Queen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

History is made as The Queen appoints the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada

Canada has a new Governor General after Julie Payette resigned in January of 2021, amidst serious bullying and harassment allegations in her office. On Tuesday 6 July, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has approved Mary Simon’s appointment as the next Governor General of Canada. This is an historic appointment, as Simon is the first Indigenous person to…
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British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

Swan Upping to return to the River Thames in July

Mark your calendars: Swan Upping is returning this summer on the River Thames. The annual census of the swan population will take place over three days in July, starting on 20 July from Eton Bridge, Berkshire, culminating on 22 July at Moulsford on Thames, Oxfordshire. Buckingham Palace announced the news earlier this week, with The Queen’s Swan Marker, David Barber, noting: “Members of…
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Queen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

Northern Ireland village first to be given royal status by The Queen

The Queen has made a historic designation to a village in Northern Ireland, making it the first in the country to receive Royal Status. The village of Hillsborough, where Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Her Majesty’s official Northern Ireland residence is located, received the honour earlier this week in an announcement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis. The…
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State & Ceremonial

Poignant scenes as Prince Philip's Throne in the House of Lords is absent for The Queen's Speech

The Queen sat alone as she delivered her speech on Tuesday during the State Opening of Parliament. In previous years, the Sovereign’s Throne was placed alongside a Consort’s Throne in the House of Lords. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, sat alongside The Queen for the majority of speeches Her Majesty has delivered to Parliament. In recent years, it has been the Prince of…
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