FeaturesHistory

Breakfasting with Queen Victoria

Across the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle is a room, clearly visible, jutting out in a pentagon shape amongst the jigsaw of the Clarence, Queen’s, Augusta, York, and Lancaster Towers and King George IV Gate. Part of the private apartments, it was merely called what it was: The Oak Room or Oak Dining Room. The room is important. It was the room in which Queen Victoria breakfasted on occasion…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

Queen Victoria's baby shoes

With 2019 marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, possibly the most symbolic objects to commemorate this historic date, are the baby shoes thought to have been owned by the Queen, which are preserved in the Royal Collection and kept at the Museum of…
British RoyalsFeaturesKing Charles III

Six snapshots of Prince Charles during his two day visit to Northumberland

One royal, two days, six snapshots. The Prince of Wales has spent the past forty eight hours in Northumberland and his packed itinerary has included engagements linked to conservation, religion and community support. It’s been busy and bursting with fun so here are six snapshots of Prince Charles during his royal visit to Northumberland. Park Life All royal trips need a spot of plaque…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

In the footsteps of four royal brides

The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace has provided the setting for many historical events, most particularly royal weddings and christenings, most recently that of HRH Prince George of Cambridge in 2013; it is only ever open to the public for religious services. To enter…
FeaturesHistory

Loving Albert

In Prince & Patron, the Summer Opening Exhibition at Buckingham Palace, a bust of Prince Albert is displayed, labelled simply as ‘William Theed (1804-91) Prince Albert, 1862; marble.’ But it is no ordinary bust, nor is it just one among other memorial busts commissioned by the Queen. The bust had a unique place in the posthumous sculpture made of Prince Albert and was of quite singular…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

Ever your devoted friend: Alix and Pollie

‘Where is Pollie?’ (Lotte Hofmann-Kuhnt, Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht, 2009). Princess Alix of Hesse paused to add these words, almost as an afterthought, to a letter to her close friend, Toni Becker-Bracht, from Balmoral, on 27 September 1892. With these words, Princess Alix most probably refers to her friend, Marion Louisa…
Read more