History

Edwardian splendour at the heart of a brand new royal exhibition

The Edwardian monarchs—King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and King George V and Queen Mary—are set to take the spotlight next year as the ‘age of elegance’ of Edwardian times is highlighted in a new exhibition from the Royal Collection Trust. The fashionable lives of these monarchs and consorts will be on display, with everything “from their family lives and personal collecting to…
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History

Royals at War: King George II

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 battlefield. George was born in Hanover in 1683 to Prince George of Hanover and his wife, Sophia Dorothea of Celle. Their…
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History

Royals at War: Frederick the Great

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

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 will be two official reopening ceremonies, one on 7 December and 8 December. Although these ceremonies will be invitation…
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History

The prince whose death changed a dynasty

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…
History

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace: a damning scandal

Marie Antoinette is without a doubt one of the most tragic figures in royal history. And part of her downfall was due to a diamond necklace that she never owned. King Louis XV commissioned a diamond necklace for his beloved mistress, Madame du Barry. He chose two jewellers from Paris, Charles Auguste Boehmer and Paul Bassenge, to create the 2,000,000 livre necklace which was meant to…
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