Palaces & Buildings

The Ghosts of Windsor Castle

It is The Queen’s weekend home and is apparently her favourite royal residence. But did you know that Windsor Castle is also the home of many royals from years and centuries gone by. In this piece we explore the ghostly goings on at Windsor Castle and just who haunts the 1000 year old fortress. King Henry VIII The ghost of the second Tudor King is said to be Windsor Castle’s most famous…
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Insight

Ghosts of Glamis: tales from Glamis Castle

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 created, with the 9th Lord Glamis created 1st Earl of Kinghorne in 1606. A second title, that of Strathmore was established in 1676…
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Insight

Ten unusual royal middle names

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

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…
Insight

Why does Britain celebrate Bonfire Night?

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 November, The Gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason Why the Gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot!” In the year…
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British Royals

The Royal Week in Pictures

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

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…
FeaturesInsight

The Widow of Windsor – A Queen in Mourning

Some people may argue that Queen Victoria is our greatest example of a dutiful monarch. There could, however, have been an entirely different outcome for Victoria’s legacy and the catalyst for this was the death of her beloved consort Prince Albert. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha married on 10th February 1840, nobody could ever imagine that Queen Victoria would be…
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