Asian RoyalsHistoryHistory

Rare Ming Dynasty artefact found in private home is to go for auction

A significant artefact of the Chinese Ming Dynasty will be put up for auction in London after spending almost eight decades in private hands.  The artefact in question is a decorative box that is believed to be part of a five-piece set of such items designed specifically for Emperor Xuande; the pieces all bear his reign’s characters etched at the bottom of the box and inside the…
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Features

The Coronation of King Charles III: what Is The Supertunica?

King Charles III’s coronation will be a blend of modern and traditional. The Supertunica he will wear is firmly in the “traditional” column. In fact, it dates back to medieval coronations and is one of the items mentioned in the ‘Liber Regalis,’ which is basically a Coronation guide book that dates back to 1382 when Richard II reigned. The ‘Liber Regalis’ says the Supertunica…
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Features

A look at the Diamond Jubilee State Coach 

King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive in style for their coronation at Westminster Abbey. The Royal Family has announced that the royal couple will travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. The modern-day carriage…
HistoryKing Charles III

What are coronation banquets and why aren't they held anymore?

King Charles III is making considerable changes to the coronation to modernise the ceremony and recognise the monarchy’s position in the twenty-first century. Both the coronation ceremony and procession will look quite different from his mother’s coronation in 1953. However, Charles is not the only monarch to make changes to coronation traditions.  Historically newly–crowned monarchs…
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Features

Why King Charles III and Queen Camilla didn't marry at Windsor Castle

When King Charles III and Queen Camilla announced their engagement in February 2005 they wasted no time in setting a date or venue for their marriage. In the official statement issued on February 10th 2005, they said they would marry on April 8th that year in a civil ceremony at Windsor Castle followed by a service of blessing at St. George’s Chapel later the same day. Yet just a week…
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