Japan

Emperor of Japan plans for low-key abdication

By
18th December 2017
On the 30th of April 2019, Crown Prince Naruhito will become the next Emperor of Japan. In an event that has not been seen for two centuries the current Emperor, Akihito, will formally relinquish his position on the Japanese throne and will retreat from public life into what many consider to be a well-earned retirement. If any were expecting His Imperial Majesty to be sent off with big bangs and…
Read more
Japan

Emperor Hirohito's memoirs sell for $275,000

By
11th December 2017
Emperor Hirohito is, to those within monarchist circles, is a controversial figure to say the least. While during WW2 the Empire of Japan committed many atrocities during its fighting against Nationalist Chinese and Allied forces, it was always very ambiguous just how much…
FeaturesHistoryInsight

Christmas Trees: A Royal History

By
6th December 2017
Prince Albert is generally credited with introducing the Christmas tree to Britain, but in fact, it was the work of his wife’s grandmother, Queen Charlotte. Like Prince Albert, Charlotte was born and raised in Germany, where the tradition of bringing a tree inside at Christmas time, decorated with lights and sweets, is believed to date back to the 16th century. As a child, Charlotte’s family…
Read more
British RoyalsThe Sussexes

Meghan Markle's connections to Henry VIII

By
19th November 2017
Ever since the confirmation of their courtship not too long ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have become something of a darling couple to many royal watchers across the globe. While the two have kept their relationship fairly discrete — Markle’s first official appearance as Prince Harry’s significant other was only this September at the Invictus Games. The Royal Family has…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

A Life of Scandal: Ernest, Duke of Cumberland

By
30th October 2017
Queen Victoria and those closest to her viewed her Uncle Cumberland with deep suspicion. Not just because he openly coveted the British throne, but because the Duke’s reputation was very black; his adult life was marked by a series of scandals and misdemeanours. Born in 1771, Prince Ernest, Duke of Cumberland was the fifth son of George III and Queen Charlotte, a younger brother to Kings George…
Read more