Features

The sparkling golden tiara presented to a queen as a gift of love

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24th December 2023
One of Queen Sonja’s most modern and unique tiaras was a gift from her husband on her 60th birthday.In 1997, Queen Sonja was presented with the Modern Gold Tiara, crafted by Millie Behrens. The tiara features golden strips of metal set with diamonds in the spacing and a central gemstone that can be changed between a red-orange topaz, a tourmaline, and a diamond.The tiara is truly…
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Features

What will the Royal Family eat for Christmas dinner?

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24th December 2023
Every year, the Royal Family gathers at Sandringham in Norfolk to spend the holidays. Between church, a gift exchange, and Christmas dinner, one could say they celebrate just like any other family. In this case, their holiday meals might be a bit more fancy than…
Features

Queen Elizabeth II's most famous Christmas Day speeches

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24th December 2023
For seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II was a regular guest at millions of Christmas dinners. At 3pm, people across the UK and Commonwealth tuned in to hear her festive address. The tradition continues with her son and successor, King Charles III. His Majesty is following a…
Features

The unique naming system for Imperial reigns in Japan

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23rd December 2023
The Imperial House of Japan is the oldest current monarchy. The Japanese throne was founded in 660 BCE according to legend. While the Japanese monarchy does function in the same ways as many other monarchies, they use a unique naming system. Emperor Mutsuhito took the throne in 1867 and instituted a new practice for naming eras in 1868. Historically, era names would have been decided by court…
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Features

An important emperor marks milestone birthday

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23rd December 2023
Emperor Emertius Akihito, the first Japanese Emperor to abdicate in over 200 years, marks his 90th birthday today. We take a look at his life and reign.Born on 23 December 1933, Prince Akihito was born in the Imperial Palace of Tokyo as the elder son and fifth child of…
Reviews

Review: 'A Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown' by Anne Glenconner

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21st December 2023
When I saw a post about “Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown” by Anne Glenconner, I was immediately intrigued. It’s not often you hear from the people who worked behind palace walls. I was excited to learn more about the personal moments Anne had with members of the royal family but, the book, you could say was worth the waiting.The book begins…
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Features

Queen Victoria's winter sledge

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21st December 2023
Queen Victoria’s winter sledge became synonymous with the Windsor Christmas, at least during the lifetime of Prince Albert, who is rightly credited with popularising Christmas traditions in England, including that of the Christmas tree. The royal trees were decorated with…
Features

In Pictures: Emperor Akihito's reign

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21st December 2023
Emperor Akihito is marking his 90th birthday on December 23rd 2023. He took the throne upon the death of his father, Emperor Shōwa, on 7 January 1989 and abdicated in 2018.Let’s take a look at Emperor Akihito’s life in photos:[getty src=”1041868616″ width=”594″ height=”393″]The Emperor pictured in traditional dress for his enthronement…
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