Object of the Day: A Commemorative Coronation Mug, 1937

Born December 14, 1895, on the very day that his great grandfather, Prince Albert, died, the future King George VI’s arrival into the world was kept quiet by his father who feared that the announcement of a birth on that sad day would further upset Queen Victoria. When his father suggested that his second son be named in honor of the deceased Prince, Queen Victoria was pleased. She wrote, “"I am all impatience to see the new one, born on such a sad day but rather more dear to me, especially as he will be called by that dear name which is a byword for all that is great and good". Therefore, the child was baptized "Albert Frederick Arthur George."


Known affectionately by the family as, “Bertie,” he was fourth in line for the throne—following his Grandfather (King Edward VII), his father (King George V) and his brother, Edward (known in the family as “David.”) Bertie was often overshadowed by his older brother who had something of a flare for the dramatic. Upon the death of their father, King George V, in 1936, Edward was to succeed as King. However, King Edward VIII, had a famously brief reign—abdicating when he was forced to choose between his relationship with twice-divorced, American, Wallis Simpson and the throne.

Bertie, unexpectedly, was to be crowned King in 1937. His wife, Elizabeth, would become the Queen Consort and his eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II), was next in line for the throne. The coronation commenced as if King Edward VIII had not been named King only a few months before. Coins were re-minted with the new King’s face. Typically, coins with a new monarch featured his profile facing the opposite direction as the previous monarch. King Edward VIII decided to break tradition by being depicted from his left profile so that his likeness would show the “part in his hair.” Bertie was also depicted from the left—to send a message that he was adhering to tradition and essentially stating that his brother’s vain wishes were erased. Bertie, reminded of advice from Mary of Teck, took the name George VI.

On May 12, 1937—the very day that Edward VIII was to be crowned—the coronation of King George VI took place. The occasion was met with the usual heraldry, and, also the typical souvenir items such as this china mug. The mug shows the date of the coronation with images of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The reverse of the mug bears the cipher of King George VI.

George VI was known to have a severe speech impediment. The story of his desire to overcome this inconvenience is chronicled in the new film, The King’s Speech.