Queen's Platinum Jubilee souvenirs ruined by embarrassing misprint after translation error

Thousands of Queen's Platinum Jubilee crockery sets have been left virtually unsellable

Queen's Platinum Jubilee souvenirs ruined by embarrassing misprint after translation error
(Image credit: Getty)

Thousands of Queen's Platinum Jubilee crockery sets have been rejected for sale because of an embarrassing spelling error, leaving its manufacturer desperate to shift the unwanted stock. 


If there was ever a time for a proofreader, this might have been it. 

An English businessman is on a mission to help a Chinese manufacturer to shift 10,800 Platinum Jubilee crockery pieces after they emerged from the factory with a small—but unmissable—spelling mistake. 

The royal memorabilia, which consists of a teacup, a mug, and a decorative plate featuring a portrait of the Queen, had originally intended to include the slogan, "To Commemorate the Platinum Jubilee". 

Unfortunately, a translation error resulted in the final word being spelled as 'Jubbly'—a British slang adjective used to describe something that's brilliant. 

The stock had already been shipped to the UK by the time the typo was noticed, meaning there was nothing that could be done to resolve the problem.

Queen's Platinum Jubilee misspelled souvenirs


(Image credit: Getty)

Queen's Platinum Jubilee misspelled souvenirs

(Image credit: Wholesale Clearance/Screaming Frog)

"On arrival at Southampton docks a few weeks ago, upon inspection, it became apparent that there was a slight printing/translation error which now leaves these without a home," its new seller explains. 

With the Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 set to celebrate the first-ever monarch to reach 70 years on the throne, it looks like there's little tolerance for silly mistakes. The Asian manufacturer's UK partner refused to accept the tainted products, leaving the company at risk of a major financial loss. 

Queen's Platinum Jubilee misspelled souvenirs

(Image credit: Wholesale Clearance UK/Screaming Frog)

Karl Baxter, Managing Director of Wholesale Clearance UK, has now agreed to help the struggling factory by marketing the souvenirs as a 'novel' twist on traditional royal memorabilia. 

"What could be more unique than our limited-edition misprinted crockery? This could be your chance to get your hands on a novelty souvenir for a fraction of the price!" he said in a press release. 

The whole stock is selling for £32,400, with each individual set priced at £3.00. Had the word Jubilee been correctly spelled, its value would have been placed at £323,892. Baxter believes profit could easily be made, however, to savvy business folks who choose to sell on the merchandise to collectors. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.