Royal Splendor

She Came into this World Quite Blue: The Birth of Princess Helena of the United Kingdom

2025-01-16T06:27:00.004+08:00

Princess Helena as a child, by Winterhalter, c1849. Royal Collection Trust.

The gas lamps flickered faintly against the heavy drapery of Buckingham Palace. Whispers floated through the adjoining rooms. It was the early hours of May 25, 1846, and the palace was filled with anticipation and anxiety. Queen Victoria was in protracted labour, “longer and more than the other times,” wrote her husband, Prince Albert. A day before, the Queen, who turned 27 that day, already felt the discomfort.

Prince Albert was beside her while she endured the excruciating pain. Also present were several members of the Privy Council and Ladies of the Bedchamber. Queen Victoria had given birth to three children already, but this time, it was worse. The royal physicians and attendants worked tirelessly, their faces drawn as the labor dragged on.

In the adjoining rooms, the Duchess of Kent and the rest of the court officials waited nervously. Occasionally, a muffled cry from her daughter’s chamber would reach her ears, and she paused, her face etched with worry. Members of the royal household lingered in clusters, their low murmurs filled with speculation and concern.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a faint cry broke the tension. A princess was born. The infant was handed carefully to the midwife. A hushed gasp rippled through the room. Relief swept over everyone around as the baby’s cries grew stronger. They thought she wouldn’t survive. But she would prove to be Queen Victoria’s toughest daughter yet.

Queen Victoria slumped against the pillows, her face drained of color, her chest rising and falling shallowly. After giving birth to the princess, she had to “remain very quiet to recover”.

The baby "came into this world quite blue,” Albert told his older brother, Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Nevertheless, the child recovered more quickly than the mother and grew up to be physically the toughest of the royal siblings.

Princess Alice, Prince Alfred and Princess Helena, by Winterhalter, c1847. Royal Collection Trust.

Three weeks later, Queen Victoria noted that her baby was a "pretty, fat and most thriving child darker than any of the others and has a read deal of dark brown hair."

The baby was christened on 25 July at Buckingham Palace. She was named Helena Augusta Victoria. Two of her sponsors, George the Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and Augsuta, Duchess of Cambridge, were present in person, while the third sponsor, Albert’s cousin Helene d’Orleans, was represented by the infant’s grandmother, the Duchess of Kent. On the day of her christening, the infant disgraced herself by sucking her thumb and crying lustily. It was nevertheless a festive occasion. Buckingham Palace was illuminated by gas for the first time and ventilated by Professor Faraday's ingenous system of drawing the noxious fumes down the stems of the ormolu candelabras.

Not long afterwards the baby made her first appearance in a family portrait. In Franz Xaver Winterhalter’s large iconic picture of the Queen, Albert and their elder children for which sittings began towards the end of 1846, and copies of which now hang at the Buckingham Palace and in the dining room at Osborne House, long since familiar through countless reproductions, Helena is clearly visible as the baby who looks out from her cradle at the spectator with questioning eyes.

Read more about Princess Helena here.

The Scandals and Triumphs of Princess Michael of Kent

2025-01-15T00:00:00.004+08:00

Princess Michael of Kent has long been a captivating figure within the British Royal Family. Known for her elegance, intellect, and the controversies which she was involved with, she has navigated a path that blends the traditions of royalty with a modern spirit. As she turns 80, let us celebrate her life and the remarkable journey shaped by noble heritage, achievements, and resilience.

Was Princess Michael of Kent the queen of outré, more-is-more 1980s style? As she celebrates her birthday, here's a look at her greatest fashion moments https://t.co/RXUkQNmtQX pic.twitter.com/EL5LQk0qza
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) January 13, 2025

Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz was born on Jaanuary 15, 1945 at the family estates of her Austrian maternal grandmother, Princess Hedwig von Windisch-Graetz in Karlovy Vary, then part of the German-occupied Czechoslovakia. Princess Michael hails from an illustrious background of Bohemian (Czech) and Hungarian nobility. Her father was Baron Günther Hubertus von Reibnitz, a cavalry officer of the German Empire during the First World War. Her mother was Countess Maria Anna Carolina Franziska Walpurga Bernadette Szapáry, a member of the Hungarian nobility. From her mother’s side, she is the grand-daughter of Princess Hedwig von Windisch-Graetz. Her maternal grandfather, Count Friedrich Szapáry von Muraszombath, Széchysziget und Szapár, was a diplomat, who served as the ambassador of Austria-Hungary in Saint Petersburg at the start of World War I.

Princess Michael of Kent when we were both very young🙂 pic.twitter.com/TKPBECobaV
— Dr. Gail Gross (@DrGailGross) August 14, 2024

Following her parents' separation, Marie-Christine moved with her mother and brother to Australia, where her mother operated a beauty salon. In Sydney, she attended Catholic schools, receiving a traditional education. In the late 1960s, Marie-Christine relocated to London, where she pursued a career in interior design. It is also in London where she met and married her first husband, banker Thomas Troubridge, the younger brother of Sir Peter Troubridge, 6th Baronet. They married in 1971, but their marriage ended up in separation two years later. They were finally divorced in 1976.

Shortly afterwards, she met Prince Michael and the two fell in love with each another. Royal biographer Sarah Bradford, in Elizabeth: A Biography of Her Majesty The Queen (2002) mentioned that the Queen was far from overjoyed of her cousin’s marital prospects. Instead, “she would have preferred a less exotic bride.” Her Majesty was persuaded into it by Lord Mountbatten, the royal matchmaker, who felt paternal obligation towards Michael and was charmed by Marie-Christine. Elizabeth had little room to act; rejection of a bride of a minor member of the family on the grounds that she was divorced and of the wrong religion would understandably have led to a good deal of criticism, and so, after the approval of the Privy Council, she gave her formal agreement. The wedding took place in Vienna in 1978, the birthplace of the bride’s mother. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 barred members of the Royal Family from getting married on civil ceremonies in England.

Happy Birthday to Princess Michael of Kent! #Royal #RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/TMgjYGN0NW
— Royal Circular (@Royal_Circular) January 15, 2023

At the last moment, Pope Pauyl VI, who had granted an annulment of Marie-Christine’s first marriage, refused a dispensation for a church wedding, almost certainly because the children of the first marriage were to be brought up as Protestants in order to preserve their rights of succession to the Throne. The Vatican eventually relented and the couple were given formal blessings in July 1983 in a ceremony at Westminster Cathedral. Their marriage led to the birth of two children, Lord Frederick, born 1979, and Lady Gabriella, born 1983. The Queen gave them a grace-and-favor apartment at Kensington Palace, while they maintained their country home at Nether Lypiatt, a 17th century mansion in Gloucestershire, which they eventually sold.

As junior male representative of the Kent family, Prince Michael is not required to carry out official engagements. The couple does not also receive any public funds and their activities are not recorded at the Court Circular. But there were a handful of events when the couple where requested to stand in on behalf of the Crown. In 1981, the couple represented the Queen at the independence celebrations for Belize and in 1982, Princess Michael represented Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on certain engagements.

Princess Michael is a working royal. She is an author, a lecturer, an art connoisseur at Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland, and runs her own interior design company. She has also authored six books: Crowned in a Far Country (1986), Cupid and the King (1991), The Serpent and The Moon: two rivals for the love of a Renaissance king (2004), The Queen Of Four Kingdoms (2013), Agnes Sorel: Mistress of Beauty (2014), and A Cheetah's Tale (2016).

Princess Michael is also active in philanthropic circles, serving as patron of several animal conservation organizations in Africa. During her prime, she and her husband used to undertake over 200 public and charitable engagements annually for more than 100 charities and other not-for-profit organizations.

Prince Michael's life in photos - from role at Queen Elizabeth II's wedding to marriage to Princess Michael https://t.co/Vb16WgRoiv
— HELLO! (@hellomag) July 4, 2024

Nicknamed "Princess Pushy" in some royal circles and said to have been dubbed as “Our Val” (a reference to the warrior-like German Valkyries.), Princess Michael has been called "the most controversial royal family member" for her family history and number of personal faux pas.

In the 1980s word began to circulate in the press that the Princess's father, Baron Gunther von Reibnitz, was a member of the Nazi party and an SS officer during WWII, creating a scandal for the newly-minted royal. She was also accused of plagiarism in the 1980s for her book Crowned in a Far Country: Eight Royal Brides. The book contained passages that were almost identical to other works, and at least one author received an out-of-court settlement.

THREAD - “Christmas was really fun. Everyone, especially The Queen, was very nice to me and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!”

- Princess Michael of Kent on her first Christmas at Windsor in 1978. More⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/10SNxhsbjF
— Rodrigo (@The_QVDS) April 1, 2024

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent courted public attention in 2002 when it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth II had been covering their rent. Palace officials explained that “The Queen is paying the rent for Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's apartment at a commercial rate of £120,000 annually from her own private funds. This arrangement reflects the Royal engagements and charitable work undertaken by Prince and Princess Michael at their own expense, without public funding.” However, in 2010, it was announced that they would be responsible for paying the full rent themselves moving forward.

@TildaAng dianadecadaval on Instagram:
"Back in the days when I was an active journalist and interviewed Princess Michael of Kent. We have both written many books on Queens and history 👑👑👑" https://t.co/mCgtCckmKE pic.twitter.com/JQCPusqOqg
— Louise G. (@LouiseGhislaine) September 22, 2024

p>In 2004, Princess Michael was once again involved in a controversy when she was accused of racism after reportedly telling a group of African American diners at a New York restaurant to “go back to the colonies.” In an attempt to address the backlash, she gave an interview that further fueled the controversy. “Years ago, I even pretended to be an African, a half-caste African,” she told ITV. “But because of my light eyes, I did not get away with it. I dyed my hair black and traveled on African buses. I wanted to be a writer and sought experiences from Cape Town to northern Mozambique. I had an adventure with these absolutely adorable, special people. To be called racist feels like a knife through my heart because I truly love these people.”

Princess Michael of Kent pays touching tribute to son-in-law Thomas Kingston who took his own life https://t.co/mG5c6g0kED pic.twitter.com/pLPfbCuH6d
— Mail+ (@DailyMailUK) December 20, 2024

In 2005, Princess Michael made headlines again when News of the World reporter Mazher Mahmood alleged that she described the late Princess Diana as “bitter” and “nasty” and claimed that Prince Charles was “jealous” of Diana’s popularity.

Further controversy arose in 2014 during a Canadian TV interview where she remarked that the older generation of royals was “boring for most people.” She also commented on Princess Diana, calling her “uneducated” and suggesting that growing up without a mother made it “much harder to cope” with royal life.

Princess Michael, 79, breaks both wrists after falling down stairs at Kensington Palace https://t.co/hQxGWdt3MX pic.twitter.com/yVKSBLB1b6
— New York Post (@nypost) December 20, 2024

In September 2015, Princess Michael angered animal rights activists by claiming that animals do not have rights because they do not pay taxes, have bank accounts, or vote. “You only have rights if you pay your taxes. You earn your rights,” she stated.

In December 2017, Princess Michael faced widespread criticism for wearing a blackamoor brooch to the Queen’s Christmas lunch—the same occasion when Meghan Markle, who is biracial, was formally introduced to the royal family by Prince Harry. This choice of accessory was widely regarded as racially insensitive and sparked a public outcry.

Despite all these intrigues, Princess Michael of Kent is one royal to beat. Beautiful, intelligent, artistic, foreign, professional, ambitious, hard-working, clever and dazzling, she is probably the last of her generation to cast the royal magic wherever she goes.

Queen Elizabeth II is Time's Woman of the Year for 1952

2025-01-05T08:38:00.003+08:00

In its January 5, 1953 issue, TIME magazine named Queen Elizabeth II as "Woman of the Year" for 1952. The cover featured a portrait of the Queen by artist Boris Chaliapin.

The accompanying article highlighted the impact of her ascension to the throne: "What, then, was Elizabeth’s significance? It was no more—and no less—than the significance of a fresh young blossom on roots that had weathered many a season of wintry doubt. The British, as weary and discouraged as the rest of the world in 1952, saw in their new young Queen a reminder of a great past when they had carved out empires under Elizabeth I and Victoria, and dared to hope that she might be an omen of a great future."

The Queen had captured the world’s attention during her accession to the British throne in 1952. Though a symbolic head of state, the new top royal generated quite the buzz. Emerging from the ruins of World War II, which saw many parts of Elizabeth’s realm ravaged, a little optimism and good cheer was exactly what the people needed.

King Felipe’s Visit to Flood-Ravaged Valencia: A Bold Gesture or a Catastrophic Move?

2024-11-05T15:19:00.003+08:00

King Felipe VI, accompanied by Queen Letizia and high-ranking government officials, visited Paiporta on Sunday (November 3), the flood-ravaged region of Valencia. Historic flash floods struck last Tuesday, unleashing a year’s worth of rain in mere hours and leaving a tragic path of destruction. The death toll stood at 217 but the figure may still rise as recovery efforts continue in the mud-soaked ruins.

According to El Pais, the visit was a personal initiative of the Spanish king in spite of warnings of possible animosity from locals enraged by the government's reaction. Upon the royal party’s arrival, the crowd called them “murderers” and demanded that they “grab a shovel.” Some locals hurled rocks and dirt at the officials as a gesture of frustrated with what they saw to be a sluggish and inadequate reaction from the authorities. This caused minor injuries to security officers and damaged a vehicle.

Queen Letizia was also doused with dirt and water and she responded to a woman's scathing reprimand with visible shock: “You don't lack water! You have everything you need!” About 70 people have died as a result of the disastrous floods in Paiporta, which is home to 29,000 people.

In an interview with La Sexta, Transportation Minister Óscar Puente admitting that, given the public's heightened emotions, "perhaps it was not the most opportune moment." Far-right organizations that "wanted to take advantage of citizens’ indignation" were also denounced by him.

King Felipe made an effort to defuse the tense situation during the visit and supported the government's measures while warning against the dissemination of false information on the internet. "There is a lot of information intoxication, so don't pay attention to everything that is being published," he said. The government has blamed far-right organizations for the biggest riots, and authorities are attempting to locate the perpetrators of the violence and property destruction. The ultranationalist Spanish union Solidarity, which is associated with the Vox party, meanwhile, announced on X that everyone fined or jailed in relation to the demonstrations will get free legal assistance.

A senior security official called the visit a “mistake” in light of the tragedy, while another source said the reaction was “foreseeable,” especially because the conservative regional leader and socialist prime minister were both in attendance. The Royal Household responded by announcing that state and regional officials had decided to postpone the scheduled visit to Chiva, which was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s visit can be seen from multiple angles. On one hand, it could be seen as a display of solidarity, showing that Spain’s highest figure of state genuinely cares about the devastation faced by his citizens. In initiating to visit the affected areas and to personally console with the afflicted, the king may have hoped to bring comfort and highlight the urgency of recovery efforts. His presence, under better circumstances, might have helped unify and uplift those affected.

However, in the wake of what locals felt was a slow and insufficient government response, the visit may have been poorly timed. The anger and frustration of the residents, many of whom lost loved ones and livelihoods, seem to have overshadowed the intended purpose of the visit. For some, the royals’ presence was a reminder of the lack of action, leading to expressions of frustration that quickly turned into open hostility – but of course, the King, being the nominal of head of state, could only do little, and any measures that could have taken to alleviate the damage and hurt rests on the hands of the elected leaders.

In such moments, timing and preparation were crucial. The lack of concrete action or immediate relief efforts made the visit appear symbolic rather than substantive, hence, aggravating the tensions further and giving the critics of the Crown and the government an opportunity to attack and malign the King and his family.

The Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (The Former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson)

2024-06-03T15:31:00.004+08:00

The Duke and Duchess of Windor. Image from Rebecca Star Brown

The wedding of Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson on June 3, 1937, was a notable and controversial event. The ceremony took place at the Château de Candé in Monts, France, a small and private affair devoid of the royal family's presence. This resulted from Edward's abdication from the British throne six months earlier, which had caused a constitutional crisis. Edward abdicated because he could not continue as king without the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, the two-time American divorcee.

Wallis Simpson wore a dress in a custom shade of blue, later known as "Wallis blue," designed by Mainbocher. This gown, made of silk crepe, featured a nipped waist, a fitted skirt, and a high-neck jacket with long sleeves. She accessorized with a hat by Caroline Reboux and a significant sapphire and diamond brooch.

The ceremony was intimate, with only a few close friends in attendance, including Randolph Churchill and Major Edward "Fruity" Metcalfe. Dr. Mercier, the Mayor of Monts, performed the simple civil ceremony according to the laws of the French Republic. This was followed by a Church of England ceremony conducted by Rev. R. Anderson Jardine, vicar of St. Paul’s, Darlington, who stepped in after the Church of England refused to sanction the marriage. Mr. Hermann Rogers gave the bride away, and Major E. D. Metcalfe served as the best man.

Following the ceremonies, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor issued two personal messages. The first read:

"The Duchess and I wish to thank all those who have kindly sent us presents and good wishes on the occasion of our marriage. We shall never forget their friendly messages, which mean so much to us this day. After the trying times we have been through, we now look forward to a happy and useful private life, and to that measure of peace that we hope will be granted us."

In the second message, addressed to the world’s press, the Duke and Duchess expressed gratitude to journalists for the courtesy shown during the unprecedented circumstances. They acknowledged the unavoidable inaccuracies in reports during these challenging months but noted the efforts to correct them. Understanding the difficulties, they appealed to the global press for consideration and privacy, which they felt was now deserved.

The Times' special correspondent documented the ceremony:

The drawing-room of the Chateau de Cande, in which the civil marriage was celebrated, is an oak-panelled room on the ground floor with French windows opening on to the terrace. A long oak table, on which were a large bowl of peonies, a copy of the French Civil Code, and the register of the commune of Monts, had been paced across one end of the room. In front of the table stood four armchairs for the Duke, Mrs. Warfield, and the two witnesses (Major Metcalfe and Mr. Hermann Rogers). Behind them were other chairs for Mrs. Merriman (Mrs. Warfield’s aunt), the chateau staff, and the five news agency representatives.

When the Mayor was ready at the table the Duke and Mrs. Warfield, attended by their witnesses, entered the drawing-room. The company took their seats and remained seated while the Mayor read aloud the three relevant articles of the Civil Code, defined the mutual obligations of husband and wife in the 70 well-chosen words of the law, and asked the bride and groom whether they accepted one another as wife and husband. To these questions the Duke and Mrs. Warfield replies with the word “Oui.”

“In the name of the law,” said Dr. Mercier, “we declare that his Royal Highness, the Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Wallis Warfield are united by marriage.” A speech from the Mayor concluded the civil ceremony.

The Company now moved to the music room, also on the ground floor, where the religious service was to be celebrated. An altar surmounted by a gilded cross stood at one end of the room. Before it the Rev. Anderson Jardine conducted the service. There was no choral singing, but music was played on the private organ of the chateau. The hymn “O Perfect Love” was played during the Benediction.

The Duke and Duchess received the congratulations of the guests in the drawing-room after the service. Two bouquets were then presented to the Duchess, one of pink roses from M. Blum, the French Prime Minister, and the other from the Prefect of the Indre and Loire Department and Mme. Vernet.

There was afterwards a buffet luncheon, and it ended with the cutting of a large wedding cake, which was about 3ft. high, by the Duke and Duchess together. At the same time the morning’s batch of congratulatory telegrams—about 2000—was brought in. Major Metcalfe proposed the health of the Duke and Duchess and the Duke replied.

The Duke and Duchess left the chateau by motor-car in the evening. They were to catch the Arlberg express at Laroche Migennes, and they will spend their honeymoon at the Castle of Wasserleonburg in Carinthia.

Despite the absence of the royal family, the event attracted substantial media attention, and every detail was extensively covered in the press. The couple's official wedding portraits were taken by renowned photographer Cecil Beaton. Following their wedding and their honeymoon, they settled into a life of retirement, largely spent in France, but punctuated by a stint as governor general of the Bahamas from 1940 until 1945. Their marriage, though it cost Edward his crown, remained a significant part of royal history, emblematic of love and personal sacrifice over royal duty.

Charles III unveils first official portrait as king

2024-05-15T08:20:00.004+08:00

Measuring approximately 8ft 6in by 6ft 6in, the massive oil on canvas portrays the King adorned in his distinctive red Welsh Guards uniform against a matching backdrop. Notably, Charles is depicted wielding a sword with a butterfly alighting on his shoulder, symbolizing themes of transformation and renewal, reflective of his enduring commitment to environmental causes.

Yeo started working on the portrait when Charles was still Prince of Wales with the first sitting held at Highgrove in June 2021. Queen Camilla, upon viewing the artwork, reportedly affirmed its likeness, remarking to Yeo, "Yes, you've captured him."

The The butterfly symbolizes the King's enduring passion for the environment. Yeo explains that it was the King's suggestion following their discussion about the potential to convey a narrative through the portrait. The Drapers' Company, a City of London livery company, commissioned the portrait, which will be displayed at Drapers' Hall.

April 5, 2020 | Queen Elizabeth II delivers COVID-19 address

2024-05-02T11:20:00.003+08:00

On April 5, 2020, Queen Elizabeth II delivered a rare speech to the British nation and to the Commonwealth as coronavirus continues to sow fear and grip lives around the world.

The four-minute speech was written by the Queen with her private secretary Sir Edward Young and was pre-recorded, filmed by a single cameraman wearing protective equipment. All other technical staff were in another room.

The Queen has made a reference to her first radio broadcast in 1940, when as a 14-year-old, she spoke to comfort children who were being taken from London to the countryside to escape bombing during the German air raids.

The monarch thanked people for following government rules to stay at home and praised those "coming together to help others". She also thanked key workers, saying "every hour" of work "brings us closer to a return to more normal times".

Royal biographer Sarah Bedell Smith called the speech “moving, deeply personal, sympathetic—very much in her own style, her own words. As ever, she was a dependable and consistent presence.” Meanwhile, BBC Royal correspondent Jonny Dymond thought it “was a different and much more ambitious broadcast, designed to reassure and to inspire.”

Aside from the annual Christmas Broadcast, the Queen has only given rallying speeches five times in her reign. In 1991, she gave a statement at the start of the land war in Iraq on February 24, 1991. She also gave a live broadcast following the death of Diana Princess of Wales in September 1997. A speech was also given to a nation that mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in April 2002, while a televised speech was also one of the highlights of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Here is the transcript of the Queen’s speech:

I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time. A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.

I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.

I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones. Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.

I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.

The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.

Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.

And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.

It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister. We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us.

I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.

And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.

But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.

As the British Royal Family navigates through drama and rift, Prince Edward, is a stabilizing force

2024-03-09T11:08:00.004+08:00

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest child, has long appeared to be eclipsed by popular wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the more well-known members of the British royal family. Despite his privileged background, his early life was faced by a slew of scandals and public disasters that eclipsed his dreams of becoming a theatrical professional.

His father, Prince Philip, expressed disapproval of his decision to leave the Royal Marines after just three months of training. Edward, however, took comfort in the entertainment industry, where he worked as a production assistant for musicals and planned events such as "It's a Royal Knockout," which was mocked for lacking royal majesty even if it was a success.

Edward also failed in his effort to start a television production firm, Ardent, and further damaged his image by making films that exploited his nephew Prince William and violated his privacy. He would, however, ultimately redeem himself and make the switch to a full-time position as a working royal, assisting his mother via public appearances and charitable endeavors.

Though he is not as well-known as his wife, the former PR consultant Sophie Rhys-Jones, who has gained immense popularity within the royal family, Edward is respected in royal circles for his devotion and commitment to public service. For the longest time, Edward held the title of Earl of Wessex. As Edward turned 59 in 2023, a grateful King Charles III created his brother Duke of Edinburgh.

While his lack of ambition was once considered a weakness, it has now proven to be Edward's greatest strength as it has helped him to maintain a healthy relationship with his brother and stay away from the scandals and issues that hound the other members of the family. Ultimately, Edward seems satisfied to fulfill his function as an auxiliary member of the royal family, thereby enhancing the structure of the monarchy. Someone close to Edward commented: “He has dedicated much of his life to public service and charitable work. He has always been very clear about his role which is to support the monarchy. Previously that meant doing what his mother asked, now it means doing what his brother asks. He has always been loyal and Charles likes him enormously and is very grateful to him.”

Now well on his sixth decade, Edward continues to quietly fulfill his duties while serving as a stabilizing force of the British monarchy.

A Talk About Princess Alice

2024-01-03T15:25:00.002+08:00

Princess Alice of Albany, Countess of Athlone, c1911. Image from Wikimedia Commons

A most interesting personality has the young Princess who recently became the wife of Prince Alexander of Teck.

The daughter of a Prince who was renowned for his scholastic attainments, and of a Princess who also has abilities of no mean order as well as much natural sweetness of disposition, Princess Alice has developed many of the distinguishing traits of both, and is, in fact, highly accomplished even for a Princess. In these days, when a royal personage must require an encyclopaedia knowledge of men and things, that is saying very much; but it is no more than an actual fact, for all who have had anything to do with the training of the Princess, or have been brought into contact with her Royal Highness, are agreed upon this.

If the Princess Alice excels more in one direction than another, it is as an artist. From her very earliest youth she showed a marked aptitude with pencil and brush.

Who so well able to give interesting and authentic details of her Royal Highness's art studies as the eminent painter who has been responsible for the instruction?

Mrs. Ward needs no introduction to the reading public, for her works are well known, as is also the fact that she painted much for the late Queen Victoria. She formerly exhibited continually at the various galleries, and at the Royal Academy for 30 consecutive years, and now enjoys much repute in connection with her studios. Added to this, Mrs. Ward is the widow of a Royal Academician, and is descended from a greater number of artists than can here be enumerated. To Mrs. Ward, then, the writer repaired for a talk about the studies of the Princess.

AS A PUPIL

To begin at the beginning, Mrs. Ward gave the Duchess of Albany lessons long before the Princess Alice even commenced to hold a pencil. Her Royal Highness was in the early days of her widowhood, and resumed her art studies as a pastime,

Mrs. Ward journeying to Claremont periodically for the purpose. Then came the time when the artistic tendency of the little Princess began to show itself, and here is a fact not generally known – that she received her first course of instruction solely from her mother, repairing to the boudoir each day for lessons so soon as she was through with the schoolroom routine, Mrs. Ward taking up the instruc- tion at a later period. To quote that artist's own words, "Princess Alice showed not only marked talent, but the greatest of industry and perseverance, and no pupil of mine ever worked harder or more conscientiously."

For a certain time Mrs. Ward continued to journey to the Duchess of Albany's residence, but it was presently arranged that the Princess Alice should go to her teacher's studios for a weekly lesson, in the same manner as any other student. So her Royal Highness, in charge of Miss Potts, the governess, used to take train from Esher to London, where one of the royal carriages awaited them to drive them to Chester-square. At Mrs. Ward's residence the royal student would have her luncheon, and then take her allotted seat in the studio, working assiduously with her colleagues on a common subject. Princess Alice is equally gifted with pen and brush, taking either still life or working from nature, her work showing marked adaptability, and quickness of perception.

Mrs. Ward and her daughters are in possession of some very charming letters from the Princess Alice, the later ones of which return the warmest thanks for wedding presents which have been offered for acceptance; that from Mrs. Ward being a signed engraving of her picture "Palissy the Potter."

THE PRINCESS'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

And the Princess has numerous accomplishments, which one may hear of by conversing with those who are in a position to testify. She is an excellent linguist, having studied modern languages diligently at her home and continued them on the Continent. German she is especially proficient in, having taken a continuous course both at Stuttgart and Potsdam.

At the first place she also assiduously pursued her musical studies. Her Royal Highness is a really excellent pianist, and a quick and correct reader. Of art needlework she is exceedingly fond, and numerous pretty things scattered about the Claremont rooms testify to this and also to her unfailing industry. Like her mother, Princess Alice is exceedingly well and, and in the book shelves of her rooms it may be observed that the literature is of a much more solid nature than is usually congenial to young ladies, these volumes including many German works in the original. Also her Royal Highness has many outdoor accomplishments. She is particularly fond of flowers and gardening, and it is a very pleasing trait that she has often taken bouquets to her particular friends culled from her own garden. She has a splendid seat on horseback—has had from very early days.

HER INTEREST IN LIFE

Her Royal Highness has had some good times with her fishing rod up in Scotland, but she does not go in for masculine accomplishments: she is essentially a womanly woman, gentle and kindly by nature, and thoroughly proficient in all domestic virtues.

Every member of our Royal Family must be prepared nowadays to undertake all sorts of public functions, and a very large share has fallen to the Duchess of Albany. Her Royal Highness has always taken her daughter with her, and so bazaars, guilds, and the well-known Deptford Fund have monopolised much of the Princess's time, not only in visits paid, but in the presidential work and organisation carried out at home. The Needleworks Guild, indeed, has brought very heavy duties, for not only have many garments been made at Claremont, but also the onerous work of sorting and allotting has been largely undertaken by Princess Alice.

Altogether, the royal bride may be fairly termed one of the cleverest Princesses of our Royal Family. – Launceton Examiner, Saturday, March 19, 1904

King George VI’s Austere Christmas

2023-12-17T18:08:00.000+08:00

London, Christmas of 1948. Image from Pinterest

London, Friday (O.S.R.). The King and Queen, who thought they would now be preparing for a strenuous but enjoyable trip to Australia and New Zealand, will have an austerely different Christmas at Buckingham Palace.

It is the first time in their 12-year reign that they will spend Christmas actually in London— instead of at Sandringham, which is King George's birthplace and his favorite family retreat.

The King's illness over shadows the whole family celebration. He is making good progress, but doctors have advised—and the King is a faithful patient — that the greatest degree of immobility is essential for his recovery.

The doctors promise that the King can go to Sandringham early in the New Year, but unquestionably the whole family is disappointed that the traditionally country Christmas will be barred.

Christmas Speech

King George — or as he is known to the family, 'Bertie'—had a great reluctance to broadcast Christmas speeches to the Empire, which his father inaugurated.

Now, with the help of his speech therapist — Adelaide-born Lionel Logue — he has over, come his difficulties and with the positive encouragement of his wife, he has come to enjoy them.

A Palace spokesman said that the Royal Family's Christmas celebration would be quite simple.

Cherished Wines

The King's dinner with his family will include turkeys from his personal Sandringham estate in the great poultry belt of East Anglia.

Cherished wines and liqueurs are likely to include those laid down by Edward VII., a great bon viveur and connoisseur.

Into the dinner also will go the family's rationed meat — roast beef or lamb— as it will go into every English household. The dinner menu will be completed with unrationed vegetables. Besides common roast potatoes, cabbage and cauliflower, there are likely to be more expensive rarities from Covent Garden market, rarities which go only to luxury shops and the hotels of London's West End.

Officially the family will make its dinner as austere as those which circumstances dictate to its subjects, but personal exuberance will exert itself

An intimate of the family said: “The famiy definitely adheres to the traditional idea that this is the time of generous goodwill to all –to Britons in their homes, to people of the Commonwealth and the Empire and to friends of Britain the world over.” – The Newscastle Sun, Friday, December 24, 1948.

New Book | Vicky, Dear: The Life of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Empress Frederick

2023-06-05T11:08:00.004+08:00

I am very happy to announce that my first book about the royals is finally out!

Vicky, Dear: The Life of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Empress Frederick explores the life of Queen Victoria's intellectual and long-suffering daughter.

From a young age, the destiny of Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick, seemed preordained, but her journey exceeded all expectations. From her birth as the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, she quickly emerged as a figure of intelligence, grace, and determination. As she grew into adulthood, Victoria's unique blend of charisma and intellect drew the attention of royalty and statesmen alike.

Yet, her life was far from ordinary. Victoria's remarkable path intertwined with a rapidly changing Europe. With a marriage to Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, she became the Empress of Germany, navigating the treacherous waters of politics and diplomacy. Victoria sought to transform Prussia into a more liberal and democratic nation, which placed her in a controversial position in the court of her adopted land, often at loggerheads with the conservative forces, most especially with Prussia's Iron Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck.

But Victoria's life was not without personal struggles. As she witnessed the rise and fall of empires, she experienced heartbreak and loss. The deep love she shared with her husband Frederick, the Crown Prince, was tragically cut short, leaving her to navigate the turbulent waters of grief and loneliness. Undeterred, she emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience, devoting herself to fulfilling her husband's vision of a modern and progressive Germany.

This insightful short biography unveils the complexities of Victoria's relationships, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her enduring impact on European history. The author paints a captivating portrait of a woman who defied convention, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the world. From the opulent halls of royalty to the corridors of power, embark on an epic journey as you discover the captivating story of Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick, and experience a remarkable era through her eyes.

This book is available on Kindle and in paperback via Amazon. Click here to order a copy.

More stories about the Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick here:

"At the Coronation of my Grandfather": King Edward VIII remembers the day Edward VII was crowned

2023-05-06T17:12:00.001+08:00

King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in their coronation robes. Wikimedia Commons

At the Coronation of my grandfather, King Edward VII, what I remember most vividly was the consternation caused by the sudden illness of the King on the eve of the Coronation itself.

The princes and representatives of all the foreign States had in fact gathered in London when the news was announced in a bulletin from the Palace that the King had perityphlitis — what is now known as appendicitis — and had undergone an emergency operation. In consequence the coronation had to be postponed at the last hour.

I well recall how in the midst of their anxiety my parents were called upon to entertain and. placate the visiting potentates and to represent the King at functions that could not be cancelled.

The Coronation eventually took place on August 9 and because of the postponement was somewhat of an anti-climax. By that time the visiting royalties had long since departed to their respective countries, and it was not practicable to reassemble them all.

Moreover, inasmuch as the King had not fully recovered his strength, the long Coronation service was somewhat curtailed. Bertie and I were taken by Mr. Hansell to the Abbey in a carriage. Pinch, our valet, rode on the box seat, very handsome in the royal red livery.

As we were too young to be included in any of the State processions we were slipped by a back entrance into the Royal box reserved for the Princesses, to the right of the altar.

In front of the box was a dais on which stood the two ornate Chairs of State, to be used by my grandparents for the first part of the ceremony. My father took his place in front of the peers of the realm, between the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Connaught, both distinguished Royal soldiers.

The Duke of Cambridge, my mother's uncle George, who was then 83, had commanded a Guards Brigade in the Crimean War. The Duke of Connaught, my grandfather's youngest brother Arthur, had led another Guards Brigade in Egypt against Aribi Pasha in 1882, in the punitive campaign that ushered in the long period of British occupation of that country.

The King and Queen leaving Buckingham Palace for their coronation. Wikimedia Commons

After a lapse of more than 50 years many incidents of this undeniably magnificent event have unfortunately faded from my memory, and in any case the mind of an eight-year-old boy was hardly capable of taking it all in.

Years later Finch used to tell us how at a tense moment in the ceremony one of my greataunts dropped her book programme over the side of the box. It fell with a clatter into a large gold cup below, evoking among us children a merriment which my mother suppressed with a stern backward glance.

The Coronation service lasted almost three hours — an interminable time for small boys to be expected to keep still. Perhaps it was for that reason I have no clear recollection of my grandfather actually being crowned.

Afterwards I was to hear my father describe how the octogenarian Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Frederick Temple, dropping on his knee to do homage, was so enfeebled by age and overcome by emotion that he could not rise; of how the King helped him to his feet and of how the old Primate at the conclusion of the service collapsed entirely, bewailing to his fellow prelates: “It's not my head; it's my legs.”

King Edward VII is crowned. By Edwin Austin Abbey. Wikimedia Commons

My parents had foresightedly arranged for Mr. Hansell and Finch to be posted nearby in the back, ground as a precaution against our becoming too unruly.

Once I looked up and noticed Mr. Hansell with his eyes closed and his lips moving as in prayer. Finch told me afterwards that he was convinced our tutor was praying not for the King, but that the Archbishop would last through the service.

After the placing of the crown on the King's head the most impressive incident in the Coronation service is the act of homage of the heir apparent when he is of age to render it. In a moment of hush my mother bent down to whisper to us, “Now Papa will do homage to Grandpapa.”

With that the intricate and tedious ceremony took on for us a personal meaning. We watched as my father, in his crimson robes and the coronet of the Prince of Wales on his head, advanced up the steps of the throne to kneel there in filial humility.

The anointing of Queen Alexandra. Wikimedia Commons

After reciting the oath of fealty he rose to his feet, touched the King's crown, and kissed him upon the cheek, my grand father was moved to embrace him in a sudden spontaneous gesture which lifted the ritual out of formality.

When, nine years later, it came my turn as Prince of Wales to render homage to my father as monarch, I was to experience myself the emotions he must have felt on this occasion.

Because my grandfather was a genial and ample man with a liking for people, and a cosmopolitan taste for good living, his reign is chiefly re membered for its gaiety and exuberance.

But what is not so well known is that Edward VII entered upon his kingly re sponsibilities in a mood of despondency growing out of the ambiguity of his position.

He was in his 60th year— an age when most men are thinking of retiring: his life had been passed under the shadow of the tremendous figure of his mother, Queen Victoria.

To the very end she was determined to bear her burden alone, and in consequence there fell to him during his most vigorous years only the lesser crumbs of official duties.

Source:

My Coronation Thoughts 3: At King Edward VII's Coronation... by H.R.H. Edward, Duke of Windsor. The Courier-Mail. [Read here]

The Coronation of King William IV

2023-05-06T16:54:00.005+08:00

King William IV with St Edward's Crown by Sir William Beechey. From Wikimedia Commons

William IV had “an inbred dislike of ceremonial,” said historian Roy Strong. At first, he balked at the idea of holding his own coronation, but he had to give in to courtiers and government officials, realizing that it was a constitutional thing to do so. However, he laid his condition: there must be no ceremonial or procession associated with Westminster Hall. This decision irked the Tories, who called the event the "Half Crown-nation". According to Strong, William's insistence on a bare coronation ceremony "signalled the end of a whole litany of symbolic acts going back to the Middle Ages, including the coronation banquet, the ritual of the King's Champion throwing down the gauntlet, and endless petty actions related to land tenure".

Wearing his admiral's uniform and Queen Adelaide, in white and gold dress, the royal couple travelled to and from the Abbey in the Gold State Coach made for George III in 1762. This set the precedence for future coronations of providing a public spectacle for the masses.

In terms of cost, William IV’s coronation was the complete opposite of his brother’s lavish coronation in 1821. George IV's coronation cost the government £240,000, (equivalent to £21,800,000 in 2021). This William abhorred and went to the opposite extreme, spending only £30,000 on a "cut-price" event (equivalent to £2,900,000 in 2021). Seven years later, Queen Victoria's coronation was budgeted at £70,000 to achieve a compromise between the two extremes.

The Coronation Procession of William IV by Richard Barrett Davis. Royal Collection Trust.

In contrast to Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838, little attention was given to organizing public entertainment for the event. As a result, the people had to content themselves with the two processions between St James's and the Abbey. The day commenced with a gun salute fired in Hyde Park at 5 am, followed by the royal family departing from the Palace at 9 am. An hour later, the King and Queen embarked on the Gold State Coach, which was used for the first time in a coronation. Accompanied by the Life Guards, the coaches proceeded along Pall Mall, passing through Charing Cross and continuing along Whitehall towards the abbey. Along the route, foot guards lined the streets, and temporary stands were erected to accommodate spectators, with the ones at Charing Cross having a capacity of up to three thousand individuals. In favourable weather, the return procession commenced from the abbey at 3:30 pm. That evening, the "New Avenue," now recognized as The Mall, was illuminated and opened to the public for the very first time.

Coronation of William IV and Queen Adelaide. Image from Adelaide Economic Development Agency [Australia]

Here’s more about King William IV’s coronation from The Evening News (June 14, 1902)

It is easy to imagine the details of the fight that has evidently been going on in the Privy Council over the Coronation service (says a London paper). The laymen want, naturally, to cut it down as far as possible. The ecclesiastics have resisted every suggestion of the kind. Exactly the same thing took place when William IV came to the throne, except that whereas King Edward is said to be anxious for the retention of all that is important, King William's one idea was to drop all he could. But the Bishops would have none -of it. “We shall weary the Almighty with our supplications,” was Lord Brougham's remark at the sitting of the Committee of the Privy Council, when Archbishop Howley and Bishop Blomfleld positively refused to permit the Coronation service to be curtailed. The great dispute was about the homage, as when the “ceremonial” was submitted for approval to William IV., he vowed that nothing would induce him to go through the ordeal of being kissed by the Bishops. His Majesty did not object to the salute of the peers, but he protested that he would sooner not be crowned than submit to being kissed by the prelates, and he ordered that part of the programme to be cut out. However, the Archbishop remonstrated vigorously, and the King knocked under, but with a bad grace. At the Levee the day before the Coronation, His Majesty's ill-temper was the subject of general remark, and he caused a scene with the Officer of the Guard, who was publicly rebuked by the King for not having his cap on.

The Coronation of George IV: An Extravagant, Controversial Affair

2023-05-06T16:24:00.007+08:00

King George IV in his coronation robes by Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1821. From Wikimedia Commons

Probably the most unpopular of all Coronations was that of George IV. One writer remarked that “the King made up in pageantry what he lacked in popularity.” And there must have been something in that because it cost £238,000. Its unpopularity, however, was the outcome of George's lengthy and much publicised estrangement with his wife, Caroline, and she was actually refused admittance to the Abbey during the ceremony.

Both houses for some time previous had been inundated with petitions on behalf of the Queen. The opening speech had recommended that a suitable provision should be made for her instead of that which she had enjoyed as Princess of Wales; but she had expressed her firm determination to accept no settlement While her name was omitted from the liturgy. Not deterred by this declaration, £50.000 was voted to her for life and, after some demur, the pressure of poverty prevailed and she accepted it. But by doing so she lost much of that popularity which her previous rejection had procured for her.

The Coronation, which her arrival in London had delayed, had to be solemnised at any cost, for George IV valued the pomp of royalty more than even its power and he could not feel that he was “Every Inch a King” until his head had been surmounted by the crown. The day fixed for the Coronation pageant was July 19, 1821 and here Caroline had determined to take her final stand. On June 25 she lodged her claim to be crowned, like her royal predecessors, and her claim was ably supported by her law advisers, Messrs. Brougham and Denman. But after a long antiquarian and historical exploration, it was found that the coronation of a king did not necessarily imply that of his consort, and that since the reign of Henry VIII, only six out of 13 consorts had been crowned. On the strength of these precedents, her claim, as a right, was rejected.

George IV's train carried by eight sons of peers and the Master of the Robes. From Wikimedia Commons

Caroline then wrote to Lord Sidmouth, stating her determination to be present at the ceremony, and desiring that a suitable place should be provided for her accommodation. When this was refused, she made a similar application to the Duke of Norfolk as Earl-Marshal of England, but with the same result. Rejected in these appeals, she now tried one that savoured of downright insanity: she requested the Archbishop of Canterbury to crown her alone the following week while the Abbey of Westminster was in preparation for the final ceremony, which could be done without further national expense. But to her letter containing such a singular request, the astonished primate returned the following brief reply: “The Archbishop of Canterbury has the honour to acknowledge with all humility the receipt of Her Majesty's communication. Her Majesty is undoubtedly aware that the Archbishop cannot stir a single step in the subject matter of it without the commands of the King.”

The Coronation took place, with unwonted splendour and magnificence, on July 19. The Queen resolved to be present, or to make a scene by seeking admittance in the eyes of the people. It is said that the more prudent of her friends endeavoured to dissuade her, but it is to be apprehended that most of those who surrounded her and who were making use of her merely for party or factious purposes, without any regard to the shock her feelings might sustain, strongly urged her to go down to the Abbey.

She went and stopping before the Abbey door, was there refused admittance by the door-keepers and military officers on guard. She then wandered round the Abbey walls, in a vain search for some other entrance, and, having thus exhibited her humiliation, she retired through the dense multitude, applauded by some, but hissed and hooted and called foul names by others.

King George IV's crowning at the Abbey. From Wikimedia Commons

Here is an account of the Coronation from the Annual Register, 1821:

Soon after, four o'clock it was ascertained that her Majesty's coach was making ready, and the crowd, both in South Audley Street and in Hill Street, became very great.

Soon after five o'clock the gate was thrown open, and a shout was raised, "The. Queen!" "The

Queen!" The Queen immediately appeared in her coach of state, drawn by six bays. Lady Hood and Lady Ann Hamilton sat opposite to her Majesty. Lord Hood followed in his own carriage. Her Majesty looked well, and acknowledged with great dignity and composure the congratulations of the people on each side of her coach. They made their way through the crowded streets and arrived at last at the place where the tickets were received. Lord Hood demanded admission for the Queen.

The Door-keeper said that his instructions were to admit no persons without a peer's ticket.

Lord Hood: "Did you ever hear of a queen being asked for a ticket before? This is your Queen."

The Door-keeper said that his orders were general, and without any exceptions. He had never been in a similar situation before and could say nothing as to the propriety or impropriety of refusing- her Majesty admission.

Lord Hood: "I present to you your Queen; do you refuse her admission?"

Her Majesty added that she was his Queen, and desired to be permitted to pass.

Queen Caroline and Lord Hood being refused entrance at the Abbey by the doorman. Artist impression from Wikimedia Commons

The Door-keeper admitted that his orders were peremptory — and said, however reluctant he might be he could not suffer her Majesty to pass without a ticket.

Lord Hood: "I have a ticket."

Door-keeper: "Upon presenting it, I will permit you to pass."

Lord Hood then took from his pocket one ticket for the Abbey for a Mr. Wellington, which he tendered to the Door-keeper."

The Door-keeper said that would admit but one individual. Lord Hood then asked her Majesty if she would enter alone.

Her Majesty hesitated— upon which Lord Hood asked whether there had not been some preparation made for her Majesty's reception.

The Door-keeper answered in the negative.

Lord Hood: "Then I am to understand you refuse your Queen admittance to Westminster Abbey?"

The Door-keeper said he was ready to admit her Majesty with a ticket, but not without.

After a short consultation with her Majesty, whether she would go into the, Abbey alone or not — her Majesty declined— and it was resolved that she should return to her carriage.

As she was quitting, the spot, some persons in the doorway burst into a vulgar laugh of derision. Her Majesty looked at them contemptuously; and turning about, passed through a group of fashionable women who were going to the Abbey with tickets, but who did not take the slightest notice of her. She was followed by a crowd to the platform, some of whom were approving and some disapproving of her conduct.

On entering her carriage, there was considerable disapprobation, intermingled with cries of "Shame, shame," "Off, off"; while other parts of the populace repeated the cries of "The Queen,the Queen" with great enthusiasm.

A few weeks later Caroline died.

Coronation Banquet of George IV, unknown artist. Royal Collection

George IV's Coronation Banquet

Some most disorderly and disgraceful proceedings took place at the Coronation festivities of George IV. A scene followed the king's departure which seems almost incredible. After the service of the second course, the numerous attendants, singers, and even ladies and gentlemen, began to press round the royal table, as if prepared for a scramble to possess its contents.

The crowd of spectators pressed nearer and nearer. For a moment only covetous eyes were cast on the spoils, as if each were afraid to begin the plunder: but, at last, a rude hand having been thrust through the first ranks, and a golden fork having been seized, this operated as a signal to all, and was followed by a general snatch.

In a short time all the small portable articles were transferred to the pockets of the multitude. The Lord High Chamberlain, hearing the attack, hastened to the rescue, and with the greatest difficulty, saved the more important articles of plate and had them conveyed to Carlton Garden. Then followed a scene unparalleled in the annals of coronations. The crowds in the galleries had beheld with envy the operations at the banquet. They were very hungry and very thirsty, and seeing now that Westminister Hall was ' liberty hall,' they rushed down different stairs and passages, and attacked the viands and wines. A raging thirst was first to be satisfied, and in a few minutes every bottle on the table was emptied. A fresh supply was soon obtained from the cellarettea.

Sources

The Coronation of George IV. Voice. Feb. 16, 1952. [Read here]

An Unpopular Coronation. Mirror. May 8, 1937. [Read here]

George IV's Coronation Banquet. The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser. July 1, 1902. [Read here]

Queen Victoria’s Coronation in her own words

2023-05-06T15:39:00.002+08:00

Sir George Hayter's coronation portrait of the Queen. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Queen Victoria was crowned on June 18, 1838. She was 19 years old. The coronation was primarily planned by the prime minister, Lord Melbourne. Amidst objections from numerous parties, the Cabinet announced on Saturday, April 7, that the coronation would be at the end of the parliamentary session in June. A budgeted of £70,000 was proposed, twice the amount of William IV's "cut-price" 1831 coronation, but nevertheless a huge pittance compared to the £240,000 spent for George IV lavish but controversial coronation in July 1821. A key element of the plan was presentation of the event to a wider public.

The ceremony lasted for five hours and was marred by a lack of rehearsal. Apart from the Queen and Lord John Thynne, who acted as the Sub-Dean of Westminster in place of the Dean, no one knew what should be happening. The coronation ring was uncomfortably forced onto the wrong finger, causing discomfort. Additionally, Lord Rolle, an elderly peer, stumbled on the steps while paying homage to the Queen. To further complicate matters, a confused bishop mistakenly declared the ceremony over, leading the Queen to return to her seat to complete the service. Victoria documented these events in her Journal, and despite the mishaps, she described the day as "the proudest of my life."

The red footstool she used at this ceremony can be seen in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Also on view is a "peepshow" of her coronation. A musical festival to celebrate the coronation was held in the Abbey on 2nd July before the special seating was removed.

Part of the procession, from a long "tableau" print, by Robert Tyas, the carriages of the queen's uncles, the royal dukes of Sussex and Cambridge. Image from Wikimedia Commons

The Queen recorded the details of the coronation in her journal:

I was awoke at four o'clock by the guns in the Park, and could not get much sleep afterwards on account of the noise of the people, bands, etc. Got up at 7 feeling strong and well; the Park presented a curious spectacle; crowds of people up to Constitution Hill, soldiers, bands, etc. I dressed, having taken a little breakfast before I dressed, and a little after. At half past 9 I went into the next room dressed exactly in my House of Lords costume ... At 10 I got into the State Coach with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle, and we began our Progress.

It was a fine day, and the crowds of people exceeded what I have ever seen; many as there were the day I went to the City, it was nothing - nothing to the multitudes, the millions of my loyal subjects who were assembled in every spot to witness the Procession. Their good humour and excessive loyalty was beyond everything, and I really cannot say how proud I feel to be the Queen of such a Nation. I was alarmed at times for fear that the people would be crushed and squeezed on account of the tremendous rush and pressure.

I reached the Abbey (Westminster) amid deafening cheers at a little after half past 11; I first went into a robing-room quite close to the entrance, where I found my eight Train-bearers - all dressed alike and beautifully, in white satin and silver tissue, with wreaths of silver corn-ears in front, and a small one of pink roses round the plait behind, and pink roses in the trimming of the dresses. After putting on my Mantle, and the young ladies having properly got hold of it, and Lord Conyngham holding the end of it, I left the robing-room and the Procession began. The sight was splendid; the bank of Peeresses quite beautiful, all in their robes, and the Peers on the other side. My young Train-bearers were always near me, and helped me whenever I wanted anything. The Bishop of Durham stood on one side near me.

At the beginning of the Anthem ... I retired to St Edward's Chapel, a small dark place immediately behind the Altar, with my Ladies and Train-bearers; took off my crimson robe and kirtle and put on the Supertunica of Cloth of Gold, also in the shape of a kirtle, which was put over a singular sort of little gown of linen trimmed with lace; I also took off my circlet of diamonds, and then proceeded bare-headed into the Abbey; I was then seated upon St Edward's chair where the Dalmatic robe was clasped round me by the Lord Great Chamberlain. Then followed all the various things; and last (of those things) the Crown being placed on my head; - which was, I must own, a most beautiful impressive moment; all the Peers and Peeresses put on their Coronets at the same instant ... The shouts, which were very great, the drums, the trumpets, the firing of the guns, all at the same instant, rendered the spectacle most imposing.

Queen Victoria Receiving the Sacrament at her Coronation, 28 June 1838, by Charles Robert Leslie (1794–1859), Royal Collection.

The Enthronization and the Homage of, first all the Bishops, then my Uncles, and lastly of all the Peers, in their respective order, was very fine. The Duke of Norfolk (holding for me the Sceptre with a Cross) with Lord Melbourne, stood close to me on my right, and the Duke of Richmond with the other Sceptre on my left. All my Train-bearers standing behind the Throne. Poor old Lord Rolle, who is 82 and dreadfully infirm, in attempting to ascend the steps, fell and rolled quite down, but was not the least hurt; when he attempted to reascend them I got up and advanced to the end of the steps, in order to prevent another fall ... When Lord Melbourne's turn to do Homage came, there was loud cheering; they also cheered Lord Grey and the Duke of Wellington; it's a pretty ceremony; they first all touch the Crown, and then kiss my hand. When my good Lord Melbourne knelt down and kissed my hand, he pressed my hand and I grasped his with all my heart, at which he looked up with his eyes filled with tears and seemed much touched, as he was, I observed, throughout the whole ceremony.

After the Homage was concluded I left the Throne, took off my Crown and received the Sacrament; I then put on my Crown again, and re-ascended the Throne, leaning on Lord Melbourne's arm; at the commencement of the Anthem I descended from the Throne, and went into St Edward's Chapel ... where I took off the Dalmatic robe, Supertunica, and put on the Purple Velvet Kirtle and Mantle, and proceeded again to the Throne, which I ascended leaning on Lord Melbourne's hand ... I then again descended from the Throne, and repaired with all the Peers bearing the Regalia, my Ladies and Trainbearers, to St Edward's Chapel, as it is called; but which, as Lord Melbourne said, was more unlike a Chapel than anything he had ever seen; for, what was called an Altar was covered with sandwiches, bottles of wine etc. The Archbishop came in and ought to have delivered the Orb to me, but I had already got it. There we waited for some minutes ... the Procession being formed, I replaced my Crown (which I had taken off for a few minutes), took the Orb in my left hand and the Sceptre in my right, and thus loaded proceeded through the Abbey, which resounded with cheers, to the first Robing-room ... And here we waited for at least an hour, with all my ladies and Train-bearers; the Princesses went away about half an hour before I did; the Archbishop had put the ring on the wrong finger, and the consequence was that I had the greatest difficulty to take it off again, - which I at last did with great pain. At about half past 4 I re-entered my carriage, the Crown on my head and Sceptre and Orb in my hand, and we proceeded the same way as we came - the crowds if possible having increased. The enthusiasm, affection and loyalty was really touching, and I shall ever remember this day as the proudest of my life. I came home at a little after 6, - really not feeling tired.

At 8 we dined. My kind Lord Melbourne was much affected in speaking of the whole ceremony. He asked kindly if I was tired; said the Sword he carried (the first, the Sword of State) was excessively heavy. I said that the Crown hurt me a good deal. He was much amused at Uncle Ernest's being astonished at our still having the Litany; we agreed that the whole thing was a very fine sight.

He thought the robes, and particularly the Dalmatic, "looked remarkably well" ... The Archbishop's and the Dean's Copes (which were remarkably handsome) were from James I's time; the very same that were worn at his Coronation, Lord Melbourne told me.

After dinner, before we sat down, we ... spoke of the numbers of Peers at the Coronation, which Lord Melbourne said was unprecedented. I observed that there were very few Viscounts; he said "there are very few Viscounts"; that they were an odd sort of title, and not really English; that they came from Vice-Comités; that Dukes and Barons were the only real English titles; that Marquises were likewise not English; and that they made people Marquises when they did not wish to make them Dukes ... I then sat on the sofa for a little while ... Mamma ... remained to see the Illuminations, and only came in later ... I said to Lord Melbourne when I first sat down, I felt a little tired on my feet ... Spoke of the weight of the robes etc..and he turned round to me and said so kindly, "And you did it beautifully, - every part of it, with so much taste; it's a thing that you can't give a person advice upon; it must be left to a person." To hear this from this kind impartial friend, gave me great and real pleasure ... Spoke of my intending to go to bed; he said, "You may depend upon it, you are more tired than you think you are." I said I had slept badly the night before; he said that was my mind, and that nothing kept people more awake than any consciousness of a great event going to take place and being agitated ... Stayed in the drawing-room till 20 minutes past 11, but remained till 12 o'clock on Mamma's balcony looking at the fireworks in Green Park, which were quite beautiful.

Sources:

Westminster Abbey website. Queen Victoria [Read here]

Historic Royal Speeches and Writings: Victoria [Read here]

Everything You Need to Know about the Coronation Regalia

2023-05-06T10:53:00.005+08:00

The Coronation Regalia. Image from The Royal Collection Trust

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 at Westminster Abbey will see the United Kingdom stage the much-awaited but seldom-witnessed spectacle filled with pomp and circumstance, the first of its kind in almost seven decades. Aside from witnessing the parade of royals, heads of state, and celebrities, the coronation will also highlight the appearance of the precious coronation regalia, the precious objects which symbolise the temporal and sacred service and responsibilities of the monarch. Playing a central role in this very important ceremony are these centuries-old treasures originally kept at the Tower of London. Read on to find out the rich history of the Coronation Regalia.

St. Edward’s Crown

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The St. Edward's Crown, the centrepiece of the Coronation Regalia and the entire British Crown Jewels. Named in honour of Edward the Confessor, versions of it have traditionally been used to crown English and British monarchs at their coronations since the 13th century. The original crown was a sacred item relic kept at Westminster Abbey, where Edward was buried. At the height of the English Civil War, the crown, together with the much of the Crown Jewels, was confiscated, sold or melted down.

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With the Restoration and ascension of Charles II in 1661, Royal Goldsmith, Robert Vyner was commissioned to make a new crown. While not an exact replica of the medieval design, the new crown with its Baroque arches, was made with the original four crosses-pattée, four fleurs-de-lis, and two arches. The frame is cast in a solid gold frame, decorated with 444 precious stones, including rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. The crown has a velvet cap with an ermine band.

The crown, however, fell into disuse after William III's coronation in 1689. King George V eventually revived using the crown in his own coronation in 1911. For her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II opted for a stylised image of this crown to be used on coats of arms and other insignia in Commonwealth realms to symbolise her royal authority.

St. Edward's Crown is kept in Jewel House at the Tower of London. It was removed from the Tower in December 2022 for resizing for King Charles III’s coronation.

Imperial State Crown

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The Imperial State Crown symbolises the sovereignty of the British monarch. Existing in various forms since the 15th century, the Imperial State Crown is the crown the monarch exchanges for St. Edward's Crown, at the end of the coronation ceremony. The term imperial state crown dates back to the fifteenth century when English monarchs chose a crown design closed by arches, to demonstrate that England was not subject to any other earthly power. The current version was made in 1937 for King George VI and is worn by a new monarch for the first time in the royal procession following their coronation (having been crowned with St Edward's Crown during the ceremony). It is subsequently used state occasions, such as the State Openings of Parliament. The crown is adorned with 2,901 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond, St. Edward's Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince's Ruby (a spinel). It Consists of 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls.

St. Edward's Sapphire is an octagonal, rose-cut sapphire that forms part of the British Crown Jewels. It is believed to have been taken from the ring (or coronet) of Edward the Confessor in 1042. Queen Victoria later added the jewel to the Imperial State Crown, giving it a leading role in the centre of the cross at the top of the crown, where it remains today in the similar crown last worn by Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Black Prince's Ruby is a large, irregular cabochon red spinel weighing 170 carats (34 g) set in the cross pattée above the Cullinan II diamond at the front of the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom. The spinel is one of the oldest parts of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, with a history dating back to the middle of the 14th century. It has been in the possession of England's rulers since it was given in 1367 to its namesake, Edward of Woodstock (the "Black Prince"). The stone is believed to have originated from the Badakhshan mines in present day Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the principal source of large spinel gems in the Middle Ages.

King Charles III will swap St. Edward’s crown for the Imperial State Crown after he is crowned as king.

Sovereign’s Sceptres

The sovereigns sceptre with cross is a symbol of the monarch's authority and good governance. It is presented during the coronation ceremony along with other chivalric ornaments. The ceremony begins with the anointing of the new sovereign, followed by the presentation of robes and ornaments, culminating in the investiture of the sceptre and the crowning of the monarch.

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Two sceptres are presented, one surmounted by a cross and the other by a dove. The sceptre with cross was originally made for Charles II, but has undergone several alterations over time. In 1910, it was modified to accommodate the great Cullinan diamond, which weighs over 530 carats and is set in an enamelled heart-shaped structure atop the sceptre. The structure is mounted with step-cut emeralds and a faceted amethyst monde, adorned with diamonds, rubies, spinels, and emeralds. The sceptre also features enamelled brackets representing a crown, as well as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds.

The Sovereign's sceptre with dove is a symbol of the spiritual role of the sovereign, and the dove represents the Holy Ghost. It has historically been referred to as the 'Rod of Equity and Mercy'. At the coronation of William I in 1066, the sceptre's importance in controlling uprisings in the kingdom and confining those who stray was emphasized. Thus, the monarch's care for their people is closely linked to this sceptre or rod.

The sceptre is made up of a plain gold rod with three sections, adorned with enameled and gem-set collars at the intersections. It has a gold monde at the top, with a silver zone and arc set with rose diamonds, and a gold cross that supports an enameled dove with outspread wings. The collars are decorated with various precious stones, such as rose- and table-cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and spinels. At the base of the sceptre is a compressed spherical pommel set with additional rose-cut diamonds.

Sovereign’s Orb

The Orb is a symbol of the ruler's authority, representing the Christian world with a cross on a globe, and the three sections divided by bands of precious stones signify the three continents known during medieval times. The Orb is adorned with clusters of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, surrounded by rose-cut diamonds and pearls. At the top, there is a cross with a sapphire on one side and an emerald on the other, and pearls at each arm's end. It was created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 from the royal goldsmith Robert Viner.

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At the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury places the orb into the Monarch's right hand, which is later returned to the altar before the crowning. After the coronation, the Monarch exits the ceremony wearing the Imperial State Crown, holding the Scepter, and grasping the Orb.

Coronation Spoon

The Coronation Spoon is the oldest object in the British Crown Jewels. Dating back to the 12th century. The spoon was first recorded in 1349 as among Edward the Confessor's Regalia kept Westminster Abbey and was already described as a spoon of "antique forme", the style of which could be attributed to the twelfth century and may have been originally owned by Henry II or Richard I. According to the Royal Collection’s website, the spoon is " the only piece of royal goldsmiths' work to survive from that century."

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The spoon was certainly made not for eating or stirring but, presumably for mixing wine and water in a chalice. During the coronation of James I, the spoon was already used for anointing the sovereign, a tradition that has since been followed in subsequent coronations.

The spoon was sold off during the English Civil War, escaping the fate of other items in the coronation regalia, which were melted down like the other items. It was purchased by a Mr. Kynnersley, Yeoman of Charles I's Wardrobe, for 16 shillings. Kynnersley returned the spoon when King Charles II. It was embellished with small pearls and was used at his coronation in 1661. It has remained in use ever since.

The Coronation Ampulla

The Coronation Ampulla serves the purpose of holding the consecrated chrism or oil in anointing the sovereign during the coronation ceremony. Also known as the vessel, the ampulla has the shape of an eagle with wings spread out, positioned on a rounded and leafy base. Its foot is intricately decorated with curved scrolls and masks. The eagle's head can be unscrewed, revealing a spout in the beak for pouring oil. Embed from Getty Images The Ampulla’s design is inspired by an earlier and smaller vessel, originates from a legend dating back to the fourteenth century. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Thomas Becket and presented him with a golden eagle and a vial of oil, which were to be used for anointing future kings of England. The customary practice involves filling the Ampulla with oil and then pouring it into the Anointing Spoon, a twelfth-century artifact, during the most sacred moment of the coronation. The act of anointing, where the Archbishop applies holy oil to the head, breast, and hands of the sovereign, traces its roots back to the Old Testament Book of Kings, which describes the anointing of King Solomon. The Ampulla itself has a noteworthy history and was provided by the Crown Jeweller, Robert Vyner, for the coronation of Charles II in 1661.

The Coronation Sword

The Sword of State symbolises the sovereign's authority. It features a steel blade with a silver-gilt hilt, enclosed in a wooden scabbard and covered in velvet. During the reign of King Charles II two swords were made, the first in 1660, the second in 1678. Embed from Getty Images The first, however, did not survive, the second one has been used in coronations succeeding Charles II's , as well as during the Prince of Wales Investiture in 1969.

Queen Mary's Crown

In 1911, Queen Mary was to be crowned alongside her husband, King George V. For this grand occasion, she bought the Art Deco-inspired crown from Garrard & Co. herself, and wanted future queens consort to wear it too. It is, however, extraordinary for a British crown due to having eight half-arches instead of the traditional two arches.

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The State crown of Queen Mary is a beautiful and light diamond crown. In the center of the circlet is one of the lesser portions of the Star of Africa weighing 96 carats. In a cross-pate above this is the Koh—Noor the most renowned diamond in the world. It weights in its present condition 106 1/16 carats (having originally weighed 800carats).

After a tragic history of many centuries , the diamond was captured by the British and presented by the Army of the Punjab to Queen Victoria after the Sikh Wars. The cross that surmounts the mound at the top of the crown is set with yet another lesser portion of the Star of Africa weighing 64 carats.

Not worn since the death of Queen Mary in 1953, it has been displayed with the other Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. It was removed from the Tower and modified for Queen Camilla’s use on her coronation. The much-contested Indian Koh-i-Noor diamond was removed and in a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, part of the late queen’s personal jewellery collection and often worn by her as brooches.

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Princess Margaret’s Triumph of Love Persian Turquoise Parure Tiara

2023-05-03T17:01:00.004+08:00

Princess Margaret and her Turquoise parure tiara. Image sources: Getty Images/Europe's Royal Jewels Tumblr.

In the Royal Family’s stupendous tiara collection, there is only one turquoise diadem, and that came into the possession of Princess Margaret. The Triumph of Love tiara, also known as the Persian Turquoise parure tiara was originally purchased by Queen Mary but she was never seen or photographed wearing it.

It gets the name The Triumph of Love thanks to the lover's knots and laurel wreaths in the design, as well as the turquoise, which is a symbol of love.

In 1923, King George V and Queen Mary gave it as a gift to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (future Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) on her wedding to Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI). The tiara was originally in the kokoshnik style, but Elizabeth had it altered by removing the top row of diamonds.

The Duchess of York did wear the piece, but it was never one of her favourites. So in 1951, she gave it to her second daughter Princess Margaret as a 21st birthday present.

This turquoise and diamond parure was worn by both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret https://t.co/T0QOEwOyyi pic.twitter.com/Cvc4quTpUk
— The Court Jeweller (Lauren Kiehna) (@courtjeweller) April 19, 2020

A Persian turquoise parure was given to Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday .
It was made by Garrard and purchased in 1923 by George V & Queen Mary as a wedding gift to their daugther in law & new Duchess of York , Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon pic.twitter.com/gHApUGAdcw
— 🇲🇾MyStory🇵🇸 (@Swindler2022) October 2, 2019

Princess Margaret, wearing the full turquoise parure pic.twitter.com/RjlgPhhbmC
— Ahmet Öztürk (@Ahmetozturkmahi) March 16, 2022

Though the Turquoise Parure tiara would not become a signature piece like the more iconic Poltimore Tiara in her collection, Princess Margaret did make good use of her turquoise jewels. She also alternated this tiara with the Poltimore when attending high-profile events, like the 1967 royal premiere of Taming the Shrew. She would also wear pieces of the set without the tiara and added other turquoise jewels to her jewel box over the years.

Princess Margaret passed away in 2002, and while some of her other turquoise pieces were sold at auction after her death, the Persian Turquoise Parure tiara was not, although it was never seen in public since then.

You might also want to read:

Queen Elizabeth II and her Tiaras

Featured Royal Jewel | The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

The Oriental Circlet Tiara: The Queen Mother’s Favorite Tiara

Queen Mary and the Delhi Durbar Tiara

The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara

King Constantine’s Funeral details: Check out the crowned heads and royals who will pay their last respect

2023-01-15T12:16:00.003+08:00

All the roads lead to Athens, at least for the royals who are slated to pay their final respect to King Constantine II. The former king of Greece, who died on January 10, will be buried privately in Tatoi, the summer palace of the former Greek Royal Family, where his ancestors are also laid to rest.

The Greek government had earlier announced that no state funeral will be afforded to the late king, despite the fact that he was a former head of state. The only son of King Paul I and Queen Frederica of Greece, King Constantine’s reign began in 1964 and ended after he was ousted by a coup in 1967. He was officially deposed by the junta in 1973. A referendum in 1974 officially confirmed the end of the Greek monarchy. From 1967 until 2013, by then stripped of his Greek citizenship, the king and his family resided in Rome and London, successively. He briefly returned to Greece in 1983 for the burial of Queen Frederica. In 2013, with his citizenship finally restored, he returned to Greece as a private citizen.

King Constantine’s funeral procession will be held on January 16 at the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, the former king's private office announced. On the other hand, Greek government's decision to treat the king's burial as a mere private affair earned a public backlash, prompting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to allow an unofficial lying-in-state and the granting to King Constantine the honors accorded to a head of state.

The late monarch’s body will lie in state at the Agios Eleftherios Chapel in Athens from 6AM to 10am on January 23 to allow the public to pay him their last respects. At 12 noon, his remains will be brought to the nearby Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation.

Despite being a "private affair," royals from all over Europe - a number of them from reigning royal houses - will flock to the Greek capital to get a final glimpse of the former monarch. Initially, it was announced that the government would be represented at the funeral by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. However, due to the growing number of high profile guests – some are even heads of states – the government decided to send Deputy Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos as the prime minister’s representative, the Greek Reporter revealed. https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/13/greece-royal-hub-former-king-constantine-funeral/

The Greek government’s initial decision not to treat King Constantine’s funeral as an official state occasion was a cause for concern for governments of countries with a royal head of state, who also happened to be closely related to the late king. For example, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, the late king’s sister-in-law, and King Felipe VI of Spain, King Constantine’s nephew, will definitely join the Greek Royal Family in the funeral. Likewise, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri, and Monaco’s Prince Albert are also some of the royal heads of states who will travel to Athens for the funeral. Greek media said Saturday that 1,000 police will be deployed for the funeral service and burial of former King Constantine to ensure the security of the VIPs.

After the funeral King Constantine's body will be flown to Tatoi Palace for a private burial. The family requested that no media coverage be taken during these final moments.

Reigning houses

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians
Queen Margrethe II with Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Benedikte of Denmark
King Abdullah II of Jordan
King Felipe VI of Spain
King Carl XVI, Queen Silvia of Sweden, and Princess Christina of Sweden
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Prince Albert II of Monaco
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princess Alexandra of Kent

Non-reigning

Tsar Simeon of Bulgaria
The Princess of Hanover (Princess Caroline of Monaco)
Prince Radu of Romania

Prince Harry's "Spare" gets ultra-security as publication day looms

2023-01-04T18:04:00.002+08:00

"Publishing sources said arrangements for Harry’s ‘explosive’ memoir’s release were ultra-closely guarded and being managed in minute detail, with only a handful of senior executives aware of the exact details.

Deliveries to bookshops are being scheduled to be last-minute to avoid unauthorised copies being leaked. Guarded sites across the world have been secured to house copies of the book prior to distribution.

One likened the sophisticated security operation to the 2007 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, when JK Rowling was determined her young fans would not have the experience spoilt by learning of the boy wizard’s fate before reading the seventh and final novel in the series. " The Daily Mail reports.

Prince Harry's memoir Spare is slated for release on January 10. Here are the full details of the book. The Duke's publishers Penguin Random House are everything to make sure that Spare is released simultaneously around the world on Tuesday.

Are you getting your copy of the book?

Queen Victoria's New Year's Day Gift Giving

2023-01-01T15:30:00.003+08:00

The rich charitably giving food and drink to the poor at Christmas, from Thomas Kibble Hervey's Book of Christmas, 1837. Public Domain

The German custom of Christmas trees on New Year's Eve or Day was certainly introduced, and though now it has been so extensively adopted in England as to have become almost an English custom, for many years it was seen in very few houses beyond the Court. Queen Victoria and her family keep the custom on New Year's Eve. A large tree covered with lights and presents, is prepared for the servants of the Royal Household, and the Queen herself distributes the gifts which surround the tree to each individual.

The ladies and gentlemen of the household are equally smiles are much more becoming than frowns. This seems an actual encouragement to good humor, as much as to say, if people have a mind to be handsome they must be peevish and untoward. - Jeremy Collier, Christmas among Royalty, Cottage Hearth: A Magazine of Home Arts and Home Culture, Volume 11, Issue 1 - Volume 12, Issue 6

Pope Benedict XVI dies: meet the Church scholar who became the first Pope to resign in the modern times

2022-12-31T22:58:00.004+08:00

We have learned of the passing of Pope Benedict XVI and we are greatly saddened by the news.

Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on 16 April 1927 he was elected as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. Benedict's election as pope occurred in the 2005 papal conclave that followed the death of Pope John Paul II. Benedict chose to be known by the title "pope emeritus" upon his resignation.

During his papacy, Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increased secularisation of many Western countries. He strengthened the relationship between the Catholic Church and art, promoted the use of Latin, and reintroduced traditional papal vestments, for which reason he was called "the pope of aesthetics".He had been described as "the main intellectual force in the Church" since the mid-1980s.

On 11 February 2013, Benedict unexpectedly announced his resignation in a speech in Latin before the cardinals, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body" due to his advanced age. He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, and the first to do so on his own initiative since Celestine V in 1294.

Benedict died on 31 December 2022 at 9:34 am Central European Time at his residence in the Vatican following a long illness. He was 95 years old.

In photos: Pope Benedict XVI is welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II to Holyrood Palace during the Papal Visit to the United Kingdom in 2010. His visit came as the Roman Catholic Church faced criticisms in handling of the sexual abuse crisis. During the visit, he said that church leaders had not been “sufficiently vigilant” or “sufficiently swift and decisive” in cracking down on abusers.

How Europe's Royal Houses celebrate New Year's Day (1898)

2022-12-31T16:04:00.004+08:00

New Year's Eve 1837-38, from George Cruikshank's : Comic Almanack, January 1838

Nowhere is New Year celebrated with greater solemnity than at the courts of various rules of continental Europe. True, in some instances - as, for instance, at Berlin and at Vienna - Christmas-trees and distribution of gifts are arranged for the royal children a week earlier. But this in no sense diminishes the importance of the New Year's Day solemnities, and if Christmas has gradually become the annual festival of the family, New Year's Day continues to remain the principal feast of the year at court, as well as in political, military, and administrative service.

It speaks well for these monarchs of the Old World that with the solitary exception of King Leopold, who holds religion in very small esteem, there is not one of them that does not commence the new year with an appeal to the Almighty for strength, guidance, and blessing. In England, however, the queen is the only member of the royal family who ever dreams of attending divine service on New Year's morning.

At the courts where there is known as the Orthodox Greek faith is professed, and where, consequently, the old calendar is still in force, New Year's Day is celebrated a fortnight later.

King Humbert, who owing to the ban of the Church is unable to indulge in a high pontifical mass, begins New Year's Day by attending a low mass said by his chaplain in the chapel that has been arranged at the Quirinal. After mass is over, king and queen stand on the dais under the canopy in front of their chair of state in the throne-room, to receive with due formality the various parliamentary, military, judicial, and administrative delegations commissioned to lay at the feet of their majesties the good wishes of various bodies which they represent. Later the king begins to stroll about the various apartments, and a good deal of freedom and abandon prevails until the supper-hour is announced. The royal party then march in procession to a small supper-room and with the ambassadors and their wives take their places at tables adorned with that magnificent golden plate for which the house of Savoy is so famous, while the remainder of the guests rush pell-mell and in a very undignified fashion to the buffets, which are literally taken by storm and quickly devastated, so far as everything in the nature of food or drink is concerned.

From Curiosities of Popular Customs and of Rites, Ceremonies, Observances, and Miscellaneous Antiquities by William S. Walsh, 1898. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company.

Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos

2022-12-31T08:27:00.004+08:00

Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos, by Sir Edwin Landseer, Royal Collection Trust.

From her birth until that of her younger brother's, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in November 1841, Victoria, Princess Royal was the heiress presumptive to the British throne. Of her birth, Lord Clarendon told Lord Granville that despite The Queen and Prince Albert’s disappointment “at not having a son,” “what the country cares about is to have a life more, whether male or female, interposed between the succession and the King of Hanover.”

In this portrait by Edwin Landseer, the eight-month old Princess is seen wearing a white dress with pink satin ribbon and a pendant around her neck, described (10 February, 1841) by Queen Victoria in her diary as a "miniature beautifully set in a small wreath of diamonds, with a row of pearls attached to it." The jewelry was a christening gift from the babe's, grandmother the Duchess of Kent.

Joining the Princess in this painting is Eos, Prince Albert’s favourite pet. The greyhound was said to be friendly with children. Queen Victoria wrote: "it was quite pretty to see her [Pussy] playing with 'Eos,' who is so gentle & the child so delighted with her, patting her with both her hands." (Journal, 21 June, 1841).

This picture was painted between June and July 1841. According to Queen Victoria, in a letter to her aunt the Queen of the Belgians, Pussy has behaved well and Prince Albert was "quite delighted" with the picture (Journal, 26 August 1841). It was hung in his Writing Room at Buckingham Palace.

portrait: Royal Collection Trust

You can learn more about the life of Victoria, Princess Royal in the book Vicky, Dear: The Life of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Empress Frederick (Royal Splendour, 2023). This insightful short biography unveils the complexities of Victoria's relationships, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her enduring impact on European history. The author paints a captivating portrait of a woman who defied convention, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the world. From the opulent halls of royalty to the corridors of power, embark on an epic journey as you discover the captivating story of Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick, and experience a remarkable era through her eyes. Available in Amazon and Kindle. Click here to order your copy.

More stories about the Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick here:

Did Lady Susan Hussey intentiontionally discriminate Ngozi Fulani, who also previously made snide, unfounded remarks on The King and Queen?

2022-12-01T14:00:00.004+08:00

Lady Susan Hussey, the longstanding Lady-in-waiting of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has apologised and stepped aside from her role in the Royal Household after a British charity executive accused the royal aide of asking her where she was "really" from.

According to Ngozi Fulani, a charity founder, the aristocrat questioned her background at a charity event at Buckingham palace on Tuesday.

Ms Fulani, said she was "totally stunned" by the remarks made by Prince William's godmother.

The palace has since commented, calling Lady Susan's behaviour as "unacceptable and deeply regrettable".

A spokesperson for Prince William said "racism has no place in our society".

"The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect," they said.

Lady Hussey, 83, was a close confidante of the late Queen and accompanied her at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh last year.

She was a key and trusted figure in the Royal Household for decades, and part of her latest role had involved helping to host occasions at Buckingham Palace.

This is not the first time that Ms Fulani has made a statement about domestic violence issues in the Royal household. In fact, Ngozi made controversial commentary on the Royal family, accusing King Charles and Queen Camilla of “domestic violence” towards Meghan. "A shocking unproven claim," according to Wootton.

She made the claim in March 2021 when Piers Morgan resigned from Good Morning Britain after saying he did not believe Meghan’s claims in her interview with Oprah Winfrey about her requests for mental health treatment being refused by palace officials.

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Christmas with the Hapburgs

2022-11-20T11:07:00.005+08:00

Source: Hapsburger.net

Nowhere is Christmas celebrated with so much fervor as at the Austrian Court. A few years ago when Archduchess Marie-Valerie was a child, when Crown Prince Rudolph was alive, it used to be the most joyful day of the year for the Emperor and Empress. The "vie de famille' is to be found wherever the Hapsburgs are, for nobody is more what the Germans call "gemuhtlich" that the members of this family. When surrounded only by those she loves Empress Elizabeth's coldness and indifference vanish, her reserve breaks up, and she is transformed by what touches her sympathies and affections.

The Emperor himself is never happier than when giving pleasure to others, and Christmas eve has ever been his favorite fete day. Now since the Crown Prince's death, although the Court still mourns for its lost Prince, there are as usual two Christmas trees on the 24th of December - one for the family, and one which Archduchess Valerie still decorated with her own hands for a hundred poor children selected from families under her special protection. The great fir tree, glittering with gold and silver nuts, rosy cheeked apples and hundreds of gaily painted toys, is lighted at 4 o'clock in the afternoon in the Rittersaal, a splendid old room with painted casements, where Flemish tapestries, draperies of gold-colored velvet, and many escutcheons in enamelled metal half cover the wainscoated and finely carved walls. Every frame and mirror is garlanded with thick wreaths of mistletoe, and trails of variegated ivy and Christmas roses twine around the grim damascened armors which stand in a double row on both sides of the "saal." On the porphyry hearth a fire of aromatic logs burn, and adds its rosy glow to the radiance coming from the countless candles of the Christmas tree.

Source: Mrs. Daffodil Digresses

Servants in State liveries throw open the heavy inlaid doors and admit the troops of enraptured children, who enter, making their bow of courtesy reverently, but without shyness, and range themselves in two lines, the boys on the right and the girls on the left of the Christmas tree. Archduchess Valerie, in a dress of plain white advances toward them, a happy, kindly smile on her young lips, her small hands filled with parcels, like a good fairy to distribute her gifts. Each child first receives warm clothes, boots, caps, handkerchiefs, fur-lined gloves; then the toys are given to them, and with cries of delight they hump and laugh as freely and merrilly as if they were in their own homes. When the noise has somewhat subsided the Archduchess bids them sing "Kaiser's Hymn." For a minute all is still; then the grand melody rolls out under the high emblazoned ceilings, the fresh, clear voices going upward like the carol of the lark. As the glad young voices drop into silence the doors at the lower end of the Rittersaal open, revealing a large hall, where a substantial feast is prepared. How wide all the youthful eyes open in the sight of the long table loaded with huge pieces of cold beef, haunches of venison, great pumpkin turkeys and piles of daintily cut sandwiches. Wonderful cakes, studded with candied fruit, and showers of bon-bons, in capacious silver shells complete the feast, while the perfume of coffee and chocolate floats about.

After dinner the family Christmas tree is lighted, the party around it consisting only of the Emperor and Empress, Archduchess Gisela and her four children; her husband, Prince Leopold, of Bavaria; Archduchess Valerie, her husband and baby and the orphaned child of Crown Prince Rudolph.

From Within Royal Palaces: A Brilliant and Charmingly Written Inner Life View of Emperors, Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses, by the Marquise de Fontenoy (Philadelphia: Enterprise Publishing Co.) 1892

Source: Habsburger.net