FeaturesHistoryInsight

The Royal W: Scarlet Rod

<![CDATA[The Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod is one of six administrative and ceremonial officers of the Order of the Bath and established in 1725. The Title ‘Scarlet Rod’ is from the characteristic insignia of the office which is a long silver gilt rod. The shaft is covered with scarlet enamel that signifies the mantles of the Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Order. The holders of…
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History

Notable Name - Henry 'Hotspur' Percy

<![CDATA[In the Middle Ages, there were two prominent and influential families in England – the Nevilles and the Percys. The Percy's power was concentrated in the North, and as a result, they were the chief defenders of the Scottish border. They were aided in…
FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Maria Fitzherbert & Caroline of Brunswick

<![CDATA[King George IV had an extremely scandalous private life. Not only did he have two wives, which in itself was unusual for that day and age, but one of them was a "secret". As it had happened with King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, the marriage of The Prince of Wales, as George was then, to Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert was shrouded in secrecy. However, unlike Edward, George…
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FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Sophia Dorothea of Celle

<![CDATA[They say that behind every successful man is a woman, and, in a similar way, behind every good ruler is a strong consort. History is littered with examples of Queens who have supported their Kings through all the trials and tribulations that the Crown has been confronted with. The Georgian Kings, in particular, had very interesting wives – some progressive, some charming, some…
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History

The Queen's former scribe discusses Letters Patent

<![CDATA[Last January I stepped down from my position as a scribe and illuminator to Her Majesty the Queen to focus completely on my fine art. Before I close that particular portfolio I thought it would be a good idea to talk a little about the work I did for those here…
FeaturesHistory

Rivals to the Crown: Royal Siblings - Part II

<![CDATA[In the previous instalment, we looked at some Kings and Queens who succeeded their elder sibling and ruled a country despite the odds. Now, in light of the recent revelation that Prince George’s younger brother or sister will arrive in April, here are some more rulers who, at one point or another, were once nothing more than royal siblings. King James II King James II and VII…
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