Royal Doulton Catherine of Braganza HN4267 (2000) - Queens of the Realm Series

HN Number : 4267

Production years : 2000 (Limited Edition)

Height : 9.25"

Produced in : United Kingdom

Condition: Mint , no chips, cracks or repairs. 

Series : Queens of the Real

The Forgotten Queen: Catherine of Braganza's Royal Legacy

Catherine of Braganza HN4267 honors one of England's most overlooked queens - the Portuguese princess who brought tea drinking, fork usage, and exotic fashion to the English court. This magnificent figurine captures Catherine in her distinctive Portuguese court dress, celebrating her unique cultural contributions to English royal history.

Historical Significance: Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) was Queen consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland as the wife of King Charles II. Though often overshadowed by the king's mistresses, Catherine introduced many customs that became quintessentially English, including the afternoon tea tradition that remains beloved today.

A Portuguese Princess in the English Court

Catherine's marriage to Charles II in 1662 was a political alliance that brought significant dowry territories including Tangier and Bombay (Mumbai) to the English crown. More importantly for cultural history, she brought Portuguese court customs that would transform English society.

Cultural Legacy:

• Tea drinking: Introduced tea consumption to English nobility
• Table etiquette: Popularized the use of forks at English tables
• Fashion influence: Brought exotic fabrics and Portuguese styles to court
• Religious devotion: Remained steadfastly Catholic in Protestant England
• Architectural influence: Influenced design of royal residences

Artistic Excellence by Valerie Annand

Designer Valerie Annand masterfully captured Catherine's Portuguese heritage while honoring her English royal status. This figurine showcases the exotic court dress that made Catherine stand out among English nobles, with rich fabrics and distinctive styling that reflected her Iberian origins.

Design Elements:

• Authentic Portuguese court dress: Rich velvets and distinctive cut reflecting 1660s fashion
• Cultural authenticity: Details showing Portuguese royal traditions
• Regal bearing: Pose conveying royal dignity and quiet strength
• Period accuracy: Historically correct costume and accessories
• Symbolic elements: Design celebrates her unique cultural contributions

Artistic Challenge: Annand successfully balanced Catherine's exotic Portuguese heritage with her English royal status, creating a piece that honors both cultures.

The Queens of the Realm Series

Catherine of Braganza HN4267 represents Royal Doulton's commitment to celebrating lesser-known but historically significant queens. This series focuses on royal women who made lasting contributions beyond their ceremonial roles.

Series Characteristics:

• Educational focus: Highlighting overlooked historical figures
• Millennium celebration: Marking significant royal women across centuries
• Limited production: Enhanced collectibility through scarcity
• Cultural diversity: Celebrating queens from various backgrounds
• Historical accuracy: Museum-quality research and design

Catherine's Place: As the Portuguese queen who transformed English customs, Catherine represents the international influences that shaped British culture.

Investment and Market Analysis

Premium Modern Collectible: Catherine of Braganza HN4267 typically commands $250-400 CAD, reflecting strong demand for limited edition historical pieces. The combination of cultural significance, artistic excellence, and restricted production creates solid investment potential.

Value Drivers:

• Limited edition rarity: Only 5,000 pieces worldwide
• Millennium significance: Year 2000 production adds commemorative value
• Historical uniqueness: Only major Royal Doulton piece featuring a Portuguese queen
• Cultural education: Growing interest in diverse royal history
• Designer recognition: Valerie Annand's growing reputation

Market Trends:

• Millennium pieces showing steady appreciation
• Cultural diversity themes increasingly popular
• Educational collecting expanding market segment
• Royal history maintaining strong collector base

Canadian Cultural Connections

Catherine of Braganza holds special significance for Canadian collectors, representing the multicultural influences that have always shaped the Commonwealth. Her story of bringing different traditions to a new country resonates with Canada's immigrant heritage.

Regional Appeal:

• Multicultural appreciation: Catherine's story mirrors Canadian diversity
• Tea culture: Her introduction of tea drinking particularly relevant in Canada
• Educational collectors: Teachers and cultural historians
• Portuguese-Canadian community: Ethnic heritage collecting interest
• Royal history enthusiasts: Comprehensive royal collection building

The Tea Queen's Lasting Impact

Cultural Revolutionary: Catherine single-handedly transformed English social customs, introducing practices that became central to British identity:

• Afternoon Tea: Her Portuguese habit of drinking tea became the quintessentially English tradition
• Table Manners: Popularized fork usage, revolutionizing dining etiquette
• Fashion Forward: Introduced new fabrics, colors, and styles from Portugal
• Religious Tolerance: Maintained Catholic faith while respecting Protestant England
• International Perspective: Brought global awareness to insular English court

Modern Relevance: In today's global world, Catherine's story of cultural bridge-building resonates more than ever, making this figurine particularly meaningful for contemporary collectors.

Millennium Significance and Dating

The year 2000 production places this figurine at a significant historical moment - the new millennium. Royal Doulton marked this occasion with special backstamps and careful attention to pieces that would represent the company's legacy into the 21st century.

Millennium Features:

• Special backstamping: Year 2000 markings add historical significance
• Limited production: Enhanced exclusivity for millennium pieces
• Quality emphasis: Extra attention to pieces representing new century
• Historical selection: Chosen figures reflecting enduring historical importance

Authentication and Condition Assessment

This piece has been professionally authenticated by William Cross, whose family created the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Royal Doulton Figurines. Our expertise ensures complete confidence in authenticity and accurate historical context.

Authentication Points:

• Correct HN4267 marking: Proper numbering for 2000 production
• Millennium backstamp: Accurate year 2000 Royal Doulton England markings
• Valerie Annand design: Matches designer's original specifications
• Quality standards: Consistent with Royal Doulton's millennium series excellence

Why Catherine of Braganza Commands Collector Interest

Historical Uniqueness: Only Portuguese queen in Royal Doulton's catalog Cultural Significance: Revolutionary impact on English customs Artistic Excellence: Valerie Annand's masterful cultural interpretation Limited Availability: Restricted 5,000-piece worldwide production Educational Value: Teaches overlooked but important royal historyMillennium Status: Year 2000 production adds commemorative significance Investment Potential: Modern limited editions showing appreciation.

Display and Care Considerations

As a millennium limited edition, Catherine of Braganza HN4267 deserves premium care:

• Museum-quality display: Stable, secure environment
• Climate control: Consistent temperature and humidity
• Light management: UV-filtered illumination to preserve colors
• Handling protocol: Support from base, avoid touching decorative elements
• Documentation preservation: Maintain certificates and provenance records

Perfect For Discerning Collectors

Royal History Enthusiasts: Collectors seeking comprehensive royal coverage Cultural Heritage Collectors: Those appreciating diverse historical influences Portuguese Heritage: Ethnic collecting and cultural pride Educational Institutions: Teaching multiculturalism and royal history Millennium Collectors: Focusing on year 2000 commemorative pieces Investment Collectors: Seeking limited edition appreciation potential Tea Culture Enthusiasts: Honoring the queen who introduced England's favorite tradition

Building Your Royal Collection

Catherine of Braganza HN4267 adds unique international flavor to any royal collection. Her story of cultural adaptation and influence makes this piece perfect for collectors who appreciate the complexity of royal history beyond simple crown succession.

Collection Themes:

• Queens of the Realm: Complete series focusing on influential queens
• Cultural bridge-builders: Royal figures who connected different cultures
• Millennium pieces: Year 2000 Royal Doulton commemoratives
• Lesser-known royals: Educational focus on overlooked historical figures

Professional Expertise and Services

William Cross Specialization: With over 35 years in Royal Doulton collecting and our family's Charlton Standard Catalogue heritage:

• Modern piece authentication: Verify contemporary Royal Doulton limited editions
• Historical context: Provide cultural and historical background
• Market evaluation: Current pricing for insurance and collection purposes
• Series guidance: Assist with Queens of the Realm collection building
• Investment consultation: Advice on millennium and limited edition collecting

Our Unique Value: The Charlton Standard Catalogue established the foundation for understanding Royal Doulton's evolution into modern collecting, making our family expertise particularly valuable for contemporary pieces.

Conclusion: A Queen Who Changed Everything

Catherine of Braganza HN4267 celebrates a remarkable woman whose quiet influence transformed English culture forever. From introducing the tea ceremony to revolutionizing table manners, Catherine's legacy touches every aspect of what we consider British tradition today.

This exceptional figurine captures both her Portuguese heritage and English royal status, creating a piece that honors cultural diversity while celebrating royal history. Whether you're building a comprehensive royal collection, focusing on cultural bridge-builders, or seeking investment-grade millennium pieces, Catherine of Braganza offers unique historical significance combined with modern collecting appeal.

Ready to Honor the Tea Queen's Legacy?

Contact William Cross today for expert guidance on Royal Doulton historical figurines and modern limited editions. Our Charlton Standard Catalogue heritage ensures you receive authentic pieces with complete historical context and current market expertise.