HistoryPalaces & Buildings

Why St James's Palace is no longer London's primary royal residence

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21st August 2023
For more than 300 years, St James’s Palace has been the setting for some of the most important moments in royal history. Serving as the residence for monarchs of England until the reign of Queen Victoria, today it is still the home of several members of the Royal Family but primarily a working palace.Located in Westminster, the palace was built by Henry VIII in 1531. This makes it even…
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British Royals

The centuries-long history behind Scotland's primary royal residence

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16th August 2023
For more than 500 years, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace or Holyrood House, has been the principal royal residence in Scotland. Its history takes in some of the most famous of royal names like Mary, Queen of Scots and now it serves as the residence of King Charles III when he is in Scotland.The Palace was founded by David I as an Augustinian monastery in 1128. As The…
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British Royals

The final London home of The Queen Mother

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15th August 2023
When her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI, her mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother wasn’t far away to help guide her daughter in her new role as monarch. The Queen Mother moved into London’s…
History

Queen Victoria's Buckingham Palace

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12th August 2023
Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognised buildings in the world and a symbol of the British Royal Family. If it wasn’t for Queen Victoria’s accession, the palace may have never become the principal royal residence as it did in 1837.Queen Victoria was the first monarch to reside at the famous London landmark. Her predecessor, William IV had died before the palace was…
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Features

August's birthstone and one of the most famous royal jewels in the world

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1st August 2023
It’s just been seen up close by millions around the world at the Coronation of King Charles III. And despite its name, the Black Prince’s Ruby, this gem is actually a sparkling example of the birthstone for August, Let’s say hello to the most famous spinel in the world.Located on the front of the Imperial State Crown, the stone is an irregular and large cabochon red spinel…
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