History

The mystery of the Flora Hastings scandal - a controversy that swirled Queen Victoria's reign

Today, we’re looking at a royal history mystery involving Queen Victoria and a controversy that swirled early in her reign. What was the Flora Hastings Scandal? A Royal Destiny Queen Victoria was poised for the throne from birth. By the time her uncle, William IV, became king in 1830, she was his only legitimate heir. She was the granddaughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte who…
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Insight

Why are William and Catherine known as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn in Scotland?

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoy a bumper visit to Scotland, many of our readers have been asking why we have been referring to the couple as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn in recent days. When Prince William was made Duke of Cambridge on the day he married Catherine Middleton, he was also bestowed the title of Earl of Strathearn. As such, not only is Catherine the Duchess of…
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Features

Is the Royal Family about to announce a new HRH?

Since the arrival of the children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, questions about their titles have arisen. And those debates could continue after their mother confirmed that how they are styled is still open to changes. When Edward and Sophie married, it was announced that any children they had would be styled as children of dukes rather than as HRHs. However, Letters Patent issued by King…
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FashionHistoryInterests

Fashion Favourite: The Queen Mother and Madame Handley-Seymour

Some royals are fashion trendsetters, like Princess Alexandra (future Queen Alexandra). Others gravitate towards a specific designer or two and work to create styles and a wardrobe that works for them as an individual. The Duchess of York, later Queen Elizabeth, was one of the latter. As we continue with our Fashion Favourite series, we will be looking at Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Madame…
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