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Overview
This cup, saucer and plate set, has an image of Princess Elizabeth as a young girl. It was commissioned by the princess's mother, the Duchess of York (Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) in 1927.
This set was purchased by Mary Todd, and kept as a treasured family heirloom – displayed pride of place in a china cabinet. It was passed on to daughter Mona Chainey and then granddaughter Patricia Chainey, and represents the Chainey family's ongoing personal connection to the British monarchy. This is a connection felt by many New Zealanders to this day.
The visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1953–54 was the first visit by a reigning monarch. It took place after a world war in which New Zealand had supported Britain. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953, interest in royalty was further heightened. It’s estimated that over 75% of the population went to see them. Patricia Chainey attended in Whanganui when whe was a young girl. It is an event thousands of other New Zealanders fondly remember.
‘The crowds that greeted the royal couple were very large and wildly enthusiastic. The young queen’s first appearance after arriving – in Auckland – met with ‘wave after wave of cheering’ and ‘roars of approval’. People thronged to see her across the country, gathering to wave at her train as it went past tiny country settlements, and waiting for hours in main centres to secure a good viewing position.’ (http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/royal-family/page-2)