Features

The Dukes of Edinburgh - two kings, one consort and a very unfortunate heir

The title of Duke of Edinburgh was made famous around the world by its most recent holder. It’s now exactly three quarters of a century since Prince Philip was given the dukedom by King George VI, who was about to walk his daughter, Elizabeth, down the aisle of Westminster Abbey to marry Edinburgh’s new duke. Prince Philip is one of five men to have held the title of Duke of Edinburgh…
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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 VI’s grandson has asked the House of Lords to amend it. King Charles III wants his sister and brother added to the list of…
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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…
Features

The much maligned royal mistress who made a fortune but died penniless

I’ve always felt rather sorry for the mistress known as Mrs Jordan. For two decades, she lived alongside the third son of King George III. Her partner is known to history as King William IV but for their duration of their relationship he was the somewhat dodgy Duke of Clarence who had champagne taste and no money, purely because he had spent everything he’d been given. Dorothea Jordan was…
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Features

The royal wedding dresses created by Sir Norman Hartnell

He created some of the most famous royal looks of the 20th century and he’s still producing talked about style picks. Sir Norman Hartnell was already a sought after wedding dress designer when he was first commissioned to produce a bridal outfit by the House of Windsor. Over eight decades on, and long after his own death, he was responsible for another famous royal marriage look. On the 85th…
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