PA/Daily Mail
Hoist a cuppa in honor of Diamond Lil.
The Diamond Jubilee of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is officially launched with English china that firmly turns its back on any hint of modernity. It resembles something The Queen's diamond-encrusted grandmother, Queen Mary, would have enjoyed.
Calling upon elaborate designs from the era of William IV, the Stoke-on-Trent china celebrates The Queen's family history along with the floral motifs of the United Kingdom: the acorn, rose, daffodil, and thistle (last seen in the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding regalia and cake).
Like old fire horses that hear the clang of the fire alarm, royal watchers snort and paw the ground when the commemorative china is wheeled out.
Every royal celebration starts with the china and ends with souvenir issues of magazines.
The 60th anniversary of The Queen's accession to the throne in 1952 promises to be a sincere celebration of a monarch who has steadily done her duty, and is newly appreciated by her people.
