Queens of England
The women who have worn the crown: their lives, their loves, their stories.
Queens of England Menu
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Ration books and a princess with a plan: the wedding dress of Elizabeth II
What happens when you put together ration books, a row about silk worms and a 15th century Italian masterpiece? Why, one of the most famous royal wedding dresses of all, that's what. The wedding dress of Elizabeth II was always going to be an historic event but the input of the then princess with a plan ensured it became an all time classic.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
The kings, queens, princes and princesses who signed a very historic document
Your average marriage certificate has two witnesses. Sometimes there are four, you might creep up to five or six but when you're a queen in waiting and your wedding is the promise of guaranteeing a royal dynasty, things are somewhat different.
The law requires two witnesses, who can hear and understand what is being said, to sign the register. If the couple try to deny the marriage later, they could be called on in court to verify what they heard take place.
The queen who watched silently as her hopes for a throne were fulfilled
Norman Hartnell made a lot of frocks for the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten on November 20th 1947. But while he was no doubt sweating over making the bride's gown perfect and ensuring that her mum looked marvellous in another of his creations, the outfit that may have caused most fear was the one he made for Queen Mary. The Queen's granny was nothing if not formidable. Furthermore, just a decade before she had played a crucial part in securing the Monarchy when her eldest son, Edward VIII, abdicated. The bride was the hope for a throne that Mary had battled to protect. So this was no easy commission. Here's how Hartnell helped create the perfect granny of the bride....
Monday, 18 November 2024
Farewell to Beth, the rescue dog who had an integral role at the Coronation of a Queen of England
She was a rescue dog who only hoped for a good home and she ended up becoming the symbol of the reign of a Queen of England. Farewell to Beth, the little terrier who loved Queen Camilla and who has just taken her final bow.
Windsor Castle estate hit by burglars close to home of Prince and Princess of Wales
Burglars have raided part of the Windsor Castle estate, close to the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple, and their three children, were asleep at Adelaide Cottage when thieves breached the walls of the estate.