History

The Warming Pan Scandal that rocked the monarchy

here are a number of events in English royal history that seem extraordinary and unbelievable, but the warming pan scandal has to be at the top of the list. The son of James II and Mary of Modena had a very interesting start to life and would be questioned for decades. James II was not an overly popular monarch; he was Roman Catholic (and was married to a Roman Catholic), attempted to…
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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…
British Royals

The golden gown chosen by a queen for her crowning moment

While there is a traditional uniform for kings at their coronation, there is not for queens. This has allowed each queen to wear a gown specifically created for their coronation day. Queen Alexandra’s coronation dress remains one of the most sumptuous in British history. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s coronation encountered some serious issues. Originally planned for the 26th…
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British Royals

The sentimental sparkling jewels of an historic queen

Queen Elizabeth II had many impressive suites in her jewellery vaults. The King George VI Victorian Suite was one of the most sentimental sets in her collection and held a short but meaningful history for Her Late Majesty.  King George VI gave his eldest daughter, the then-Princess Elizabeth, a wedding gift of a Victorian suite that he had purchased. It is thought that it was initially created…
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Features

What is the Order of the Thistle?

The King has appointed his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, to the Order of the Thistle. Prince Edward was given the honour to mark his 60th birthday on March 10th 2024. The Order is the highest chivalric order in Scotland. Appointments to the Order are made…
Features

The brewing heir who gave a sparkling tiara to a future queen

Queen Mary acquired many of the tiaras that are still worn by the extended British Royal Family. While much of the public’s attention is on the tiaras worn by the late Queen, the current Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla, there are other pieces worn by the Kent and Gloucester branches of the family. Today we will be looking at one of the Gloucester Tiaras, the Iveagh Tiara. [getty…
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