The connection between the House of Windsor and the House of Grimaldi begins in the 19th century when Albert I, Prince of Monaco, married a beautiful and willful British aristocrat called Lady Mary Victoria Hamilton. Her father was the 11th Duke of Hamilton and her mother was a German princess, Marie of Baden. Marie provides the first link between the Grimaldis and Elizabeth II.
Marie…
Victoria's Christmas: the revealing festive celebrations of a young princess
13th December 2022
She was the queen who made her mark on Christmas. So much of how we celebrate the festive season began in the Victorian era and the monarch who gave her name to that time left intricate records of how she celebrated. In this special series, Royal Central looks at some of the…
Romance and intrigue: the fascinating stories of royal Christmas babies
12th December 2022
The Christmas story begins, of course, with a baby and there’s something about a Christmas birthday that makes it all the more interesting, even if mean relatives do double up on presents. Some of the most intriguing royal stories of all have begun on Christmas Eve…
If Edward VIII hadn't abdicated, would Charles III have ever been king?
11th December 2022
On December 10th 1936, King Edward VIII signed an Instrument of Abdication which ended his brief reign. As his pen moved across the paper, his Crown passed to his brother who became King George VI. Almost eighty years later, George’s grandson is now Charles III. He became King on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, his mother and George’s daughter, on September 8th 2022. The line from…
The first coins bearing the image of King Charles III have entered circulation.
The 50p went into general use in the UK on December 8th 2022.
The coins had already been sold as commemorative editions.
The 50p shows The King depicted by sculptor Martin Jennings. His…
Counsellors of State Bill, adding Princess Anne and Prince Edward, given Royal Assent
7th December 2022
The Bill to change who can act as Counsellors of State has been given Royal Assent.
It means that The Princess Royal and The Earl of Wessex can both now stand in for the Monarch, if required.
The Bill was given Royal Assent, meaning it is now law, on December 6th 2022…
King Charles and Queen Camilla to lead Royal Family at the Princess of Wales' Christmas celebration
6th December 2022
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will lead the Royal Family at the Christmas carol concert organised by the Princess of Wales.
The Princess is bringing together musicians and performers for Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey to recognise the efforts of communities and individuals across the UK.
It follows the special concert that Kate organised in 2021 to pay tribute to those who…
The Countess of Wessex honoured with prestigious award for work against sexual violence in conflict
6th December 2022
The Countess of Wessex has been honoured with a prestigious award for her work to eradicate sexual violence in conflict.
The Countess was presented with the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award at a special ceremony at Georgetown University in Washington on December 5th…
Each family has its own Christmas tradition and royal families are no exception. For seven decades, Elizabeth II enjoyed the celebrations of a family Christmas which she shaped into a traditional all of her own. As the Windsors prepare to mark their first festive season…
Taken from the Tower - St. Edward's Crown is now being made ready for the Coronation
3rd December 2022
St. Edward’s Crown, the central part of the Crown Jewels, has been removed from the Tower of London to be made ready for the Coronation of King Charles III.
The historic Crown, created in 1661 for King Charles II, will be used at the moment of coronation at the ceremony on May 6th 2023. It will be placed on His Majesty’s head by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Queen Elizabeth II…
