Features

Royal Ghost Stories: the restless queen

History has her down as the ultimate survivor but the sad end to the story of Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, is behind the tales of sightings of her ghost at the last castle she called home. For the queen consort who avoided the axeman is said to roam the corridors of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire looking for the baby daughter she left behind. Katherine’s ghost is reported…
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British RoyalsFeaturesHistoryHistoryInterestsPalaces & BuildingsQueen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

Royal Ghost Stories: Windsor Castle

It has long been said that Windsor Castle is the most haunted of all the royal residences with over twenty-five reported experiences with ghosts and spirits. Claims include sightings of Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry VIII and King George III. Even the present Queen Elizabeth II has admitted to witnessing at least one ghostly encounter. These sightings happen so often that it has been recorded…
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Features

The common illness that killed a queen

In the early autumn days of 1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing.  Preparations were in full swing for an elaborate christening and bonfires were being lit around the little boy’s future kingdom.  But while the parties started, in a corner of…
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History

The royal wedding that inspired Oktoberfest

Towns and cities across the UK are hosting beer festivals inspired by Oktoberfest, the famous celebration that usually takes over Munich as autumn arrives. The main German event was cancelled in 2021 for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic. But while thousands…
FeaturesJapan

Japan's Princess Mako celebrates 30th birthday - her last as a royal

Japan’s Princess Mako celebrates her 30th birthday today – her last birthday as a member of the Imperial Family. In a few days’ time, the Princess will renounce her titles and place in the Imperial Family as she marries her commoner boyfriend. She was born as the eldest granddaughter of then Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on 23 October 1991 at the Imperial Household…
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