Insight

Christmas at the Palace: Windsor Castle's exciting new exhibit

From 1 December to 6 January, one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks, and the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, becomes a genuine feast for the senses as it reveals its eagerly anticipated annual Christmas transformation. Built as a military fortification by William the Conqueror in the 11th century following his victory at the Battle of Hasting, Windsor Castle has served…
Read more
FeaturesInsight

'Within the Commonwealth Realm' - Australia

is one of the sixteen Commonwealth Realms. What is now known as Sydney, the British colonized as a penal colony in 1788. Then, in 1901, former British colonies formed together to create the Commonwealth of Australia – an independent dominion of the British Empire. After…
FeaturesInsight

'Within the Commonwealth Realm' - Canada

Canada holds the titles of the largest Commonwealth country, and the most visited by Her Majesty The Queen. Queen Elizabeth II, or as her Canadian title states – ‘Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and of Her other Realms and…
FeaturesInsight

'Within the Commonwealth Realm' - Introduction

The United Kingdom does not stand alone as being proud to call Queen Elizabeth II their Queen. The Commonwealth realm was created through the Statute of Westminster in 1931 to give former dominions of the UK legislative freedom. Today, this includes a total of sixteen countries who view Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state. They comprise of the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica…
Read more
Features

The Royal Household: Pages of the Backstairs

The Pages were thought highly of and were not considered in the same category of the other domestic staff. In fact they were paid what was a a hefty amount back then, an estimated £100. The Queen employs four Pages of the Backstairs. They are a senior servant of the Royal…
FeaturesInsight

The Royal Household: Page of the Chambers

The Page is also responsible for serving arrangements at cocktail parties and other events. He supports the Palace Steward in the Master of the Household Department. The Page of the Chambers oversees the Pages of Presence and if required the Pages of the Backstairs. The position was created in 1842 with the first holder, John Henry Heller. Heller was a courier to Prince Albert. The Page of the…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

History Rewind: Death of Queen Mary I

On the 17th November 1558 the first English Queen Regnant, Queen Mary I, died at St James’ Palace. At her funeral service, the Bishop of Winchester summed up her life quite aptly: “She was a King’s daughter, she was a King’s sister, she was a King’s wife. She was a Queen and by the same title a King also”. Some may argue that Mary’s legacy was only one of evil and violence…
Read more