Features

The most famous royal diamonds of all

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 amongst the most famous of all royal jewel: the Cullinan Diamonds.  Buckingham Palace has officially announced that Queen…
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Which royals are buried at Canterbury Cathedral?

Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England and the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The present structure was built between 1070 and 1077 replacing an earlier structure that had been destroyed by fire. The Cathedral and the nearby St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church which both date from the 6th century are a…
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The mantle of the Order of the Garter

The Order of the Garter is considered the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Created over 700 years ago by King Edward III, the Order was inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Today the 24 Knights of the Garter are men and women…
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What are the most popular royal names?

Monarchy is all about traditions and that includes naming conventions. Throughout the royal families of Europe there are common threads to be found for those who ascend to the throne. Today, we’re looking at some of the most common regnal names. Denmark The…
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The king who almost drowned a week after his coronation

The coronation of a monarch is marked with ceremony and celebration and, often, time in other parts of their new realm as they introduce themselves to their people. Karl Johan became King of Norway and Sweden 205 years ago but his time amongst those he was now to rule almost ended in disaster. For the man anointed as king almost died within days of being crowned. Karl XIV Johan has been…
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Nell Gwyn - the royal mistress remembered with a famous horse race

Wednesday marks the 63rd running of the Nell Gwyn Stakes – a group 3 horse race held annually in Newmarket. Ten fillies line up in the 2024 contest, which is run in memory of the small-time actress who became mistress to King Charles II. Gwyn was one of at least seven mistresses who were linked to King Charles II during his nearly 25-year-reign, so why was she so special in continuing…
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