Features

The sparkling jewel that symbolises the union of Monarch and nation at the Coronation

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4th April 2023
The Sovereign’s Ring is an important symbol of a monarch’s coronation, representing their ‘kingly dignity’ and, in more ancient times, their union to their nation. William IV, crowned in 1831, was the first to wear the current Sovereign’s Ring, which was created by the then royal goldsmith, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. It has been worn at subsequent coronations ever since, with the…
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British RoyalsFashion

The coronation dress of Queen Mary

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28th March 2023
She was renowned for her love of jewellery and her style; and there was never a fashion moment Queen Mary didn’t meet, so of course her coronation dress would be one of the most magnificent gowns she ever wore. Queen Mary’s coronation dress was a simple yet ornate…
King Charles III

Cheers for King Charles as he arrives to open new bank in London

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24th March 2023
King Charles was greeted with cheers when he opened the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London. Upon his arrival at Canary Wharf, The King was greeted with cheers of “We love you,” before he entered the bank’s new headquarters in London. His visit comes almost 30 years to the day when, while still Prince of Wales, he opened the EBRD’s headquarters in Bishopsgate in…
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British RoyalsFeaturesHistory

The coronation of a consort who might have been England's first queen regnant

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18th March 2023
In another lifetime, perhaps she’d be recognised as England’s first queen regnant, but Elizabeth of York was fated to be a consequential queen consort instead, with her popularity helping to sow peace in the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses. Elizabeth holds a unique position in English history: she is the only woman to be daughter, niece, sister, wife, and mother to kings. The long and…
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British RoyalsFeaturesHistory

The ring that went wrong at Queen Victoria's coronation

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15th March 2023
Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years and lent her name to the era of political and social change, but it began with a ‘botched’ coronation ceremony. When Victoria was crowned on 22 June 1838, it was the third coronation ceremony of the century; and she followed two uncles to the throne: George IV, unpopular for his spending and his ego; and William IV, unpopular due to the Reform…
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