Seventy years ago, memories of a
spectacular day that had changed Britain were still fresh as the
country looked back on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at
Westminster Abbey, an event that was one of the great events of the
20th century. However, in the months leading up to the ceremony,
courtiers and politicians were working behind the scenes, trying to
manage how to deal with one…
It’s been quite the week for tartan. The
King was fully kilted out as he headed to John O’Groats for a wee
dram at the start of his Scottish holidays. Meanwhile his heir,
Prince William, found his own Scottish style under scrutiny as
conversations began about…
How the Queen Mother changed royal fashion forever - and the forgotten designer who helped her do it
4th August 2023
Some royals are fashion trendsetters,
like Princess Alexandra (future Queen Alexandra). Others gravitate
towards a specific designer or two and work to create styles and a
wardrobe that works for them as an individual. The Duchess of York,
later Queen Elizabeth, was one of…
It’s a passageway from Palace to glorious
gardens and one of the less feted parts of the most famous royal
residence in the world. However, the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace
has several historic tales to tell. The Bow Room is not often seen
by the public. It is named because of a large window along one side
of the room that faces the garden. The Bow Room is often used
during State Visits.
Over fifty years ago, a shout from a
crowd prompted an unusual response from Queen Elizabeth II. During
a visit to Normandy in France, a voice cried ”Vive La Duchesse!”.
It wasn’t a case of mistaken identity, as Her Late Majesty herself
acknowledged. For…
In August 1100, England’s second King
William died in strange circumstances and was buried quietly at
Winchester Cathedral. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Henry,
hastened to London to claim power. What really happened to the
king? Today we’re looking at a royal…
She was the beautiful princess who had
been the subject of endless royal wedding speculation, he was the
handsome prince with a crown waiting in his future. When Marie-Jose
of Belgium married Umberto, heir to the throne of Italy, in January
1930 their marriage had all the echoes of history about it, a union
of dynasties that would secure a throne. Tens of thousands flocked
to Rome to see the…
The queen's daughter who disappeared without trace - a Tudor mystery that remains unsolved
2nd August 2023
Within the walls of one of England’s most
picturesque castles, a queen gave birth to her only child and set
in motion a chain of events that would become one of Tudor
England’s most intriguing mysteries. The birth had been much
anticipated and much talked about.
While there is a traditional uniform for
kings at their coronation, there is not for queens. This has
allowed each queen to wear a gown specifically created for their
coronation day. Queen Alexandra’s coronation dress remains one of
the most sumptuous in British…
August's birthstone and one of the most famous royal jewels in the world
1st August 2023
It’s just been seen up close by millions
around the world at the Coronation of King Charles III. And despite
its name, the Black Prince’s Ruby, this gem is actually a sparkling
example of the birthstone for August, Let’s say hello to the most
famous spinel in the world. Located on the front of the Imperial
State Crown, the stone is an irregular and large cabochon red
spinel…
