: People.com
On the day, you can expect to see an impressive display of pageantry as His Majesty’s personal troops march down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where the ceremony will begin.
There will be over 1400 parading soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses, alongside members of the Royal Family on horseback or in carriages – and of course, with King Charles III himself taking the salute.
As the procession takes place, mass crowds with waving flags are expected to line the streets, with many more around the world viewing the spectacle on television.
And with this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony being King Charles III’s FIRST as Sovereign, it will certainly be a historical event to remember.
The Trooping the Colour 2023 Silver Coin Cover
To commemorate this special occasion, we have released the Trooping the Colour 2023 Silver Coin Cover in ode to Charles III’s King’s Birthday Parade.
Featuring His Majesty’s first Silver Britannia coin alongside his first Royal Mail definitive stamps, this Cover will have a one-day-only postmark of 17th June 2023 – a fitting tribute to the first Trooping the Colour of King Charles’ reign.
But with only 200 available worldwide, make sure to secure yours now by clicking here >>
Introducing the SUPERSIZE commemorative issued to celebrate King Charles III’s Inaugural Trooping the Colour ceremony
On the 17th June, next Saturday, His Majesty’s FIRST Trooping the Colour celebrations will take place on Horse Guards Parade.
King Charles III will be taking the salute and will hold the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiments of Household Division in a ceremony that will be watched by millions of people all across the world.
Image Credit: Corporal Paul Shaw/MOD.
To commemorate this historic event, a SUPERSIZE 100mm Inaugural Trooping the Colour Bronze Medal has been issued for release.
Weighing in at nearly half a kilogram, the impressive 100mm diameter ensures that the remarkable detail and superbly illustrated design by talented artist Jean-Michel Girard can be appreciated to full capacity.
The medal features specially commissioned artwork that depicts the 7 regiments in the King’s Household Division:
- The Life Guards
- Blues and Royals
- The Grenadier Guards
- The Coldstream Guards
- The Scots Guards
- The Irish Guards
- The Welsh Guards
The obverse of the medal features the famous Magnae Britanniae design, completed with Antique Finish.
The medal has been issued with a strict edition limit of ONLY 495 worldwide, therefore many collectors will miss out of owning one of these masterpieces.
This stunning SUPERSIZE commemorative is a true masterpiece and emphasizes the grandeur of the occasion it represents.
With ONLY 495 available worldwide, you must ACT NOW to secure yours and own a piece of history at exceptional value.