Features

The snowy romance of a Victorian royal Christmas

It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that many interpretations of modern Christmas traditions took hold. The Royal Family was at the heart of some of them with Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, seen to popularise the Christmas tree. Prince Albert was an enthusiastic skater. And the romance of a snow draped festive season was integral to Victoria’s Christmas season. By the…
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Features

If Edward VIII hadn't abdicated, who would be Monarch today?

We all love a royal ‘what if’ and perhaps one of the most intriguing of recent times revolves around the question of the king who renounced his throne for love. On December 11th 1936, 86 years ago, Edward VIII announced to the world that he was ending his reign to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson. But what if Edward VIII hadn’t abdicated? Who would be Monarch now? There are two…
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BhutanFeatures

IN PHOTOS: Princess Sonam Yangden

Bhutan’s newest princess has been named Sonam Yangden Wangchuck. The Royal Office for Media released several images to unveil the newborn royal who was born on 9th September 2023. Photo: Royal Office for Media Royal Office for Media The Princess is carried…
BhutanFeatures

Bhutan's newest princess named

Bhutan’s royal family has revealed the name of their newest princess with several photographs to debut the newborn. The only daughter of King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema has been named Sonam Yangden Wangchuck. She shares her name with her paternal aunt…
Features

The home of historic Crown Jewels that comes to life in the snow

Rosenborg Castle has plenty of royal history and carries an air of regal menace that is only slightly softened when the snow falls. Decked in flakes, it still looks as if its only place in a fairytale is as the home of a villain. It has majesty and mystery and covered in snow, it’s a winter wonder. Guillaume Baviere, via Flickr Rosenborg was built on the orders of Christian IV who ruled…
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Features

The romance and drama of the Winter Queen

Elizabeth Stuart, often referred to as The Winter Queen, was born on 19 August 1595 to James VI of Scotland, who was also James I of Great Britain, and Anne of Denmark in Falkland Palace, Scotland. In the Chapel Royal at Holyrood Palace, Elizabeth was christened in November…
History

The king who was crowned on Christmas Day

For almost a thousand years, coronation services have taken place at Westminster Abbey, in times of peace and strife. The sovereign sometimes arrives at the Abbey a popular figure; sometimes, they’re deeply unpopular. More often than not, they’re crowned by birthright and succession. On a few occasions, they’re crowned after a battle, like the first king to reign after the Norman…
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