The House of Hanover: George I to Victoria This was the line that ruled in Germany as well as Britain, until Victoria’s ascension. George I George II George III George IV William IV Victoria The House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha: (Brief) Named for Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert Edward VII The House of Windsor: Renamed to sound more English than German (World War… Read More
Royal History For All Ages!
Calling all Anglophiles and royal fans! Welcome to Mandy’s British Royalty, a site chock full of royal history. Here I present the royal family tree, iconic characters, royal babies, and more – all with a dash of American perspective. Enjoy your stay, and remember to contact me with any questions or comments here. Want more? Read on.
The Bones of Richard III: Discovery of a Lifetime
King Richard III was the last English king to be killed in battle. He fought Henry Tudor in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where Henry triumphed. Richard’s body was then buried in the Greyfriars Church in the English town of Leicester. That was all, for a time. Then, miraculously, the bones of Richard III became the discovery of… Read More
The Year of Three Kings
The year 2016 marked the 80th anniversary of the Abdication, otherwise known as “The Year of Three Kings”. Here is a brief history of what transpired that fateful year. King George V was ailing. He had been ill for some time, and as the harsh winter of 1935 pressed on, it did not look like the king would long survive…. Read More
The House of Windsor: A Royal History
What is the royal history of the House of Windsor, one of the most famous families in the world? We begin with Mary I, the daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Mary, a devout Catholic, made many an enemy during her lifetime. She planned to restore Catholicism in England, and her marriage to Philip of Spain made… Read More
Royal Engagement Rings
From solitaires to triple-stone settings, diamond rings have long been the tradition when declaring undying love. Sometimes a royal has got to shake up tradition and add a splash of color, and there are a few classics in the British Royal Family. Enjoy! The Queen’s Engagement Ring This ring was given to Princess Elizabeth as a token of Prince… Read More
Earrings
The Greville Chandelier Earrings The Honorable Mrs. Margaret Greville was a popular society hostess who was a close friend and confidant of Queen Mary. Mrs. Greville also became a close friend to the Queen’s son, the Duke of York and his wife, Elizabeth. When Mrs. Greville passed away, she left Bertie and Elizabeth a huge collection of her jewelry. Among… Read More
Bracelets
The Queen’s Baguette BraceletThis bracelet is formally known as The Queen’s Modern Baguettes and Brilliants Bracelet, named for those style of stones. It is a line of baguette diamonds that run alongside two rows of brilliants, and all three meet it the center. It is a delicate piece worn by Her Majesty and loaned to other royal women. The Rose… Read More
Brooches
Most of the Queen’s brooches were acquired by or customized by Queen Mary, grandmother of the present queen. Queen Mary had a certain knack for obtaining jewels (and other precious antiques), whether by purchase or carefully dropped “hints”. Her capacity to collect never diminished, even in her later years. So when the women of the British Royal Family adorn themselves… Read More
Necklaces
What could be more breathtaking than a gorgeous diamond tiara? Perhaps a bracelet studded with rubies, or a necklace that wreathes your collarbone in emeralds? I bring you the Royal Jewels, steeped in history and adding sparkle to the most famous royal women of our time. These pieces are the basics that every new royal watcher should be able to… Read More
