Features

The pretty diamonds of a princess - and the best royal wedding tiara of all?

It’s grand, unforgettable and forever associated with one of the most famous princesses of the 20th century. The tiara chosen by Princess Margaret for her wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960 has become iconic. In fact, it was such a successful pick, it begs the question – is Margaret’s the best royal wedding tiara of all? The Poltimore Tiara, to give this sparkler…
Read more
Features

The great queen written out of history: Katherine Parr

On a hot summer day in 1543, a young widow married an ageing and much wed king in a ceremony that took many by surprise. By the time Katherine Parr said ‘I do’ to Henry VIII in the Queen’s Closet at Hampton Court Palace on July 12th1543, his five previous unions and attitude towards marital harmony were such that continental contenders to be consort of England were all but running in…
Read more
Features

A royal rarity - an emerald engagement ring

It’s rare to see a royal engagement ring with a flash of green about it. Emeralds aren’t the most popular pick for royal betrothals but the few that have hit the headlines are all rather striking. Here’s our rundown of that rarest of royal sparklers…
Features

The strength and dignity of the Princess of Wales is an example to us all

There are few things harder to deal with than the diagnosis of a serious illness. One of those things is telling your children you have a serious illness. But for one young mother, another terrible task was added to that list. To do it all while people around the world thought it was OK to speculate, lie and bully you because you hadn’t revealed your health diagnosis to them on demand. The…
Read more
Features

The heartbreaking gesture that led to one of the most poignant royal wedding traditions of all

It is one of the most poignant moments in a British royal wedding: the moment the bride’s bouquet is placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey. Its origin dates back to 23 April 1923, with the wedding of Prince Albert, Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was dedicated on 11 November 1920, and King George V wrote about the…
Read more