‘A well-deserved cuppa’: Royal milk bottle gifted to carpet fitter churns up auction excitement

A Buckingham Palace milk bottle that was gifted to a carpet fitter decades ago has been sold at auction.

The bottle sold for £40.26 to a private buyer at the Hansons Richmond Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors Auction yesterday.

The bottle originally belonged to tradesman Brian Burrows.

The seller, Mr Burrows’ daughter Jackie Kensit, from Hillingdon, said: “My father, who was born in Edinburgh but lived in Fulham all his life, became an apprentice carpet fitter at the age of 15. 

“He went on to build up his own business, BB Flooring. In 1993 a good friend asked him to help at Buckingham Palace.”

Mr Burrows was employed by the Queen to change carpets annually ahead of public viewings at Buckingham Palace. Throughout his time working at the palace he met Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and his favourite royal, Princess Michael of Kent.

During one fitting, the Queen Mother ordered for ‘tea to be made for Mr Burrows’.  

The Royal Dairy delivered milk to Buckingham Palace in specially monogrammed bottles distinguished with a crown, royal cypher ‘ER’ and the words ‘Pasteurised Milk’ and Mr Burrows was allowed to keep one.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005, Mr Burrows retired early and moved to Spain with his wife.

Mrs Kensit said: “The milk bottle went with them.

“It took pride of place in my late mother’s kitchen. It was always on show. 

“Mum was proud to tell the story to whoever asked about it.”

Mr Burrows passed away at the age of 68 in 2010, and Mrs Kensit also lost her mother, Jean Burrows, at the age of 78 in 2023. 

Having kept it tucked away since her parents’ passing, Mrs Kensit decided the antique should find a new home, with someone who would enjoy owning it as much as they did.

Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons Richmond, said: “This royal find shows how a small memento can bring joy for decades.

“It reminds us that whether you’re rich, poor or royalty, most people ensure hard-working tradesmen get a well- deserved cuppa.”

Pictured top: From left, Jean and Brian Burrows (Picture: Hansons Richmond)