FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Maria Fitzherbert & Caroline of Brunswick

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8th November 2014
Firstly, let’s look at George’s ‘secret’ wife, Maria Fitzherbert, in further detail. Born Maria Smythe, she was the eldest daughter of Mary Ann and Walter Smythe, the son of a knight. Maria was raised as a Roman Catholic, and received an adequate education at a convent in France. When she was 18, Maria was married for the first time, to Edward Weld, a wealthy landowner. The marriage lasted…
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Interviews

Royal Central Conversations: Desmond Thompson

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4th November 2014
With the support of peers in the House of Lords and Members of Parliament, the College submitted their proposal to the Cabinet Office and Her Majesty The Queen supported the decision to name the award after her. The Queen has been Patron of the College since her accession…
FeaturesInsight

The Royal W: Counsellors of State

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3rd November 2014
The first Counsellors of State were created by an Order in Council of George V in 1911. Under the Regency Act 1937, Her Majesty is able to appoint Counsellors of State. They have a limited role, although any two Counsellors of State may attend Privy Council meetings and they may sign standard documents. The Counsellors of State cannot, unless on Her Majesty’s exact orders dissolve Parliament or…
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FeaturesInsight

The Royal Household: The Lord Chamberlain

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2nd November 2014
The Lord Chamberlain is the conduit of communication between The Queen and The House of Lords. He is also Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order. For ceremonial occasions the Lord Chamberlain carries symbols of his office; a white staff and a key worn in his hip pocket. The…
FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Caroline of Ansbach

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1st November 2014
Caroline of Ansbach was born on 1st March 1683. Her parents were John Frederick, the Margrave of the small German state of Ansbach, and his wife Eleonore. Her father died when she was only three years old, and Caroline and her younger brother had to accompany their mother to…
FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Sophia Dorothea of Celle

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30th October 2014
The first royal wife in this five part series is Sophia Dorothea of Celle – the Queen that never was. She married George I at a time when he was still only the heir to the Duchy of Hanover. The couple had two children, including the future King George II, but their relationship was turbulent, and after a few years of marriage they were divorced and George had his erstwhile wife imprisoned in a…
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FeaturesHistory

Rivals to the Crown: Royal Siblings - Part II

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23rd October 2014
In the previous instalment, we looked at some Kings and Queens who succeeded their elder sibling and ruled a country despite the odds. Now, in light of the recent revelation that Prince George’s younger brother or sister will arrive in April, here are some more rulers who, at one point or another, were once nothing more than royal siblings. King James II King James II and VII of England and…
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