Features

''No surprise'' at King's choice of Duke of Edinburgh

It’s one of the most famous titles in recent royal history but its creation, seventy five years ago today, came as little surprise to many. For as one newspaper put it, the decision to create the Dukedom of Edinburgh for the bridegroom of the heir to the throne had been an open secret for months. King George VI made his soon to be son in law, Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh in…
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Asian RoyalsFeaturesHistoryJapanState & Ceremonial

The monarch's role in Japan

Historically, Japan is one of the oldest empires in the world that is still in existence today. However, the role of the Emperor has tended to fluctuate a lot within the millennia of history since the creation of the first shogunate.  In some periods, the Emperor only had a symbolic role, while in others, all power to rule over the country was in his hands. And I can use the masculine pronoun…
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Features

Inside the Regency Act 1937

The Regency Act of 1937 lays out who stands in for a Monarch in a range of situations where they can’t exercise their functions. It came into force in the first year of the reign of King George VI, when his heir was a ten year old princess called Elizabeth. Now, George…
Features

The royal weddings of York Minster

It’s one of the oldest churches in Britain the seat of one of England’s most important clerics yet the famous York Minster is a rare venue for royal weddings. Just two major regal marriages have taken place at this ancient church in almost 1,000 years. The most recent took place sixty years ago. On June 8th 1961, the Duke of Kent married Katharine Worsley there in front of royalty…
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Features

Opinion: I'll be watching Season 5 of The Crown but don't think it should air

Sitting at my desk watching the trailer for the upcoming season of The Crown for the first time last month, my heart started to race as I broke out in goosebumps. From its opening scene of Windsor Castle burning to Diana’s anguish and the Queen’s despair, all set to a haunting rendition of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, the show promises all the right ingredients…
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