Features

The haunting ghost stories told about a tragic teenage queen

As Hallowe’en approaches, ghost stories abound. The nights are drawing in, darkness is falling and amidst the swirling mists of late autumn evenings come tales of mystery. This Hallowe’en, Royal Central is taking a look at some of the best known tales of regal ghosts and today we turn to the time of the Tudors and the sad story of a teenage queen, Catherine Howard whose downfall began…
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Features

The dangerous illness that killed a Queen of England at the height of her power

In the early autumn days of1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing. Preparations were in full swingfor an elaborate christening and bonfires were being lit around the little boy’s future kingdom. But while the parties…
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History

Royal Ghost Stories: Elizabeth I

She’s one of the most famous queens in history and died in 1603. Since then numerous royals (and monarchs themselves) have claimed to have seen the departed monarch in ghost form, and we are taking a look at some of those ghost stories. Windsor Castle Queen…
Features

The story of England's First Queen: Matilda of Flanders

Every monarchy has to start somewhere. For England, the ”modern” monarchy started with William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders. Matilda was born in 1031 into the House of Flanders. She was the only daughter of Count Baldwin V of Flanders and Adela of France. The Flanders were of strategic importance to most of Europe and England as they served as a “stepping…
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Features

The royal bridesmaid who became a queen

As 1922 got under way, newspapers began to run excited articles about a royal wedding. The only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary was about to say ‘I do’ and every moment of her marriage ceremony was up for scrutiny. Princess Mary’s wedding dress, choice of venue and honeymoon destination were pored over even if actual details were hard to come by (sound familiar?) but one…
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