FeaturesHistory

The Story of the Effigies of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

The effigy of Queen Victoria has its own story. It rests next to that of the Prince Consort in the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore, one of the most remarkable buildings that was ever to be built in Victorian Britain, constructed as a burial place for Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. The recumbent effigy of the Queen was made at the same time as that of Prince Albert, although Queen Victoria was to…
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FeaturesHistory

George H.W. Bush and the Royal Talking Hat

Ah yes, the talking hat. Any life is made of moments, some poignant, some funny, some profound, some light. Much has already been written of the political contributions of George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America, who has died at the age of 94. But…
British RoyalsFeaturesInsightPalaces & Buildings

The Christmas Spirit of Windsor Castle

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – and one of the Queen’s favourite residences is ready to put on a festive show like no other. The Christmas season at Windsor Castle is under way. The Great Hall at the ancient castle will, as always, form the centrepiece of the Christmas celebrations at Windsor. A huge Christmas tree, around twenty feet in height, will dominate the…
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FeaturesHistory

What happened to France’s monarchy?

In the latest instalment of our autumn series, looking at what led to the fall of various monarchies throughout history, Royal Central looks at the end of the monarchy in France. The most well-known episode regarding the ending of France’s monarchy is the 1789…
FeaturesHistory

One of Britain's most famous tiaras is stolen

The Portland Tiara, commissioned for a duchess to wear at a glittering and hugely important royal occasion, has been stolen. The diadem, made by Cartier in 1902 ahead of the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, was taken on Tuesday night from the gallery where it is on display. Thieves broke into the Portland Collection Gallery on the Welbeck Estate in Worksop, Nottinghamshire…
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FeaturesHistory

A Pearl Earring and Imperial Russia

Displayed as part of the London Science Museum’s exhibition on the Russian Imperial Family, The Last Tsar: Blood and Revolution is a pearl earring. This extraordinarily poignant object has its own silent story to tell, concerning the fate of the Romanovs. Believed to have belonged to the Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, this single pearl earring is symbolic of the pieces of the Tsarina’s personal…
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