British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

Dodgy character tries to gain access to The Queen and Chinese President

During the latest state visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, a heated exchange between his security team and British officials took place after a Beijing-based “spy” acted as Jinping’s translator to gain access to The Queen’s State Coach. Without hesitation, the British diplomatic protection squad confronted the Chinese official, and he was ousted, according to The…
Read more
History

Tales of the Tower: Lady Jane Grey

She is more popularly known as the ‘Nine Days Queen’ though is also remembered for her untimely demise within the walls of the Tower of London. Lady Jane Grey short-lived reign began on 10th July 1553 following the death of King Edward VI, who had personally named Lady…
History

The common illness that killed a Queen

In the early autumn days of 1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing.  Preparations were in full swing for an elaborate…
History

Tales of the Tower: Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury

She was born at a time when England was at the height of the Wars of the Roses and was the daughter of George, Duke of Clarence. Much of Margaret Pole’s early life was marred by tragedy including the death of her Uncle King Edward IV, the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower and the death of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth signalling the demise of the House of York and the rise of the…
Read more
Queen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

State Banquet for China State Visit held at Buckingham Palace

On Tuesday evening, The Queen gave a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for The President of The People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan. Before the Banquet, Tuesday evening’s guests were traditionally received by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh shaking their hands and exchanging a quick greeting. Her Majesty looked stunning in a white tulle banquet…
Read more
History

The 1940s: The Queen Mother's finest decade

Though the 1930s brought about tumultuous change for the country and for Queen Elizabeth, the 1940s would soon become a decade that nobody would ever forget. It would also be the decade that Elizabeth would be dubbed ‘the most dangerous woman in Europe’ and…
State & Ceremonial

Polish the Silver: Buckingham Palace prepares for State Banquet

As Great Britain awaits the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan, preparations are well underway at Buckingham Palace for the traditional State Banquet. The elaborate preparations for the exquisite banquet began weeks ago, and it is expected that around 150 people will be in attendance including various members of The Royal Family, officials from the UK and China…
Read more