British RoyalsFeatures

Welcome, August Brooksbank, to a rather unusual club

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13th August 2021
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that I have very, very little in common with royalty. I love writing about them but the ruling dynasties of the world, past and present, are a long way removed from my origins in the East End. However, as the eighth month of the year reaches its peak in 2021, I am reminded of a strange little bond I share with the current twelfth in line to the throne. For…
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Features

Madame de Pompadour: from sickly child to stateswoman

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12th August 2021
Royal mistresses were, for centuries, a fixture in royal courts. Some were loved, others hated and some became amongst the most important advisers at court. One of the most influential royal mistresses of all was Madame de Pompadour.Born in Paris in December 1721 as…
FeaturesHistory

Royal Mistresses: Louise de Kérouaille

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11th August 2021
Louise Renée de Penancoët de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth was born 5 September 1649 and is the daughter of Guillaume de Penancoët, Seigneur de Kéroualle and Marie de Ploeuc de Timeur. Nobles in Brittany, France, the family name is derived from an heriess whom an ancester François de Penhoët married in 1330.[getty src=”51243695″ width=”482&#8243…
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Diane de Poitiers - the older mistress as an unofficial adviser

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10th August 2021
There have been countless French royal mistresses throughout the centuries, but some are better known than others. Diane de Poitiers was brought back into the spotlight in teen drama Reign in 2013 but has largely been forgotten in favour of later mistresses. This sixteenth-century noblewoman was not only a loyal companion to the king but established in her own right. Diane was born on 9…
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FeaturesInsightSweden

What to expect for Prince Julian of Sweden's christening

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9th August 2021
In less than a week’s time, Prince Julian of Sweden will be baptised and become a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. This will be the first official gathering of all the members of the Swedish Royal Family in more than a year. Here’s everything you need to know about the christening of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia’s eighth grandchild.The ceremonyOn Saturday…
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