Queen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

Remembrance Sunday: The Queen leads National Service of Remembrance

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9th November 2014
Held every year since 1919, on the Sunday closest to Armistice Day (11th November), the ceremony commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The ceremony took place at the Cenotaph and the Women’s Memorial on Whitehall in London with broadcast coverage beginning on BBC One from…
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FeaturesHistory

The Wives of the Georgian Kings: Caroline of Ansbach

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1st November 2014
Caroline of Ansbach was born on 1st March 1683. Her parents were John Frederick, the Margrave of the small German state of Ansbach, and his wife Eleonore. Her father died when she was only three years old, and Caroline and her younger brother had to accompany their mother to Dresden, where she married the Elector of Saxony. After Eleanore’s death in 1696, Caroline went to live, first with her…
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FeaturesHistoryInsight

Official Royal Posts: The Queen's Piper

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26th October 2014
The piper though does not travel to Sandringham and play due to the shortage of accommodations there. At Windsor, Balmoral and Holyroodhouse, he also pipes at Her Majesty’s dinner table. The piper is also in charge of forming the entry and exit of the 12 pipes that play around the table after State banquets. The Queen’s Pipe is also a Honourary Page of Presence and carries out those duties…
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FeaturesHistory

Rivals to the Crown: Royal Siblings - Part II

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23rd October 2014
In the previous instalment, we looked at some Kings and Queens who succeeded their elder sibling and ruled a country despite the odds. Now, in light of the recent revelation that Prince George’s younger brother or sister will arrive in April, here are some more rulers…
History

The Royal W: Who is Black Rod?

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22nd October 2014
Black Rod, as he is known, is the Chief Gentleman Usher to the Sovereign and an officer of the Order of the Garter. The primary duties take place at the Palace of Westminster where he is Serjeant at Arms in attendance upon the Lord Chancellor. He is accountable for discipline and security in the House of Lords. Black Rod also executes ceremonial and other duties. In 1971, the offices of Black Rod…
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