Royal News

Explained: What is the Royal Victorian Order, and why was Sir Tim Laurence just promoted?

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27th August 2025
When Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence was quietly invested with the insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order at Balmoral Castle last week, the moment was a personal one – a private ceremony, no speech, no photographs, just a subtle note in the Court Circular. But it was also a reminder of one of the more discreet yet highly significant honours in the British honours system…
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Royal News

Two new major overseas tours announced for Edward and Sophie

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22nd August 2025
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will carry out major overseas visits to Papua New Guinea and Japan next month, Buckingham Palace has announced. Prince Edward will travel to Papua New Guinea from 14 to 17 September to represent King Charles III at events marking the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia. His programme will include attending a dawn flag-raising…
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Features

How King George III dodged having Uranus named after him

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15th August 2025
When William Herschel discovered the seventh planet from the Sun in 1781, it marked a historic moment in astronomy. But what is less well known is that Uranus was almost named Georgium Sidus – or “George’s Star” – in honour of King George III, a gesture reflecting the royal patronage that supported Herschel’s work. According to NASA, Herschel initially proposed Georgium…
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Features

How Queen Elizabeth II's Ladies-in-Waiting said an emotional goodbye to their mistress and friend

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14th August 2025
When Queen Elizabeth II made her final journey to Westminster Hall in September 2022, a familiar group of women stood waiting in silent tribute. Dressed in black, heads bowed, they were not just royal aides or ceremonial figures. They were the Queen’s Ladies-in-Waiting – her most trusted confidantes and, in many cases, her dearest friends. For decades, they had moved quietly behind the…
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