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…
Have we got the title of one of Britain’s most controversial kings right? If you think you know the answer, this special feature by Liam Foley might make you think again.
One aspect of the evolution of monarchy that I find interesting is the development of Ordinal…
The most common royal names
30th July 2023
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…
The colourful tiara given to a princess by a billionaire
29th July 2023
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…
His birth secured the succession in a way the British royal family had never known before. When Mary, Duchess of York delivered a healthy boy on June 23rd 1894 she ensured that her royal dynasty had three heirs in direct line to the throne. But the baby who arrived that day…
Why didn't Queen Victoria have a Silver Jubilee?
27th July 2023
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…
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.
The king who almost drowned a week after his coronation
24th July 2023
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…
The monarch's role in Spain
24th July 2023
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…
As Prince George celebrates his 10th birthday, we are looking at the six kings of Great Britain named George.Â
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…