British Royals

The poignant family links of the royal jewels that marked an historic day

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19th August 2024
Queen Elizabeth II wore some of the most famous royal jewels in royal history but one set had a very special meaning for her and were well used at some of the most important moments of her historic reign. One of those times was her Platinum Jubilee where she sparkled with a gem that paid tribute to her beloved father, King George VI. On the eve of the day she became the only British Monarch to…
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FeaturesPalaces & Buildings

Windsor Castle: from retirement home to heart of a dynasty

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16th March 2022
During the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Windsor Castle was made their primary royal residence despite the Queen complaining early on in her reign that the castle was “prison-like” and “dull and tiresome.” She would often prefer Osborne and Balmoral as holiday residences. The growth of the British Empire and the Queen’s dynastic ties to Europe would…
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Features

Royal Pictures from History: George VI and War

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3rd September 2019
”There may be dark days ahead…but we can only do the right as we see the right” The words of King George VI, spoken on this day in 1939, still hold a resonance. They were part of his historic broadcast made as Britain went to war with Nazi Germany. His calm and measured speech was beamed around the world by radio. But one image was released of the king preparing to face the…
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British Royals

Letters reveal Edward VIII felt he did not earn his Military Cross

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30th March 2016
The Imperial War Museum is putting letters from two future kings on display for first time, one of which describes how the future Edward VIII felt he had not earned his military cross. King Edward VIII, then the Prince of Wales was award the gallantry medal in 1916 for his frequent morale-boosting trips to the trenches. The medal is intended for “acts of exemplary gallantry during active…
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