Features

The ambitious queen accused of witchcraft by her enemies

Queens and witchcraft aren’t words that go together. In books and in films, witches are the wicked women who stand in the way of pretty princesses as they search for a happy ending. In the history of royalty, witchcraft was a tool to use against women who might otherwise be untouchable. And several of England’s queens found themselves accused of being witches at times when enemies…
Read more
Features

The common illness that killed a queen

In the early autumn days of 1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing.  Preparations were in full swing for an elaborate…
History

The royal wedding that inspired Oktoberfest

Towns and cities across the UK are hosting beer festivals inspired by Oktoberfest, the famous celebration that usually takes over Munich as autumn arrives. The main German event was cancelled in 2021 for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic. But while thousands…
British RoyalsFeatures

The Platinum Jubilee countdown takes root with new green scheme

It’s not been the easiest of weeks for the House of Windsor. There was a lot of debate after it was confirmed The Queen had spent a night in hospital just hours after doctors had advised her to rest. It wasn’t just the Monarch’s health that got people talking. Buckingham Palace’s decision to keep the hospital stay private for over 24 hours led to discussions around…
Read more
Sweden

Sweden's royals follow Dutch and confirm same sex marriage is no bar to the throne

A future monarch or heir to the throne in Sweden wouldn’t have to give up their royal role if they were to contract a same sex marriage. The Marshall of the Realm confirmed that a same sex union would not be a bar to succession, just days after the Dutch Prime Minister issued a statement along similar lines. Aftonbladet newspaper reported that Marshal Fredrik Wersäll had looked at…
Read more
Features

The royal connections of Britain's newest city

Southend-on-Sea has the longest reigning Monarch in British history to thank for its move to city status. The Queen has agreed to elevate the iconic seaside resort in honour of Sir David Amess, the MP for Southend West, who had long campaigned for it to become a city. Sir David was killed in a knife attack during one of his regular constituency surgeries on October 15th 2021 – just a day…
Read more