British RoyalsState & Ceremonial

Scottish National Party leader criticised for holding wreath upside down and refusing to sing national anthem at Cenotaph

The leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, has been heavily criticised on social media for his conduct during the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph. Mr Flynn, who became the SNP’s leader in the House of Commons in December 2022, held his wreath upside down and refused to sing the national anthem. People took to social media to criticise the…
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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…
Interests

The future monarchs who will one day reign in Europe

They are the people who will one day reign and their role has an importance that pervades every element of their lives. Being the heir means preparation for a throne that starts early and only ends with accession. From the first in lines who grew up in pole position to those…
Palaces & Buildings

The future King and Queen and their humble beginnings

While the Prince and Princess of Wales spend their time between Kensington Palace and Adelaide Cottage, one other home of theirs holds special meaning – Anmer Hall. Located about 110 miles north of London and Northfolk, the home was a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II following their 2011 wedding. It is where they lived after their nuptials and where the royals escape with their three…
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FeaturesPalaces & Buildings

The most important test of all: "The Balmoral Test"

Located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is Balmoral Castle, a favourite of the Royal Family for over a century. While it is widely known as a favourite of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it’s also known for its “Balmoral Test.” Essentially, it’s known as an unofficial “royal initiation.” As depicted on the second episode of series four of Netflix’s…
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HistoryPalaces & BuildingsSweden

Rosendal Palace: from the first to the last Bernadotte

Rosendal Palace is one of the lesser-known royal buildings in Sweden, but that doesn’t mean it is less spectacular.  Located on the island of DjurgÃ¥rden, in central Stockholm, it was erected between 1823 and 1827 for King Karl XIV Johan – none other than Jean Bernadotte, the founder of the current ruling dynasty in Sweden. The palace was created by Frederik Blom, one of the…
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