Features

The wedding that helped create a very modern royal family

It was a royal wedding for the history books, the marriage of a future king and a regal love match to boot. On this day in 1929, Olav of Norway married Martha of Sweden in Oslo. The couple’s romance had captured the public imagination while their rather glamourous wedding brought huge crowds to the streets of the Norwegian capital. Let’s rewind nine decades and remember the wedding…
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Features

What is the Robe of State?

As well as wearing several crowns at his Coronation (well, this is a once only event after all), King Charles will also be clothed in a variety of robes. The first out of the royal wardrobe will be the Robe of State and while The King won’t wear it for the whole of the…
British Royals

''Colonel Catherine'' on parade for traditional St. Patrick's celebration with Irish Guards

The Princess of Wales has spoken of her pride in the Irish Guards in her first major speech as their Colonel. The Princess told the regiment that her new role was a ”true honour” and she promised to ”listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do” and added ”this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.” Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD ©…
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Features

Why are coronations held at Westminster Abbey?

One thing has been certain about the Coronation of King Charles III from the very start. Even before the date was known, the location of the crowning of the new Monarch was set in stone. For Charles III, like every King and Queen for almost a millennium, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey. Its role in this ancient ceremony was never even questioned. St. Edward’s Crown will be brought once…
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Features

The Coronation of King Henry IV

The reign of King Henry IV began with usurpation and heralded a period of power struggles that would end in the War of the Roses. As he rode to his Coronation, in 1399, his predecessor languished in jail and would die in mysterious circumstances within months. Henry IV’s…
Features

The princess named after Ireland's patron saint

For a princess who claimed a bit of a royal first at the baptismal font, it’s perhaps not surprising that Patricia of Connaught – known for most of her adult life as Lady Patricia Ramsey – ended up changing plenty of regal rules on her way.  The little girl who was born in Buckingham Palace on March 17th 1886 grew up to be one of the most eligible women in Europe, and when she…
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