A pottery with strong royal connections has launched hand-painted commemorative mugs marking the forthcoming coronation of the King.

Staff at Emma Bridgewater, who have begun painstaking work on the pieces, which include small plates, a teapot and a half-pint mug, are expecting “big demand” from collectors, royalists and members of the public keen to own an item marking the historic moment.

The factory in Lichfield Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has close ties with the royal family.

In 2015, the now Princess of Wales, Kate, visited the works.

Two years later, the future King , on a tour of Stoke-on-Trent and Middleport Pottery, unveiled a plaque designed by Emma Bridgewater commemorating his visit to the Prince’s Trust in Hanley.

Charles and the Queen Consort, then the Duchess of Cornwall, also visited the works in 2010.

The factory has been creating porcelain designs marking important royal events for years, including most recently for the death of the Queen in 2022.

In response to the first coronation of a British monarch in 70 years, the pottery’s designers have produced the sponge-printed motifs for which the brand is well known, as well as lithograph transfers, ahead of the big day on May 6 2023.

Stephen Beeston, head of production at the pottery, said: “It’s very special, we have a longstanding history and tradition in the pottery industry of commemorative royal events.

“It’s been a pleasure to be involved in marking King Charles III and the coronation.”

He added: “We are expecting a big demand and probably, if history is anything to go by, with the events that we’ve marked before, it will account for a big part of what we’re doing.”

Mr Beeston said Charles has previously visited the factory, alongside the Queen Consort, in 2010, while the Princess of Wales had a tour in 2015.

He added the royal family “held a very special place here in our hearts at Emma Bridgewater”.

The King has also previously visited the nearby Middleport Pottery four times, since helping save it from closure in 2011.

“He does have an interest in everything that we’re doing,” said Mr Beeston.

“The pottery industry has a longstanding tradition producing commemorative ware that goes back probably to the mid-17th century.

“We have the heritage here, we have the expertise, and we’re very proud to be associated with the royal family.”

Prices include £19 for a plate, £23 for a mug and £80 for a teapot.