Features

Versailles: the glorious palace that also brought drama

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8th May 2024
The Palace of Versailles remains one of the most visited palaces in the world. However, it served as the home of the French court for over a century.In the 1620s, King Louis XIII built a small hunting lodge west of Paris near Versailles, a small village. While the King enjoyed escaping to the lodge, courtiers did not as it was a swampy forest. Louis then had a small chateau built there…
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Features

The history of the Imperial State Crown, the glittering symbol of Monarchy worn by King Charles at the Coronation

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6th May 2024
It was the second crown that King Charles wore on the day of his Coronation but the one that will be seen in history books for centuries to come. As he left Westminster Abbey on May 6th 2023 after the Coronation, The King wore the Imperial State Crown. It was also used for the formal portraits after the Coronation while King Charles later wore the Crown for the State Opening of Parliament. It is a…
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Features

The ancient ritual keeping diplomacy alive

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5th May 2024
Letters of Credentials, also known as Credentials Letters, are one of the most ancient tools of diplomacy, and their delivery to the Head of State marks the official beginning of the posting of a specific Ambassador to a specific country – which, in turn, determines what position that Ambassador will occupy in official ceremonies.First, though, a little history. Figures akin to a…
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Features

A royal rarity - an emerald engagement ring

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2nd May 2024
It’s rare to see a royal engagement ring with a flash of green about it. Emeralds aren’t the most popular pick for royal betrothals but the few that have hit the headlines are all rather striking. And as the gem is the birthstone for May, now seems a good time to…
History

Moments that defined the British Monarchy – The abdication and scandal of Edward VIII

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2nd May 2024
On 20 January 1936, Britain’s King George V died. George V was a popular monarch with strong public morals, his son, the Prince of Wales acceded to the throne upon his father’s death. He became King Edward VIII, a name chosen as opposed to King David as there had been no British King David before. At first, Edward VIII’s public popularity was promising. But this wasn’t to last, behind the…
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