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…
State & Ceremonial

Rachel Riley honoured by The King with an MBE at Windsor Castle

Television presenter and broadcaster Rachel Riley has been honoured by The King during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Ms Riley has received an MBE for her work in raising awareness of the Holocaust and combating antisemitism. The 37-year-old Countdown presenter was named in the 2023 New Year Honours list – the first honours list of the reign of King Charles III. Speaking at the time…
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Royal Ascot

The Prince and Princess of Wales join The King and Queen at Royal Ascot

The Prince and Princess of Wales have made their debut at the 2023 Royal Ascot meeting. Their Royal Highnesses joined The King and Queen at the Berkshire racecourse, much to the delight of the crowd. Prince William and Catherine arrived at Royal Ascot in the second carriage of the procession alongside Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The Duke & Duchess of Devonshire…
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HistoryState & Ceremonial

The President who doubles as a Prince

Not many people know that the continent of Europe is home not to one but two principalities recognised by most international organisations.  While most people have heard about Monaco, the Principality of Andorra remains mostly hidden from the majority of the public. The Pyrenees-nestled microstate was founded in 1278 with the same political arrangement with which it is managed today…
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