Features

A royal rarity - an emerald engagement ring

It’s rare to see a royal engagement ring with a flash of green about it. Emeralds aren’t the most popular pick for royal betrothals but the few that have hit the headlines are all rather striking. Here’s our rundown of that rarest of royal sparklers – the emerald engagement ring. Queen Victoria’s serpent ring Engagement rings were rarely used when Queen…
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'You are not alone' - the words of the Princess of Wales to all those being treated for cancer

As she revealed that she is undergoing treatment for cancer, the Princess of Wales had words for all those undergoing similar experiences. In a heartfelt message confirming her diagnosis, the Princess reached out to those who are also being treated for the illness. Catherine said ”At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone…
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The queen who fought an assassin with flowers

She was the queen who tried to save her dynasty with nothing more than a bouquet of flowers. Maria Amelia saw her husband and eldest son mortally wounded at close range in an assassination that would hasten the demise of their dynasty. She had done all she could to save the monarchy she married into but it would all come to nothing as she watched another son lose his throne just years after the…
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The lost tombs of three historic queens

The site of Christchurch Greyfriars, is a strange, haunting place, redolent of history. It is now a ruined, public garden and a popular place for Londoners to take their sandwiches for lunch. Long gone is the atmosphere of bells and prayer from the Middle Ages; although in…
Features

The designer who reigned supreme at royal weddings

He created some of the most famous royal looks of the 20th century and he’s still producing talked about style picks. Sir Norman Hartnell was already a sought after wedding dress designer when he was first commissioned to produce a bridal outfit by the House of…
Features

The diamonds given on the eve of one reign that were worn at the start of another

It was well hidden from view until the official Coronation photographs appeared but the necklace worn by the Princess of Wales on the day King Charles III was crowned provided a rather special touch to this historic event. The sparkling set of diamonds, often referred to as the King George VI Festoon Necklace, was a gift from a father to a daughter, from a king to an heir and it became a…
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