FeaturesHistory

Queen Victoria's dolls

The wooden dolls of the future Queen Victoria have long been the subject of fascination. Perhaps this is because we are fascinated by something so strongly associated with the childhood of that Queen who to a large extent, still remains in the historical imagination as either the monochrome royal widow or the elderly Queen-Empress of the Golden and Diamond Jubilee. Several of these dolls are…
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British RoyalsHistory

Henry VIII's luxurious tent to be recreated at Hampton Court

The period of Henry VIII is synonymous with grandeur, elegant fashion and over the top celebrations. Whether on progress or the war front, a sense of opulent renaissance followed this Tudor monarch. Temporary lodgings were always created that consisted of multiple chambers, including great halls, all furnished with sumptuous tapestries. These demonstrations of wealth and power were essential in…
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European RoyalsFeaturesHistory

What happened to Portugal'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 Portugal. On a chilly February day in 1908, the King of Portugal and his family were making their way back to their home in Lisbon after a holiday when tragedy struck. Gunmen attacked their carriage, fatally wounding the King. In…
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FeaturesHistory

Cards from Queen Victoria's children

Some of the earliest Christmas cards to survive in the Royal Collection date from the first half of Queen Victoria’s reign. These were handmade by Queen Victoria’s children and are typical of the sentimental nineteenth century; although in the case of the Queen’s…
FeaturesHistory

Queen Victoria's Album of Important Occasions

In the Royal Photograph Collection at Windsor is an album which offers a uniquely personal insight into Queen Victoria’s view of what she wanted to treasure in family terms and what deserved special mention in a documentary way. This is the splendid burgundy leather-bound album by Giroux, known as the ‘Album of Important Occasions. 1837-1885’,may have been produced later than when the…
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