British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth II

Portrait of Queen 'looking like a corgi' to feature in Lucien Freud Exhibition

The Queen is one of the most popular portrait subjects across the world. However, portraits of Her Majesty are often scrutinised far more than anyone else’s. Lucien Freud’s 2001 portrait of her, “Queen Elizabeth II”, is one of the most divisive royal portraits, and twenty years on is still spurring discussion. It will be going on display at the National Gallery in late 2022. Freud…
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FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterests

Arabella Churchill - mistress and ancestress of popular royal

King James II tends to be largely ignored. Following his brother’s long Restoration reign and removal during the Glorious Revolution for his Protestant daughter and son-in-law, his reign can feel like a footnote in a lot of discussions. And unfortunately, those in his life tend to get the same treatment. While he might not have had the many, many mistresses that his brother did, James did have a…
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British RoyalsKing Charles III

Prince Charles celebrates special railway anniversary on Scottish trip

The Prince of Wales was in the Highlands on Sunday, 8 August, to celebrate a historic anniversary. He visited Dunrobin Castle, most of which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, and Dunrobin Castle Station. Prince Charles, known as The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, went to Dunrobin Castle to mark the 150th anniversary of the Duke of Sutherland’s Railway. The estate is on the east…
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FeaturesHistoryNorway

Royal Olympians: King Olav

Several different royals have competed at the Olympic games throughout the last century and a quarter. The British Royal Family is well-known for their equestrian presence at the games. However, there are several other European royals who have taken part. King Olav V of…
FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterests

Royal Mistresses: Nell Gwyn

For the last millennium, royal mistresses have played a substantial role at court – given that most royals were not allowed to marry for love and instead served as strategic national alliances. So it makes sense that in many marriages, one or both partners would look elsewhere for their romantic relationships, and Charles II was no exception. He had at least seven different mistresses…
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