British RoyalsPrince & Princess of Wales

A glimpse of William and Catherine's wedding up for auction

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27th October 2015
A glimpse into the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is about to go under the auctioneer’s hammer. A menu from the meal that took place after their marriage is up for sale this week, and it’s expected to go for at least 1,000 US dollars, around £650 at today’s exchange rate. The menu card is one of those laid out for the guests who joined the newlyweds for this special meal at…
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Insight

Ghosts of Glamis: tales from Glamis Castle

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26th October 2015
Glamis Castle, the historic seat of the Bowes-Lyons family, dates back to 1372 when Robert the Bruce granted the lands as a gift. The initial construction was a Royal Hunting Lodge, which then developed over the centuries. In the 15th century, the Barons of Glamis was…
Insight

Ten unusual royal middle names

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25th October 2015
On July 17th 1947, a little girl was born at King’s College Hospital, London and given a rather rare first name.  Camilla, first child of Major Bruce Shand and his wife, Rosalind, would become known around the world by the name her parents gave her in the days after…
History

Tales of the Tower: Lady Jane Grey

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25th October 2015
She is more popularly known as the ‘Nine Days Queen’ though is also remembered for her untimely demise within the walls of the Tower of London. Lady Jane Grey short-lived reign began on 10th July 1553 following the death of King Edward VI, who had personally named Lady Jane Grey as his successor in the ‘Devise for the Succession’. Though Jane became Queen, the widespread support of Mary…
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Insight

Why does Britain celebrate Bonfire Night?

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24th October 2015
Every year on 5th November Britain is lit up with fireworks and bonfires with people partaking in the ceremonial effigy-burning of Guy Fawkes. It is a time for people to gather together to share in food, drink and merriment. “Remember, remember! The fifth of…
British Royals

The Royal Week in Pictures

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24th October 2015
A picture is worth a thousand words and this new feature on Royal Central aims to give you a bit of easy weekend reading as we look back on the royal week in photos. There were plenty of special images from the State Visit this week of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his…
History

The common illness that killed a Queen

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24th October 2015
In the early autumn days of 1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing.  Preparations were in full swing for an elaborate christening and bonfires were being lit around the little boy’s future kingdom.  But while the parties started, in a corner of…
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Features

Monarchy Rules: a look at Edward VI

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24th October 2015
Edward VI was born on 12th October 1537 as the son of the reigning King Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Edward’s sisters Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth were both fond of their little brother and visited him often. Edward was even fond of his…
Queen Elizabeth II

Remembrance Sunday service shortened so Queen and veterans spend less time standing

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23rd October 2015
Buckingham Palace has announced that the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will be shorter this year. The ceremony will be changed slightly to limit the amount of time that The Queen and the veterans who take part have to stand. Many veterans, some now in their nineties, wait for hours to be in place for the service and following the Act of Remembrance they take part in the march past the…
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