Sweden

Queen Silvia sparkles in famous tiara

Queen Silvia of Sweden pulled out a historic tiara for a State Dinner in Stockholm. King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia are hosting the Finnish President for a State Visit, and Queen Silvia chose a notable piece. She wore the Nine-Prong Tiara, also commonly referred to as Queen Sofia’s Tiara. This tiara features 580 diamonds and has nine prongs to top off burst and floral elements. Other gems…
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History

The only joint coronation in British history

11 April will be the 335th anniversary of a very unique British coronation- the only joint coronation in British history. Queen Mary II and King William III were crowned as co-monarchs at Westminster Abbey after being offered the crown. King James II became King upon his brother’s death in 1685. The once beloved Duke of York was Catholic, though, and this would be his downfall. After…
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History

The mistress who ruled over a controversial king

He was the monarch who had to fight for a throne but then relied on a mistress for advice with a queen who arrived at court to find another holding power. And in the middle of their marriage was a woman with ambition, brains and no sense of self control. Our special read…
History

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of both France and England

Eleanor of Aquitaine died on 1 April 1204 but after 800 years, she still holds our interest. She was Queen twice and held titles in her own name, and she remains one of the most interesting royal women in the mediaeval period. Eleanor was born on 8 April 1124 to William, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitiers and Aénor of Châtellerault. Her father’s lands exceeded those of the French…
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British Royals

Princess Patricia, the royal who gave up being HRH for love

Many of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s grandchildren married into various royal families across Europe. Not all did, though. Princess Patricia of Connaught was the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn and Princess Margaret Louise of Prussia, and despite relinquishing her title, she left a powerful legacy- particularly in Canada. Princess Patricia was born 17 March…
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