British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth II

The day shots were fired at The Queen during Trooping the Colour

The Queen’s most infamous moment during Trooping the Colour occurred in 1981, when a teenager fired six blank shots at her during the procession. Three days before Trooping the Colour, a letter arrived at Buckingham Palace. It read: “Your Majesty. Don’t go to the Trooping the Colour ceremony because there is an assassin set up to kill you, waiting just outside the palace.” It was…
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British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth II

Milestones of a Monarch: Michelle Obama hugs The Queen

There have been moments of The Queen’s reign that have gone instantly viral, and her first meeting with then-First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009—where the two women were seen hugging—made headlines around the world. Obama was accompanying her husband, US President Barack Obama, to the G20 Summit when she met The Queen for the first time. In her memoir, Becoming, Obama describes the…
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Features

Milestones of a Monarch: The Silver Jubilee

In 1977, the United Kingdom and Commonwealth celebrated as it was the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II, marking the 25th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne. Celebrations were marked in June during “Jubilee Days” which coincided with The…
British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth II

Milestones of a Monarch: The Queen's first televised Christmas Message

“Twenty-five years ago my grandfather broadcast the first of these Christmas messages. Today is another landmark because television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day.” The Queen uttered these words on Christmas Day 1957 during her first televised Christmas Message, broadcast live from the Long Library at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. In…
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Features

The Queen's reign in Jewels: The Coronation Necklace

Seventy years ago, on February 6 1952, a young Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the British throne. She was crowned on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. And amongst the timeless jewels worn that day, was a necklace that has its own place in history. The Queen wore…
British Royals

The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament

The Queen’s historic reign has seen many changes but some things remain constant. Among them is the traditional ceremony which allows Britain’s politicians to get down to business: the State Opening of Parliament. All laws are passed in The Queen’s name and require Royal Assent, although this is always a formality and hasn’t been refused since 1707. Real power rests with…
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