Queen Elizabeth II

"You don't get gifts like that any more": The Queen is amazed by centuries old inventories of royal gifts

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2nd April 2015
In 1520, Henry VIII and Francis I of France exchanged gifts at the Field of Cloth of Gold. Since then, the exchange of gifts between rulers has become a tradition, one which has continued for centuries and is prevalent even today. Having been on the throne for more than 60 years, The Queen has undoubtedly seen her fair share of official gifts. In the past, she has received many unusual and exotic…
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History

The final journey: Richard III's reburial procession

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22nd March 2015
Over 500 years after his death, and nearly three years after the discovery of his remains under a Leicester car park, King Richard III is finally set to get the funeral that he deserves, as his reburial procession got underway in Leicester today. Richard III’s remains made the journey from the site of the Battle of Bosworth to Leicester Cathedral, which is to be the Plantagenet ruler’s…
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Prince & Princess of Wales

Royalty at Downton: Duchess of Cambridge visits the set of Downton Abbey

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12th March 2015
Downton Abbey was in top shape as they hosted a royal guest today afternoon. The Duchess of Cambridge visited the set of the popular drama and met with the lead actors, in an engagement that all Downton Abbey fans will truly enjoy. Upon her arrival at Ealing Studio, where Downton Abbey is filmed, Kate was greeted by the show’s writer and creator, Julian Fellowes. Young Zac Barker, who…
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Other

Carriage commissioned by King William IV sold at auction

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9th March 2015
A 19th-century red wheel carriage commissioned by King William IV during the final years of his reign was sold at an auction for nearly a quarter of a million pounds. The Royal British Mews Landau dates back to 1835, when it belonged to the Royal Mews, and was used by King…
History

Henry VIII's evidence for annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon discovered

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5th March 2015
A book of legal and philosophical advice, used as evidence by King Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell to bring about the annulment of The King’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, has recently been discovered in Cornwall. The leather-bound tome contained a summary of the theories of the medieval philosopher William of Ockham and found on the shelves of the library at Lanhydrock, a National Trust…
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