History

The festive celebrations at Victoria and Albert's Osborne House

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28th November 2024
They were the royals who really helped invent modern Christmas as we know it and now one of their favourite homes is putting on a festive treat. Osborne House, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family home in the Isle of Wight, will be welcoming visitors for special Christmas celebrations.  Families will be able to celebrate the holiday season with a special Christmas quest with twelve…
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History

Royals at War: King George II

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16th November 2024
For centuries, one of the main roles of a monarch in western Europe was to be ready to lead their troops to war. There are many royals from history who have actively taken part in battle. King George II is the last King of the United Kingdom to lead his troops on the…
History

The royal tiara that mixes some very unusual jewels

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16th November 2024
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Although they are not common stones for tiaras, Princess Stéphanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg has worn a historic citrine tiara. Since her 2012 wedding to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Princess Stéphanie has worn the Luxembourg Citrine and Pearl Bandeau Tiara multiple times. This tiara features yellow stones…
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History

Royals at War: Frederick the Great

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15th November 2024
While modern monarchs undergo military training and often carry out military service, they rarely serve in battle. Historically, many monarchs would lead their troops in battle. King Frederick II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, would become known for his…
History

Final countdown to re-opening of Notre-Dame

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14th November 2024
After a tragic fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris will finally be reopening to visitors. The Paris cathedral will be officially reopening to the public on 8 December 2024 after five years of intensive restoration work following a fire on 15 April 2019. There…
History

The prince whose death changed a dynasty

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6th November 2024
The Stuart dynasty changed forever with King Charles I. His turbulent reign ended with his execution and the monarchy’s abolishment. However, he was never meant to be king. Who was meant to be the second Stuart monarch? Prince Henry Frederick was born on 19 February 1594 at Stirling Castle to King James VI of Scotland and Queen Anne of Denmark. As heir to the Scottish throne, Henry…
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History

The Irish jewels stolen before a royal visit

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23rd October 2024
Also known as the Irish Crown Jewels, the Jewels of the Order of St Patrick, are at the heart of a still-unsolved mystery. King George III created the Order of St Patrick in 1783, as an equivalent order to England’s Order of the Garter and Scotland’s Order of the Thistle.  The Grand Master’s regalia were stolen from Dublin Castle sometime in late June or early July 1907. The…
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