FeaturesPrince & Princess of Wales

Kate at 40: Birthplace of a Duchess

On 9 January 1982, Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading would be the birthplace of one of the world’s most recognised faces and the future Queen consort, the Duchess of Cambridge. As the Duchess celebrates her 40th birthday, Royal Central is looking at the history behind the hospital. The Royal Berkshire Hospital was opened in 1839 on the London Road land donated by Henry Addington, 1st…
Read more
FeaturesPrince & Princess of Wales

Kate at 40: Her patronages supporting sport

A member of the Royal Family since 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge has become patron of a number of organisations across the United Kingdom, particularly focused on the Duchess’s interests, including young people, mental health, and sport. As the Duchess celebrates her 40th birthday, Royal Central is looking at her patronages supporting sport. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet…
Read more
History

The unknown composer who would have been King

Several military marches that are a part of our musical heritage were composed by King Carl Johan of Sweden and Norway’s grandson, Prince Gustaf. In 1852, the 25-year-old Gustaf, the “singer prince,” became the first royal to die at the new palace in…
Features

The enduring mystery at the start of The Queen's reign

The life of Elizabeth II is one of the most well documented in history. But one integral part of her story remains unknown – the exact time that her reign began is a mystery. Elizabeth II succeeded her father, George VI, on February 6th 1952. She was told that she was now Monarch by Prince Philip during a stay in Kenya after he received news that the King had died. But the moment that…
Read more
British RoyalsFeatures

A Calendar of Kings: January

Each monarch leaves their mark, placing their personality on the fabric of history. And charting those footprints tells a story all of its own. From births to weddings, coronations to the passing of power, the major moments in a monarch’s life have an impact far beyond…
British RoyalsFeatures

A Calendar of Queens: January

The royal past is peppered with milestones, those major moments that take on an importance all of their own, and Britain’s queens have provided plenty of history worth talking about. From the reigns that started to the rules that came to an end, from the happy arrivals to the sad farewells, we look at the queenly events that took place in the first month of the year. A Calendar of…
Read more