Palaces & Buildings

Queen Mother’s Scottish retreat haunted by The Green Lady

The Castle of Mey is perhaps best known as the holiday home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who purchased it in 1952 after the death of her husband King George VI. She restored it to its former glory, even giving it back its original name. She made regular visits to the castle in August and October from 1955 to 2001. Her last visit was in October 2001, and she died in March 2002. By 1996, the…
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Denmark

Queen Margrethe of Denmark begins State Visit to Indonesia

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her husband, Prince Henrik, have embarked upon a historic State Visit to Indonesia, to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations and to strengthen the ties between the two nations. The Queen and Prince Consort arrived in Indonesia earlier today…
British Royals

From Ireland to Australia: How Queen Victoria’s statue travelled the world

Not many statues have travelled such lengths as this statue of Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria herself visited Ireland in the year before her death. Ireland was still 16 years away from their independence and Victoria’s visit received mixed reactions. However, 52,000 people turned up to welcome her when she arrived, and she was warmly received everywhere she went. When she died in January…
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History

The 1940s: The Queen Mother's finest decade

Though the 1930s brought about tumultuous change for the country and for Queen Elizabeth, the 1940s would soon become a decade that nobody would ever forget. It would also be the decade that Elizabeth would be dubbed ‘the most dangerous woman in Europe’ and…
Insight

Names you may have heard: Sir Alan Lascelles

Sir Alan Frederick Lascelles was born on 11 April 1887 at Sutton Waldron House in Dorset. He was the sixth and youngest child, and only surviving son, of Commander Frederick Canning Lascelles. Lascelles was also the grandson of the fourth Earl of Harewood. His mother, Frederica Maria was the daughter of Sir Adolphus Frederic Octavius Liddell, son of the first Baron Ravensworth. Tommy, as he was…
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History

Stories of the Stuarts: The Pendle Witches

It is the most famous witch trial of the 17th century, the case of the Pendle Witches. Twelve women were accused of witchcraft, and while one died, eleven went to trial. One was tried and found guilty at York while ten of the ‘witches’ were tried at Lancaster.
The Netherlands

Dutch Royal Family should pay taxes says Labour Party

Some parties in the Netherlands’ House of Representatives have agreed they wish to abolish the tax exemption currently enjoyed by the Dutch royal family. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix currently do not pay taxes on their incomes, a part of their capital and inheritances and donations. The cars from the royal family carrying license plates beginning with AA are also…
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