SAC Official Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Chess Set

This Official Commemorative Chess Set was designed in association with St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of The Most Noble Order of The Garter (the highest order of chivalry in the land) founded by King Edward III in 1348. Since then there have been just over 1,000 Knights ranging from Sir Thomas Erpingham (who led the archers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415) to Sir Winston Churchill and His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales (now The Duke of Cambridge), who was installed as the 1,000th Knight of the Garter in 2008.

This set features beautifully hand painted figures of Her Majesty The Queen (who as Sovereign is the head of the Order), The Duke of Edinburgh and other key figures:

The Queen - HM The Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in February 1952. She was installed as a Lady of the Order of the Garter during a service in 1948. Her Majesty is shown wearing the Sovereign's robes of the Order, a mantle of blue velvet with the Garter Star embroidered on the left hand side. Around her neck The Queen wears the collar of the Order from which hangs the figure of St George fighting the dragon.

The King - HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was installed as a Knight of the Garter in 1948 by The Queen's father, King George VI. Both King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother are buried in St George's Chapel. Prince Philip's robes are similar to those of the Sovereign except that the badge of the Order is embroidered on the mantle rather than the Star.

The Bishop - is modelled on The Right Reverend David Conner who, as Dean of Windsor, is also the Register of the Order of the Garter. A number of Deans of Windsor have been Bishops before being appointed to Windsor. He is dressed in convocation robes and around his neck wears both a pectoral cross and the badge of the Register of the Order of the Garter.

The Knight - represents one of The Military Knights of Windsor, founded in 1348 (the oldest formation of the British Army) as part of the College of St George, and today comprising a Governor and twelve officers. They live within Windsor Castle and regularly attend services to pray for the Sovereign and Knights of the Garter. Military Knights are active members of the community fulfilling various voluntary roles. The uniform is that of an unattached staff officer from the reign of William IV as paraded on some Sundays and at the Garter Service.

The Rook - is modelled on the famous Round Tower of Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle dates from the earliest days after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has belonged to the sovereigns of England for over 900 years. The earliest stone keep was built in the late 12th century by Henry II and was raised to its present height in 1830-1 to become Windsor Castle's famous landmark.

The Pawn - represents a Chorister from the Choir of St George's Chapel, which consists of 23 boys (who attend St George's School) and 12 Lay Clerks (professional male singers). The Chapel Choir sings at eight services a week during term time. The murrey colour of the cassocks worn below white surplices is unique to St George's Chapel.


Studio Anne Carlton's managing director, Michael Lee, explains: "Studio Anne Carlton was delighted to have the opportunity to produce this luxurious Diamond Jubilee chess set as it represents a remarkable achievement by HM The Queen and a truly significant event in the history of the United Kingdom. It appeals not just to chess players but to all those people around the world who acknowledge the British Royal Family and wish to own and enjoy a delightful and usable piece of collectable memorabilia."

Also available undecorated, the chess pieces are heavy weighted in ground-stone and poly-resin
King height is 5.5" (140mm)

Click on the pictures for larger versions

We offer the hand-painted set bundled together with the high gloss blue set pictured at an excellent price but you also have the option of selecting a chessboard to your taste from our range of quality matching chess boards