British Royals

New Zealand Prime Minister discusses losing the Monarchy before heading to London for the Coronation

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2nd May 2023
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said that he sees New Zealand as potentially becoming fully independent from the British Crown in the future. In a short press gathering preceding his departure for London on Monday, 1st May, the successor to Jacinda Ardern told reporters: “Ideally, in time, New Zealand will become a fully independent country, will stand on our own two…
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Features

A conquering king who killed a cousin to claim a crown

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2nd May 2023
The reign of King Henry IV began with usurpation and heralded a period of power struggles that would end in the War of the Roses. As he rode to his Coronation, in 1399, his predecessor languished in jail and would die in mysterious circumstances within months. Henry IV’s…
Features

The Coronation of the first King Charles

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2nd May 2023
His reign would end with the toppling of the monarchy but as Charles I was crowned King of England in 1626, there was little indication that the ancient ceremony heralded a time of tumult that would lead to war and death. However, as the Archbishop of Canterbury lifted St.
Features

The Homage of the People: is swearing allegiance to The King really such a bad idea?

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2nd May 2023
With the Coronation only a few days away, the country is abuzz with speculation about what to expect from this historic event. The last Coronation took place seventy years ago, and much has changed since then. We have been given a tantalising glimpse into what the Procession will look like, what Their Majesties will be wearing, and what the actual Ceremony at Westminster Abbey will…
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The Coronation

Westminster Abbey welcomes back the Stone of Destiny ahead of the Coronation

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1st May 2023
On the last weekend before the Coronation, Westminster Abbey hosted a special service to mark the arrival of the Stone of Destiny, a crucial piece of the ceremony.  On Saturday, 29th April, on the day that also marked the 12th wedding anniversary of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Dean of Westminster conducted a service to mark the arrival of the Stone of Destiny from…
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Coronation

The only horses allowed to draw the Gold State Coach

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1st May 2023
The Gold State Coach is unique: it’s over 200 years old, solid wood, and so large it can only go at a walking pace.  Leading that walking pace are eight Windsor Grey Horses, the only horses allowed to pull the Gold State Coach. Windsor Greys are not a specific breed…
The Coronation

The cheap and cheerful coronation of King William IV

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29th April 2023
King William IV and Queen Adelaide’s coronation in 1831 was a strong departure from British coronations in the past. As the oldest person to take the throne until King Charles III ascended in 2022, William’s approach to his coronation was to keep the event as budget-friendly as possible. William’s elder brother reigned as King George IV from 1820 to 1830 after acting as Regent multiple…
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