History

The Austrian Archduchess whose immunity led to her becoming a queen

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2nd November 2024
Marie Antoinette is one of the most talked about figures in history, known for centuries as the poster child for the excesses of the French court. But a disfiguring disease played a part in her marrying the heir to the French throne.  Archduchess Maria Antonia Josefa Johanna was born on 2 November 1755 to the Empress Maria Theresa and Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor. She was the youngest…
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Norway

Crown Prince Haakon fronts out controversy at glittering engagement that his wife was meant to oversee

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1st November 2024
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway had a glamorous evening in Oslo on Thursday, despite having to go solo for the evening. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were originally scheduled to take part in an on-stage discussion with Canadian author Margaret Atwood at the Oslo Opera House. However, the Crown Princess has extended her sick leave while undergoing treatment for…
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Features

The ominous accession of the last Tsar of Russia

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1st November 2024
Tsar Nicholas II, one of the most disastrous rulers in modern history, ascended the throne on 1 November 1894. Grand Duke Nicholas was born in May 1868 to the Tsarevitch, Alexander Alexandrovitch, and the Tsesarevna, Maria Feodorovna. During his childhood, he would develop a lifelong friendship with his cousin, the future King George V of the United Kingdom. Nicholas was not…
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History

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace: a damning scandal

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30th October 2024
Marie Antoinette is without a doubt one of the most tragic figures in royal history. And part of her downfall was due to a diamond necklace that she never owned. King Louis XV commissioned a diamond necklace for his beloved mistress, Madame du Barry. He chose two jewellers from Paris, Charles Auguste Boehmer and Paul Bassenge, to create the 2,000,000 livre necklace which was meant to…
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