The Imperial State Crown is one of the
most popular royal crowns, not only in Britain but across the
globe. Given that September’s birthstone is September, it is the
perfect time to look at the two historic sapphires set in the
Imperial State Crown. St. Edward’s Sapphire is one of the notable
sapphires in the State Crown. It is an octagonal, rose-cut sapphire
and sits in the cross at…
The Duchess of Cornwall has taken up a
new patronage in Africa in a cause close to her heart. She is now
the patron of The Mirabel Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The
Duchess of Cornwall has long supported causes related to domestic
abuse and sexual assault. She has taken on…
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…
Christian Dior is one of the most famous
names in fashion. For over seventy years, “Dior” has been
synonymous with fashion, and Dior exhibitions across the globe
continue to draw record-breaking numbers of visitors. However, when
his collection first debuted in February of 1947, many people still
questioned the New Look. Dior triumphed in the end though, as he
quickly gained many notable…
Charles II, the Merry Monarch, had
several different mistresses. However, one of these mistresses
stands out from the rest for several reasons- Barbara Villiers.
John Evelyn pronounced her the “curse of the nation”, and she would
hold sway over the Restoration court for…
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…
Diane de Poitiers - the older mistress as an unofficial adviser
10th August 2021
There have been countless French royal
mistresses throughout the centuries, but some are better known than
others. Diane de Poitiers was brought back into the spotlight in
teen drama Reign in 2013 but has largely been forgotten in favour
of later mistresses. This sixteenth-century noblewoman was not only
a loyal companion to the king but established in her own
right. Diane was born on 9…
Although the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu
reigned over 4,000 years ago, he has maintained his status in the
after-life. His solar boat has made the news, after being carefully
moved several kilometres to a new museum. After seeing 22 royal
mummies moved to their new home in April…
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…
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have
been out on an engagement while many of the royals are off for
holidays. The pair visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea to attend the
annual Founder’s Day Parade with the Duke there as the Reviewing
Officer. The Royal Hospital Chelsea is the home of the
Chelsea Pensioners. The Chelsea Pensioners, known for their
striking scarlet coats, are retired…
