To weave through the many frames and teacups that bear the effigy the British royal family, Margaret Tyler is a great collector of objects related to the British crown.
This 78-year old retiree proudly displays his vast collection, which clogs his entire ground floor in Wembley in North West London, for the platinum jubilee. It marks the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II's reign.
"It's amazing that the Queen has stayed on the throne for 70 years. It is a shame that Prince Philip isn't there. "She regrets scanning the shelf containing objects that represent the husband of the monarch. He died in April 2021, just before his 100th birthday.
The exterior of the house of the septuagenarian sets the tone. Two garden gnomes in a shape of queen guard the front door, as well as pennants and a replica royal guard.
Margaret Tyler also has more than 12,000 items inside. These include teacups with the effigys of all monarchy members, posters, frames and books as well as slippers and ashtrays.
She sums it up: "If I like, then I buy." Her children forbid her from going online to stop her spending too much. The retired woman jokes, "I should go the library."
Margaret Tyler, her collector, dedicates a space in her home to her passion. She forbids her children from ever going there. She recalls, "They weren’t very interested anyway."
As the collection grows, so does its use of their rooms for storage. She goes so far as removing walls from the house and expanding it to create a "Diana" room, a space dedicated to Prince Charles' favorite princess, the late first wife.
She had a portrait of Lady Di painted on the ceiling in this room. She says, "It was a hard job because you have to keep your arm up all day. You always need to rest."
Margaret Tyler is a royal souvenir hunter and will not miss the chance to meet the royal family.
This is what drove her to leave Herefordshire in the west to be closer to Buckingham when she was 19 years old.
Since then, she has met Elizabeth II four more times. She says she gave Elizabeth II a bouquet and a cake in wreath shape. Her eyes are bright with unreserved pride.
Margaret, if she is among the Britons looking forward to the Jubilee will be following the festivities from Wembley as she wants to care for a loved one who has difficulty getting around.
She will then watch all the TV shows with her friends.
