The English language is infinitely flexible, providing multiple synonyms for almost every word. While that is helpful in most situations, it can also contribute to some confusing and embarrassing slips of the […]
Historically, royalty carries with it inherent aspects of sovereignty, power, and might. To wear the crown is to have the ability to yell, “Off with their heads!” and have the command carried […]
Between November 9, 1683, and February 6, 1685, (465 days), the nation now known as the United Kingdom had seven current and future monarchs alive at the same time. Charles II Born: […]
Queen Victoria (1819-1901) reigned over Great Britain for 63 years. Her time on the throne was not only long but it was beset with a number of embarrassments for the monarch. Anyone […]
It is not an exaggeration to say Queen Mary of Teck (1867-1953) took things very seriously. One could even say her attitude was deathly serious.
When it comes time to look for a flower to represent an entire nation, few would consider choosing a weed. Scotland’s choice of the thistle as its national emblem is due to […]
Henry VI (1421 – 1471) was King of England from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471, and disputed King of France from 1422 to 1453. Historians generally blame him […]
There is no shortage of leaders who have wondered if they might break under the pressure of their responsibilities. King Charles VI of France (1368-1422) wasn’t being rhetorical when expressing this concern, […]
To say that the King of Bohemia blindly rushed into battle is not an indictment on his judgment; it is a statement of fact. The Bohemian monarch lost his eyesight when he […]
For 800 years the city of London has been careful to make sure it pays its annual rent for two pieces of land it leases from the Crown. In its determination not […]
President Ronald Reagan shared Queen Elizabeth II’s love of horses. During a state visit to the United Kingdom, the President accepted the Queen’s invitation to go horseback riding together. As the two leaders […]
According to an often-repeated legend, Lord Kingsale retains a royal privilege that allows him to keep his hat on in the presence of the sovereign. This right allegedly was granted by King John in […]
While serving as U.S. minister to France, Benjamin Franklin attended a dinner in Paris shortly after the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. The French foreign minister, Vergennes, began the toasts, saluting his […]
The first case of high treason in modern times came before the Swedish courts in 2001, and four traitors were identified. They were four boys, all aged 16 or 17. Their offense? They […]
The Honours of Scotland is the name given to the crown, sceptre, and sword of the Scottish monarchy. They are the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles, dating back […]
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