British Royals

How one Elizabeth went from Queen to the Monarch's mother

Born 4 August 1900, Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon would go from a family of British nobility to becoming Queen consort. And then, eventually, she became the mother of Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Albert, Duke of York, the second son of King George V, initially proposed to Elizabeth in 1921. At first, she turned him down being afraid she would…
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British Royals

Historic Royal Palaces wants "your" royal images

In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Historic Royal Palaces is asking for your personal royal photos. Life Through a Royal Lens will feature some of the most iconic royal photographs and will go on display alongside a host of images providing…
British RoyalsFeaturesHistory

The long, royal history of The Queen Mother's Clothing Guild

Established in 1882 as The London Guild by Lady Wolverton, the guild was created when a matron from a Dorset orphanage asked for 24 pairs of knitted socks and 12 jerseys for the children in her care. The small guild provided no less than two garments for each child at the orphanage, but it wasn’t until a few years later, in 1885, that the guild would become connected to Britain’s Royal…
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HistoryHistory

King George VI's Winnipeg Speech

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth undertook a month-long tour of Canada in May and June of 1939, visiting every province, the Dominion of Newfoundland, and they also spent a few days in the United States. The tour was more ambitious than any of the previous Canadian tours. But the King’s speech on May 24th, 1939 from Government House in Winnipeg was a historic occasion. The King and…
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History

GALLERY: Royals at the departure gate

It’s the starting point for many a summer break from the UK and this week, it gets a regal visitor. The Princess Royal is set to open the new terminal extension at London Luton, arriving at the departure gates at the height of holiday season. It will be the latest in a…
Palaces & Buildings

Queen Mother’s Scottish retreat haunted by The Green Lady

The Castle of Mey is perhaps best known as the holiday home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who purchased it in 1952 after the death of her husband King George VI. She restored it to its former glory, even giving it back its original name. She made regular visits to the castle in August and October from 1955 to 2001. Her last visit was in October 2001, and she died in March 2002. By 1996, the…
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