Features

All of Edinburgh's duchesses - from a forgotten princess to a truly historic Monarch

The title of Duke of Edinburgh is one of the best known in the modern Monarchy. It was held for almost 74 years by Prince Philip. He is the best known of all the men to be Duke of Edinburgh but the four women who have been the city’s duchess are all famous names in royal history. The Hanover’s missing queen The first Duchess of Edinburgh is one of Britain’s missing queens.
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How Prince Philip became Duke of Edinburgh

It became one of the most famous royal titles of the 20th century and it came into being exactly 75 years ago today. On November 20th 1947, King George VI issued Letters Patent making his soon to be son in law the Duke of Edinburgh. King George VI created the new dukedom…
Features

''No surprise'' at King's choice of Duke of Edinburgh

It’s one of the most famous titles in recent royal history but its creation, seventy five years ago today, came as little surprise to many. For as one newspaper put it, the decision to create the Dukedom of Edinburgh for the bridegroom of the heir to the throne had…
Features

The Dukes of Edinburgh - two kings, one consort and a very unfortunate heir

The title of Duke of Edinburgh was made famous around the world by its most recent holder. It’s now exactly three quarters of a century since Prince Philip was given the dukedom by King George VI, who was about to walk his daughter, Elizabeth, down the aisle of Westminster Abbey to marry Edinburgh’s new duke. Prince Philip is one of five men to have held the title of Duke of Edinburgh…
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Inside the Regency Act 1937

The Regency Act of 1937 lays out who stands in for a Monarch in a range of situations where they can’t exercise their functions. It came into force in the first year of the reign of King George VI, when his heir was a ten year old princess called Elizabeth. Now, George VI’s grandson has asked the House of Lords to amend it. King Charles III wants his sister and brother added to the list of…
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The royal weddings of York Minster

It’s one of the oldest churches in Britain the seat of one of England’s most important clerics yet the famous York Minster is a rare venue for royal weddings. Just two major regal marriages have taken place at this ancient church in almost 1,000 years. The…
Features

The much maligned royal mistress who made a fortune but died penniless

I’ve always felt rather sorry for the mistress known as Mrs Jordan. For two decades, she lived alongside the third son of King George III. Her partner is known to history as King William IV but for their duration of their relationship he was the somewhat dodgy Duke of Clarence who had champagne taste and no money, purely because he had spent everything he’d been given. Dorothea Jordan was…
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