Features

The symbols of majesty on show in the Coronation State Portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla have unveiled their Coronation State Portraits that are now on display at the National Gallery. The paintings reveal the historic and personal choices that they made in their wardrobe for the Coronation. Created by artist Peter Kuhfeld, His Majesty’s formal portrait includes several indications of his position as Monarch. The Imperial State Crown, only worn at…
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The last person born in the reign of King Edward VII claims a world record

The last of the Edwardians has just written her name in the record books.On May 1 2025, Ethel Caterham was officially recognised as the oldest living person in the world.Mrs Caterham, from Surrey, claimed the record at the age of 115 and she had a very Edwardian answer when asked about the secret to her long life.Speaking to the Daily Telegraph from her care home in Lightwater, Mrs…
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This royal wedding cake weighed more than the average human and is still being eaten today

It’s the cake that keeps on giving. The flower strewn bake that took centre stage at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales on April 29th 2011 still makes its presence felt with slices of it popping up at auction with what seems like an almost metronomic regularity. But then there was plenty to go round as this was a whopper of a cake. Standing eight tiers tall and weighing in at over…
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The niece of a pope who became Queen of France

She was the mother of three kings, the wife of another and the niece of a powerful pope and those links aren’t even the most interesting things about a woman who ended up having a whole age named after her. She’s a controversial figure, even now, but her impact…
Features

A stunning jewel that Queen Elizabeth II loved is now on show in a blockbuster exhibition

The Victoria and Albert Museum has just opened a blockbuster exhibition, Cartier, exploring the beloved French jeweller. While the exhibition includes countless historic pieces, one particular item was a sentimental favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Williamson Brooch is a stunning diamond brooch fashioned after a jonquil flower. The stem is set with baguette diamonds, the leaves…
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