By Althea Barker, Volunteer, Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga
In celebration of King’s Birthday 2026, these highlights from our collection follow Prince Charles through the decades to his coronation as King Charles III in 2023.
These items are part of an extensive royal collection at Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga, following the bequeath of a large donation of commemorative ‘Royal China’ from the estate of local collector, Barry Thorburn twenty years ago. Contributions to the collection continue, and now number hundreds of objects.
The coronation booklet and mug which commemorate King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 were obtained by a museum volunteer who was in London for the event, while a set of coins was donated via a supporter in England.
What’s in the Thames Museum Royal Collection?
The collection contains early photographs on China pieces, history booklets, newspaper clippings, a thermos, trinket box, a double handled mug and much more. We even have pieces of memorabilia prepared for the coronation-that-didn’t-happen of Edward VIII.
The museum has royal memorabilia dating back to Queen Victoria. This allows us to rotate the display and tailor it to any royal “milestone” from births and birthdays, marriages, deaths and coronations. The collection is also displayed at local events such as the Thames Bottle and Collectors’ Fair 2026.
A large number of English immigrants were pioneers on the Thames Goldfield and their connection and loyalty back to England remained strong for generations.
