It was a wedding that changed the course of royal history. When Albert, Duke of York married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on April 26th 1923 at Westminster Abbey, a partnership that would prove vital to the very survival of the British Monarchy was cemented. The couple, and those watching as they wed, had no idea of just how significant the day would prove to be. For this turned out to be a…
The duke who made sure part of the Crown Jewels were removed from coronations
24th April 2023
The Jewel House at the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, part of which includes a total of sixteen silver trumpets, dating back to 1780, also known as the state trumpets. However, only one of the trumpets is on display for visitors to see.
Seven of these…
The modern brides of the House of Kent have all made history with their royal marriages in one way or another and the gowns they wore on their big day are certainly memorable. Two took centre stage in some of the most ancient churches in England while another was worn at a…
The Crown Jewels are the most sacred and special jewellery and regalia at the disposal of the monarch, and they are stored permanently at the Tower of London unless otherwise needed for state occasions, such as a coronation.
In total, there are 142 objects with over 23,000 gemstones that make up the Crown Jewels, from crowns, sceptres, and orbs to swords, maces, and trumpets that are never…
During the Coronation Service of King Charles III, a Bible will be presented to him as his first gift.
The presentation of the Bible has been a part of every Coronation since Mary II and William III in 1689. King Charles will receive one that is specially made for his…
The sacred promise King Charles III will make at the Coronation
21st April 2023
A crucial part of any Coronation is the oath that the new Sovereign takes.
Just like the ceremony itself, the oath that is part of it has changed throughout the centuries, according to historical context and the will of the Monarch.
The last big change to the…
The oldest surviving royal wedding dress in Britain is now on show for the first time in a decade.
The gown worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales, the House of Hanover’s missing queen, is on display at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace as part of a new summer exhibition.
Princess Charlotte of Wales was second in line to the throne when she married Prince Leopold of…
The weighty reminder of power that will be placed in the hands of King Charles III
20th April 2023
It’s one of the oldest and storied item in the Crown Jewels, the Sovereign’s Orb.
Created in 1661 by Sir Robert Vyner for Charles II’s coronation, the orb is a hollow gold sphere with a cross on top. It symbolizes the monarch’s Christian sovereignty and their…
Two pieces of the True Cross, said to be that on which Jesus was crucified, have been given to King Charles III by Pope Francis and they will play a role in the Coronation.
The King has had them incorporated into a new silver cross for the Church of Wales which will be…
It was a ground breaking and glamourous royal wedding and the images of it remain as familiar now as they have ever done. The world watched, enthralled, when Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco on April 19th 1956. Her wedding dress has become one of the most celebrated royal outfits of modern times. And her bridal bouquet is just as well known. For her religious wedding, Grace chose a…
