Royal collector “I’ve spent $150,000 on memorabilia”
This Aussie gran plans to add to her 10,000-strong collection when Prince Harry marries Meghan!
An almost 40-year obsession with everything royal has seen souvenir collector Jan Hugo spend $150,000 on what could be the world’s largest collection of royal memorabilia.
The four-bedroom house she shares with her husband David in NSW’S Hunter Valley is overflowing with around 10,000 trinkets and trophies.
But the Aussie gran-of-four and her hubby have no intention of overcoming their royal obsession – and they’re hoping to add to their collection with flags, key rings, cups and more, which will be released after Meghan and Harry’s wedding.
“Ever since the news of Harry’s engagement, we’ve been so excited and are constantly looking for new items,” the 59-year-old tells Woman’s Day.
‘We already have a new cup and pill box, as well as two shelves of items themed on Harry, including a christening plate from the time of his birth and his 25th birthday plates and cups.
“Prince Harry has always been my favourite royal – he’s only sixth in line to the throne so he isn’t as important but I adore him.”
Self-confessed “royal addict” Jan believes she could be sitting on the largest royal collection of memorabilia on the planet but she says it all began by chance.
“We started with one or two pieces and the obsession grew. The more pieces I got, the more I wanted to know about the royals.”
Jan says she won’t stop adding to her collection because there are many exciting royal events to look forward to. “This year it’s the wedding. Maybe next year it will be Harry’s kid.”