Features

The royal palace that became one of the world's most famous museums

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30th April 2024
The Louvre is one of the most-visited museums in the world today with over eight million visitors annually. However, it originally was the Palais du Louvre- a royal residence on the Right Bank of the Seine.The first castle on this site was built in the late twelfth century for Philip II. This castle did not survive. The Lescot Wing, however, is the oldest surviving above-ground piece of the…
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Features

The most famous royal diamonds of all

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28th April 2024
There were several important pieces and jewels on display at King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. Three stones, in particular, were centre of attention in the Abbey when The Queen wore Queen Mary’s crown. And the gems are…
Royal News

Which monarchs are head of their nation's Armed Forces?

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25th April 2024
In the United Kingdom, one of the monarch’s most important roles is that of Head of the British Armed Forces. For King Charles, this is largely a ceremonial role where decisions are made by the government and the leadership of the armed forces. In many other countries, the head of state also carries out this ceremonial role. There are several other monarchs who are commander-in-chief of their…
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Sweden

Queen Silvia sparkles in famous tiara

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24th April 2024
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…
British Royals

Honi soit qui mal y pense: the history of the Order of the Garter

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23rd April 2024
The Order of the Garter is the oldest chivalric order in Great Britain. King Edward III founded the Most Noble Order of the Garter. It was officially founded in 1348 but may date back to 1344. Reportedly he was inspired by King Arthur and his Round Table of Knights, but he also may have drawn on other European orders created at roughly the same time.Edward and 25 Founder Knights created…
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History

The only joint coronation in British history

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9th April 2024
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…
History

The Warming Pan Scandal that rocked the monarchy

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6th April 2024
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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