Ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a superfan has shared her love of the royal family with countless items of memorabilia and photos of Her Majesty – and her dad even received a Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service.
British-Canadian Alex Brown, 29, whose dad, Tom, is from England, began her fascination with the royal family, especially Queen Elizabeth II, as a little girl and says that it’s “always been a part” of her life.
The now news anchor even grew up in the town of Regina, Saskatchewan, which is known as the ‘Queen City’.
With her dad and grandmother also big fans of the royal family, Alex spent her childhood years pouring over books, films and courses about Her Majesty and considers the Queen her role model.
In homage to her hero, she has put together an extensive collection of memorabilia, including items such as a coronation tea cup and saucer, thimbles, ornaments, tea towels and even plastic figurines of the Queen’s beloved corgis.
She also has royally-designed dinner trays, biscuit tins and much more.
Alex, whose full name is Alexandra Elizabeth, also claims she was named after the Queen – whose middle name is Alexandra.
“[I’ve collected royal-themed] thimbles, Christmas ornaments, tea towels, photographs, books – you name it, I have it,” Alex told Jam Press.
“I even have some memorabilia for Her Majesty’s parents and grandparents, as well as for during their royal visits to Canada.
“I honestly couldn’t say [how much I’ve spent on my collection] as so many of the pieces are antiques and have been gifted to me or handed down.
“My favourite piece is a small gold pin I found, which is a gold book with the coronation date of 1953.
“When you open the book, there is a fold-out of a dozen tiny black and white photographs of the Queen and her family.
“This piece is so unique and I have never seen anything else like it.
“My collection of tea cups pre-date my royal collection and I started collecting [these] when I was a child.
“One of my family’s favourite pastimes is exploring antique shops and I came across a small, white [tea] set from 1953 back in 2014.
“It was so small, but in beautiful condition – I had to bring it home with me.
“I always keep an eye out for beautiful sets, so when I spotted this coronation piece, I knew I had to have it.”
Alex’s love for the royal family doesn’t end with the Queen – she also has tea towels decorated with Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s faces, alongside special edition biscuit tins for every royal wedding in recent years.
Of course, she also has plenty of photos dotted around her home.
In 2018, one of Alex’s biggest dreams came true when she visited Buckingham Palace during a trip to London.
Upon touring inside the palace, as well its gardens and museum, she recalls the moment feeling “surreal” due to years of reading about royal history.
She said: “It was surreal for me to actually be at Buckingham Palace, especially after a lifetime of reading about royal history.
“I eagerly absorbed the Prince of Wales’ audio tour throughout the different rooms and of course, tried on any costume that came across my path.
“I was fortunate enough to visit [with my best friend] when we travelled through London to spend two weeks in the UK.
“We also visited Windsor Castle, which was absolutely stunning as well.
“Being based in Regina for so many years as a reporter, I had the honour of meeting and interviewing several Lieutenant Governors for Saskatchewan, where I shared royal celebrations with them.
“[We celebrated] the birth of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as the royal visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
“My dad was also awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service in 2012 which was a very proud moment for my family and I.”
Alex decided to share her interest and extensive collection on TikTok, where she has racked up 34,000 views and thousands of likes on one video.
In the clip, she touches a picture of the Queen which sits proudly in front of her memorabilia dedicated bookshelf.
The voiceover says: “Go into heavy detail and I will, I will go into heavy detail.”
Users took to the comments to share their fascination with the royal family – giving Alex a run for her “biggest fan” crown.
“Omg yesss I legit have a decal of her on the side of my car,” one viewer commented. [sic]
Another person added: “SAME. gosh I didn’t think I needed another reason to love but…here it is.”
“Me tooooo! Love the royals! All royals! I finished a book a while back about Marie Antoinette. I made zero friends with this interest,” someone else said.
One person wrote: “Omg!!! Absolutely this is me with the queen as well. Love her.” [sic]
“I am obsessed too!!” another viewer added.
As the UK gears up to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Alex and her family are also planning on having a party of their own – with traditional British high tea.
Alex added: “I will certainly be enjoying the events via news coverage, as well as high tea on the weekend.
It’s such a wonderful time and I am so excited for the celebrations.
[She’s] a pillar of strength, grace and leadership and has committed her life to one of service.
“It’s incredible that she has remained loyal to that promise and I try to channel her strength in moments of doubt in my life.
“Being thrust into the role she was never meant to occupy, and doing so with an incredible grace and commitment, she’s such an inspiration.
“She’s an incredible figure that history will never forget and I will forever be scouring antique shops, one by one, for new treasures to discover.”
