One of the strangest traditions of the
State Opening of Parliament sees an MP ceremonially “held hostage”
at Buckingham Palace while the monarch travels to Westminster. The
ancient custom, which dates back to the reign of Charles I and the
English Civil War, is intended to guarantee the Sovereign’s safe
return from the Palace of Westminster after delivering the King’s
Speech. But…
A Labour MP will be ceremonially “held
hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of
Parliament in a centuries-old tradition dating back to the reign of
Charles I. The parliamentarian – who on this occasion is the MP for
Scunthorpe, Sir Nic Dakin…
When King Charles III ascended to the
throne in September 2022, Britain was already in political turmoil.
Liz Truss was occupying Downing Street at the time, having only
just succeeded Boris Johnson days before the death of Queen
Elizabeth II. Less than four years later…
Anticipation is building ahead of this
week’s King’s Speech, when Charles III will formally unveil the
government’s legislative plans for the coming parliamentary
session. The speech, delivered from the throne in the House of
Lords on Wednesday, is expected to attract unusually intense
political scrutiny as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attempts to
relaunch his premiership following…
A new ceremonial portrait of Princess
Anne in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the British Army’s
Intelligence Corps has been unveiled in London. The painting, by
acclaimed British portrait artist Louise Pragnell, was revealed on
Friday and will go on public display…
Princess Alexandra made a notable
appearance alongside senior members of the Royal Family as King
Charles III led tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on what would have
been the late sovereign’s 100th birthday. The 89-year-old royal,
whose public appearances have become…
As Britain marks the 100th anniversary of
the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, an old constitutional question has
resurfaced: how will history ultimately remember the late
sovereign? For many, she will simply remain Elizabeth II – the
longest-reigning monarch in British history, whose 70 years on the
throne spanned war, social transformation, political upheaval and
the dawn of the digital age.
Plans for a permanent national memorial
to Queen Elizabeth II have been unveiled in London on what would
have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday. The tribute, to be
created in St James’s Park, will feature a prominent bronze statue
of the Queen in the early years…
On the centenary of the birth of Elizabeth II, here are 100 things you might not know about Britain's most historic Queen
21st April 2026
The longest reigning Monarch in British
history was born 100 years ago today. Queen Elizabeth II arrived on
April 21 1926 in London, third in line to the throne. Her epic
reign began on February 6 1952 and ended on September 8 2022. And
in between, she made history and…
King Charles commissions official Queen Elizabeth II biography in landmark royal move
19th April 2026
The Royal Household has confirmed the
appointment of Dr Anna Keay OBE as the official authorised
biographer of Queen Elizabeth II, in a landmark commission approved
by the King. Dr Keay will be given unprecedented access to the late
Queen’s personal and official papers held in the Royal Archives, as
well as the opportunity to speak with members of the Royal Family,
former staff and others who…
