History

A Georgian Queen returns to our screens: as all new Bridgerton hits Netflix, meet the real Charlotte

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16th May 2024
A Netflix favourite has returned to screens once again and brought a Georgian Queen back into the spotlight- the third season of Bridgerton premieres this week and once again, all eyes turn to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, consort of George III. But who was the real Queen Charlotte?  Sophia Charlotte was born in 1744 to Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg, Prince of Mirow and…
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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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