Features

Five centuries after the Conquest, how a queen finally conquered the Crown

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3rd May 2023
There have only been a handful of queen regnants in Britain’s history. Queen Elizabeth II was the most recent, having reigned a historic 70 years, but 400 years before her reign began, the first queen regnant was crowned: Queen Mary I.The eldest daughter of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Mary Tudor, lived a tumultuous life. Born as a legitimate heir, then named…
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Features

The Coronation of the first King Charles

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2nd May 2023
His reign would end with the toppling of the monarchy but as Charles I was crowned King of England in 1626, there was little indication that the ancient ceremony heralded a time of tumult that would lead to war and death. However, as the Archbishop of Canterbury lifted St. Edward’s Crown into the hushed air of Westminster Abbey ahead of the Coronation, he heralded a moment in royal history…
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Features

The Coronation dress of Queen Elizabeth II

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1st May 2023
It has been described as the most important British dress design of the 20th century and the gown that Queen Elizabeth II wore at her Coronation, on June 2nd 1953, has its own place in history. The work of Sir Norman Hartnell, created in partnership by the Monarch, it has become one of the most emblematic outfits of the House of Windsor.This was arguably the most important commission of Sir…
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Features

Female bishops to take part in the Coronation service for the first time

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29th April 2023
For the first time ever, female bishops will take part in a Coronation service.Three of the UK’s highest ranking clerics will play integral parts in the ceremony on May 6th which will see King Charles III and Queen Camilla crowned.The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullaly, Bishop of London will have a leading role. So, too, will the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and…
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