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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Features

The royal palace that became one of the world's most famous museums

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30th April 2024
The Louvre is one of the most-visited museums in the world today with over eight million visitors annually. However, it originally was the Palais du Louvre- a royal residence on the Right Bank of the Seine.The first castle on this site was built in the late twelfth century for Philip II. This castle did not survive. The Lescot Wing, however, is the oldest surviving above-ground piece of the…
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Features

The most famous royal diamonds of all

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28th April 2024
There were several important pieces and jewels on display at King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. Three stones, in particular, were centre of attention in the Abbey when The Queen wore Queen Mary’s crown. And the gems are…
Features

The diamonds worn by Diana, Princess of Wales on her wedding day

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27th April 2024
It was the most famous royal wedding of the 20th century and although there was far from a happy ending, it remains one of the major milestones of a modern royal dynasty.On 29 July 1981, the world watched as Diana married Prince Charles at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. On her wedding day, Diana wore very little jewellery. However, the items she wore had a personal connection and they…
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