In August 1100, England’s second King William died in strange circumstances and was buried quietly at Winchester Cathedral. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Henry, hastened to London to claim power. What really happened to the king?
Today we’re looking at a royal history mystery involving the death of a king. What happened to William II of England?
As the third son of William the…
She was the beautiful princess who had been the subject of endless royal wedding speculation, he was the handsome prince with a crown waiting in his future. When Marie-Jose of Belgium married Umberto, heir to the throne of Italy, in January 1930 their marriage had all the…
The queen's daughter who disappeared without trace - a Tudor mystery that remains unsolved
2nd August 2023
Within the walls of one of England’s most picturesque castles, a queen gave birth to her only child and set in motion a chain of events that would become one of Tudor England’s most intriguing mysteries. The birth had been much anticipated and much talked about.
While there is a traditional uniform for kings at their coronation, there is not for queens. This has allowed each queen to wear a gown specifically created for their coronation day. Queen Alexandra’s coronation dress remains one of the most sumptuous in British history.
King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s coronation encountered some serious issues. Originally planned for the 26th…
August's birthstone and one of the most famous royal jewels in the world
1st August 2023
It’s just been seen up close by millions around the world at the Coronation of King Charles III. And despite its name, the Black Prince’s Ruby, this gem is actually a sparkling example of the birthstone for August, Let’s say hello to the most famous spinel…
Her story is amongst the most controversial of all the Queens of England and centuries after her death, a new twist appeared in the tale of Elizabeth Woodville. An expert at the National Archives in London found a document suggesting that the consort who revolutionised…
Was England's first ''commoner'' queen actually rather noble?
1st August 2023
Who was the first commoner to be Queen of England? There has been a long debate on the matter, because the parameters for being classified as “commoner” have shifted though the centuries.
Elizabeth Woodville is considered the first commoner to be crowned as queen consort. The glittering ceremony, in 1464, came just months after her shock marriage to Edward IV. But was Elizabeth…
Anne Neville: Richard III's lost queen and Westminster Abbey
1st August 2023
Amidst the chronicle of lost tombs at Westminster Abbey is that of Queen Anne Neville, wife of King Richard III. Queen Anne’s invisibility in these terms underlines the purported neglect on behalf of Richard III; this lack of a memorial was rectified however when a bronze…
Royal weddings bring all kinds of expectations and among them is one filled with sparkle and glitter. For we all assume a royal bride will arrive for her marriage wearing a tiara. When the wedding will result in them becoming a consort or consort in waiting, the expectation…
If ever a wedding dress summed up its wearer, it was the gown chosen by Sophie for her marriage to Prince Edward
1st August 2023
It was the last Windsor wedding of the 20th century and a turning point for the Royal Family after a troubled time. The bride chose a modern gown with nods to history and it soon became a classic.
If ever a royal wedding dress summed up its wearer, it was the gown chosen by Sophie Rhys-Jones for her marriage to Prince Edward on 19 June 1999 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Subtle, elegant and…
