Tea cup and saucer commemorating the death of Princess Charlotte in November 1817. Bat-printed images of mourning with concentric rings of pink lustre. Unmarked, maker unknown.

The death of Princess Charlotte in childbirth was as devastating to the populace as was Princess Diana’s death 180 years later. This cup and saucer are examples of inexpensive souvenir items such as are still made today to commemorate royal events. The quality of printing is rather crude compared to some of the more delicate designs of the other pieces shown here, which is an indication of how quickly it was made.