History

Notable Names: Martin Charteris

<![CDATA[Martin Michael Charles Chateris, later known as Baron Charteris of Amisfield, was born in 1913. He is best known as Her Majesty's Private Secretary during the 1970's. Charteris was the second son of Lord Elcho, heir to the 11th Earl of Wemyss. He was educated at Eton College and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 1936 he was commissioned in to the King's royal Rifle…
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Features

The Royal Household: Pages of the Backstairs

<![CDATA[First appointed by Queen Anne in the 1700s, The Pages of the Backstairs were created as she wanted to distinguish between the Ladies of the Bedchamber and her closest male servant. The Pages were thought highly of and were not considered in the same category of…
FeaturesInsight

The Royal Household: Page of the Chambers

<![CDATA[The Page of the Chambers is accountable for the arrangement of the State rooms as well as staging the ceremonial aspects of functions such as the Queen’s daily receptions, audiences, appointments and investitures. The Page is also responsible for serving…
Palaces & Buildings

Hampton Court Palace opens new gallery

<![CDATA[Hampton Court Palace unveiled its new gallery this week. The ‘Cumberland Art Gallery’ will now occupy the Georgian suite of rooms William Kent designed for King George II and Queen Caroline’s youngest son, William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland. The rooms have been restored to the original Kent interiors, as over time, they were altered by the various Grace and Favour…
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FeaturesHistoryInsight

The Royal W: Scarlet Rod

<![CDATA[The Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod is one of six administrative and ceremonial officers of the Order of the Bath and established in 1725. The Title ‘Scarlet Rod’ is from the characteristic insignia of the office which is a long silver gilt rod. The shaft is covered with scarlet enamel that signifies the mantles of the Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Order. The holders of…
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