Animals given to royalty could, of course, become pets – but they could often be presented in the form of political gifts, adding therefore to the monarch’s personal sense of majestas. An example of this is the bay horse and three brood mares, sent to Henry VIII by Francesco Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua in 1514. The personal prestige of the monarch was also flattered by the exotic nature of…
Born on 23 August 1740 to the Duke Anthony Ulrich of Brunswick-Luneburg and his wife Anna Leopoldovna, Ivan was the only grandson of the former Tsar of Russia Ivan V, and consequently in line to the Russian throne.
His mother was the niece of Empress Anna and expected that…
Alongside the well-established royal love of dogs, cats are far less recorded as preferred pets, unlike their canine counterparts. They have, however, been no less loved by those that did own them. So revered were cats (“mau”) as sacred animals in Ancient Egypt that they…
One of English history’s ‘forgotten’ queens, is actually one who was arguablyamong the most loved. This was Mary II, the joint monarch – not queen consort of William III. Forgiven by posterity for deposing her father, contemporary history seems to have accepted this as being something of a regrettable necessity to safeguard England as a Protestant nation. Known for her love of…
“Mary Queen of Scots”. These were the words I overheard from a visitor, passing their comment on the magnificent canopy tomb in the south aisle of the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey, erected on the orders of James I to house the remains of his mother, transferred from…
Dame Darcey Bussell has said she is “truly humbled” after being named in The Queen’s New Year Honours list to receive a damehood.
The 48-year-old has been honoured for services to dance. She has a 20-year ballet career and has been a judge on BBC Strictly…
Ruth Langsford "thrilled" and "proud" as Eamonn Holmes is awarded an OBE
29th December 2017
Broadcaster and television presenter, Eamonn Holmes, has been awarded an OBE by The Queen in the New Years Honours list.
The 58-year-old has been named on the list for services to broadcasting in a career which spans for almost four decades.
Speaking to Hello!, Eamonn said: “This honour recognises a large body of work stretching nearly 40 years full stop the amazing thing is I was given an…
Social media erupts in delight as election guru Professor John Curtice receives knighthood
29th December 2017
Britain’s most famous psephologist, Professor John Curtice, has received a knighthood in The Queen’s 2018 New Years Honours list.
Sir John has received the prestigious honour for services to social science and politics.
The Professor said: “Just six months ago…
Order of the Companions of Honour full to capacity for the first time in 100 years
29th December 2017
For the first time since its institution in 1917, the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) now has its full 65 members meaning no more recipients can be added.
The prestigious honour is restricted to 65 people and following The Queen’s 2018 New Year Honours list…
Arise Dame Darcey Bussell, Sir Barry Gibb & Sir Ringo Starr - New Year's Honours revealed
29th December 2017
Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Beatle Ringo Starr are among those being honoured in the 2018 New Year Honours list, which also recognises the achievements of other well-known faces, including Hugh Laurie and Eamonn Holmes.
Darcey Bussell now becomes Dame Darcey Bussell, as she is knighted in the annual honours list. Also knighted are Barry Gibb and Ringo Starr…
