State & Ceremonial

The Queen approves the appointment of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as House of Commons Speaker

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4th November 2019
The Queen has approved the appointment of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as the 158th Speaker of the House of Commons following the retirement of John Bercow last week. Sir Lindsay was elected to the role on Monday evening after a series of votes by MPs, with Speaker Hoyle receiving 325 votes in the third ballot. Labour MP Chris Bryant finished in 2nd place having secured the backing of 213 MPs. Other…
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European RoyalsFeaturesHistoryMonacoRoyal Weddings

Ninety Years of Grace: Princess Grace’s first wedding dress

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2nd November 2019
Her gown she wore for her religious marriage is one of the most famous royal outfits ever worn and an icon of the 20th century but Grace Kelly had another wedding dress before that celebrated creation. Grace and Prince Rainier III of Monaco said ‘I do’ in a civil ceremony the day before the church service beamed around the world and for that event, this royal bride wore pink. The two piece…
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HistoryHistory

Royals and witchcraft: Eleanor Cobham

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31st October 2019
Eleanor Cobham is perhaps one of the lesser known royal wives of medieval times. As with most women of her time, not much is known of her youth. She was born around 1400, probably at Sterborough Castle in Kent, which didn’t survive the reign of Oliver Cromwell. Her…
FeaturesHistory

Queens and witchcraft: Isabella of Angouleme

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31st October 2019
Queens and witchcraft aren’t words that go together. In books and in films, witches are the wicked women who stand in the way of pretty princesses as they search for a happy ending. In the history of royalty, witchcraft was a tool to use against women who might otherwise be untouchable. And several of England’s queens found themselves accused of being witches at times when enemies…
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NorwayPalaces & Buildings

Security work begins on Oslo Royal Palace

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18th October 2019
The Norwegian Royal Court has confirmed this week that new security measures are being put in place from this week. This new perimeter fencing around the Palace Park will be completed by the autumn of 2021. In a statement, the Royal Court said: “The goal is to prevent cars that have not been approved in advance from driving into the park and up to the Castle. The measures will not prevent…
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