History

The life, scandals and loves of Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret Rose was born on 21 August 1930, the younger daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York. She was born at Glamis Castle in Scotland and was the first major royal to be born in Scotland since Charles I over 300 years earlier. At the time of her birth, she was fourth in line to the throne behind her uncle David, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII),her father (later George…
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History

The story behind the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

At the main entrance of Westminster Abbey lies the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the body of an unknown British soldier from the First World War. On 11 November 1920, the body was brought from France to be buried at The Abbey. While there is one body that lies in The Abbey…
FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterestsSweden

Why do Swedish royals use a French surname? The origins of the first Bernadotte

Sweden was a monarchy long before its current ruling house arrived on the throne. However, it was the last dynasty to accede to the throne that made it famous.  Its founder was born in France, and the Kingdom of Sweden was his reward for a well-conducted campaign during the Napoleonic wars.  Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte was born in Pau, southern France, on the 26th of January 1763, the…
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History

The royal duchess who went from mistress to matriarch

t was a famous royal love story that shocked as much as it thrilled. John of Gaunt was the ultra-ambitious prince whose desire to be a king almost cost him his life, Katherine Swynford was the mysterious commoner who supplanted a queen in his affections. Their relationship…
British RoyalsFeaturesHistoryInsightThe Kents

Royal Wedding Dresses: The Kent Brides

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 very modern marriage hundreds of miles from home. They share an air of romance while having striking features all of their…
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British RoyalsHistoryInterestsState & Ceremonial

What happened to the first St. Edward's Crown?

On 6 May at Westminster Abbey, King Charles III will be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown at the moment of coronation. The design dates back to the eleventh century, but the crown itself that will be used is much younger. The original St. Edward’s Crown reportedly dates back to Edward the Confessor’s reign but can first be found in sources in the thirteenth century. He reigned from…
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