Features

How a tiara with poignant family connections became an emblem of Queen Elizabeth II's early reign

It became the emblem of the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and remains one of the most iconic images of her rule. And the tiara that helped tell the story of the transformation from princess to Monarch had a very special family significance. For Her Late Majesty often called it “Granny’s Tiara”, otherwise known as Queen Mary’s Girls of Great Britain and Ireland…
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The royal records broken by Queen Elizabeth II

It was a truly historic reign that may never be equalled again. The rule of Queen Elizabeth II spanned seventy years and saw Her Late Majesty write her name into the royal record books time and time again. In her long life, Queen Elizabeth II broke an exceptional number…
HistoryInsightQueen Elizabeth II

The US Presidents knighted by The Queen and King George VI

Her Majesty The Queen met all but one of the US Presidents during her reign. In total, The Queen has reigned during the tenure of President Harry Truman to the current leader, President Joe Biden. In total, 12 of the 13 presidents of the United States who have taken office during The Queen’s reign met her. Her Late Majesty honoured two US presidents with honorary knighthoods (and her father…
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The last monarch to have a funeral at Westminster Abbey: King George II

In just days, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. It’s been centuries since a monarch had a funeral at the Abbey. The last one was King George II in 1760. The funeral of King George II took place on 13 November 1760. Horace Walpole, the son of Sir Robert Walpole, England’s first and longest-serving prime minister wrote an account of the funeral.
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The Queen's first major event at Buckingham Palace - her christening

On 29 May 1926, the christening of the future Queen Elizabeth II, took place. The baptismal service was performed at the private chapel at Buckingham Palace and the occasion of HM The Queen’s 91st birthday provides a pleasant opportunity to revisit this important event. Photographs were made of the Duchess of York leaving 17 Bruton Street in her wedding attire to make her way to Westminster…
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