Features

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 the latter. As we continue with our Fashion Favourite series, we will be looking at Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Madame…

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 history mystery involving the death of a king. What happened to William II of England? As the third son of William the…

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 history.  King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s coronation encountered some serious issues. Originally planned for the 26th of…

Who was the first commoner to be Queen of England? There has been a long debate on the matter, because the parameters for being classified as “commoner” have shifted though the centuries.  Elizabeth Woodville is considered the first commoner to be crowned as queen consort. The glittering ceremony, in 1464, came just months after her shock marriage to Edward IV. But was Elizabeth really a…