Features

The royal romance that shocked society, created kings and led to war

It was a famous royal love story that shocked as much as it thrilled and its descendants still hold thrones today. John of Gaunt was the ultra-ambitious prince whose desire to be a king almost cost him his life, Katherine Swynford was the mysterious commoner who supplanted a queen in his affections. Their relationship lasted decades, survived a serious separation and ultimately led to the…
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History

The most common 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…
Features

The colourful tiara given to a princess by a billionaire

The only ruby tiara in the Spanish Royal Family’s collection is the Niarchos Ruby Bandeau and its accompanying parure. Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark received a treasure trove of jewels on her wedding day in 1962. In addition to the Prussian Tiara, a gift from her parents (King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece); the Mellerio Shell Tiara, a gift from her in-laws (Infante Juan and…
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Features

Why didn't Queen Victoria have a Silver Jubilee?

Victoria was the monarch who invented jubilees as we know them. The celebrations of 1887 and 1897 are among the most famous events of royal history and helped shape her legacy. But our modern minds assume there must also have been a silver version, for that is the pattern we…
Features

Queen in all but name: the mistress who ruled a controversial king

He was the monarch who had to fight for a throne but then relied on a mistress for advice with a queen who arrived at court to find another holding power. And in the middle of their marriage was a woman with ambition, brains and no sense of self control. Our special read brings to life a mesmerising moment in royal history. Charles II, the Merry Monarch, had several different mistresses.
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History

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…
Features

The monarch's role in Spain

Spain’s general election has seen the conservatives win most votes but not a majority and now negotiations begin as several parties vie to form a government. What is the role of Spain’s king, Felipe VI, in this situation? Maddalena Mastrostefano investigates for…
British RoyalsHistory

George at 10: The other Georges - Britain's six kings called George

As Prince George celebrates his 10th birthday, we are looking at the six kings of Great Britain named George.  King George I ushered in a new dynasty after the death of the last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne, in 1714. Also the Elector of Hanover, George was chosen to take the throne as he was the most senior Protestant descendent of King James I of Great Britain. He did not have a consort after…
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