The birthstone of May was a favourite of
a queen born in that month but since the time of Victoria, it’s
rarely featured in the rings worn by royal brides at their
betrothals. Here’s our rundown of that rarest of royal sparklers –
the emerald engagement ring. Queen Victoria’s serpent ring
Engagement rings were rarely used when Queen Victoria decided to
marry Prince…
The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara is one
of the most impressive pieces in the Royal Family’s tiara
collection. It was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and became one
of her most familiar pieces of jewellery. The tiara is notable, not
only for its sheer size and…
The four Queens of Chelsea - Victoria, Alexandra, Mary & Elizabeth's passion for the Chelsea Flower Show
22nd May 2023
The Chelsea Flower Show has been one of
the highlights of the British social calendar for over 150 years,
delighting kings, queens and members of the public alike. Formally
known as the Great Spring Show, the event was held in Kensington
until the early 20th century when…
How Queen Victoria nurtured the Chelsea Flower Show into a highlight of the British social calendar
22nd May 2023
One of Queen Victoria’s great loves was
horticulture and gardening, and throughout her long reign, she used
the symbolism of flowers to express her love for Prince Albert. It
is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that Victoria was one of the
Chelsea Flower Show’s biggest supporters in the early days of the
event, and is largely responsible for the show becoming the grand
occasion that it is…
Charlie Proctor says The Royal Family is
approaching fast crisis point with an ever ageing monarchy. Could
Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor offer a possible solution. This
time last week, we all gasped in awe as the official portraits were
released to mark the Coronation…
Sweden is about to start a summer of
celebrations to mark a very special event. The reign of King Carl
XVI Gustaf reaches half a century this year. The party for his
Golden Jubilee will see Sweden sparkle but after this special
milestone, the Jubilee juggernaut slows down.
Nestled in the East Sussex countryside
six miles north of Brighton is the idyllic village of Plumpton.
With little more than 1,000 residents, the village was mentioned in
the Domesday Book of 1086, although its connection with royalty is
fairly modern. During her childhood, Queen Camilla called Plumpton
home having grown up in her father’s 18th century house. The
Queen’s father, Major Bruce…
It was well hidden from view until the
official Coronation photographs appeared but the necklace worn by
the Princess of Wales on the day King Charles III was crowned
provided a rather special touch to this historic event. The
sparkling set of diamonds, often referred to…
Within hours, King Charles III’s
Coronation takes place at Westminster Abbey. On the eve of this
truly historic moment, Royal Central looks at the first time a king
was crowned in the ancient church and the very moment a tradition
about to claim a place in the 21st…
One of the most recognisable and iconic
moments in The Queen’s historic 70-year reign was her 1953
Coronation. It was the first televised Coronation and was watched
by 27 million people in the United Kingdom, with millions more
watching from around the world. Queen Elizabeth II ascended the
throne upon her father’s death on 6 February 1952. King George VI
had only reigned for fifteen…
