FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterests

Arabella Churchill - mistress and ancestress of popular royal

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16th August 2021
King James II tends to be largely ignored. Following his brother’s long Restoration reign and removal during the Glorious Revolution for his Protestant daughter and son-in-law, his reign can feel like a footnote in a lot of discussions. And unfortunately, those in his life tend to get the same treatment. While he might not have had the many, many mistresses that his brother did, James did have a…
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FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterests

Diane de Poitiers - the older mistress as an unofficial adviser

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10th August 2021
There have been countless French royal mistresses throughout the centuries, but some are better known than others. Diane de Poitiers was brought back into the spotlight in teen drama Reign in 2013 but has largely been forgotten in favour of later mistresses. This sixteenth-century noblewoman was not only a loyal companion to the king but established in her own right.  Diane was born on 9…
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FeaturesHistory

The Royal Bridesmaid who became a Queen

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4th August 2021
As 1922 got under way, newspapers began to run excited articles about a royal wedding. The only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary was about to say ‘I do’ and every moment of her marriage ceremony was up for scrutiny. Princess Mary’s wedding dress…
HistoryHistoryPalaces & Buildings

The historic castle of Emperor Frederick

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3rd August 2021
On top of a small hill in southern Italy is a completely unique building with a long royal history. Castel del Monte, Italian for “Castle of the Mountain,” is a 13th-century citadel situated by the village of Andria. The history of this unique building started in the 1240s when King Frederick II inherited the lands from his mother Constance of Sicily. Frederick II was King of Sicily…
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HistoryInterestsPalaces & Buildings

How royal properties across UK will welcome visitors this summer holiday

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19th July 2021
School holidays are starting this week, and royal-related sites across the UK are preparing to welcome families with activities and features for all ages. There are many different programmes and events happening throughout the summer, with something for everyone. Blenheim Palace Although Blenheim Palace was never a royal residence, it has very close royal connections. Located in…
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