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Buckingham Palace announced the birth the same way they did with George and Charlotte:
A notice has been placed on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's third child.@KensingtonRoyalpic.twitter.com/82ZCB7F2aQ
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle also commemorated the birth with flags:
A large Union Flag has been raised over Buckingham Palace and a State Standard over Windsor Castle to mark the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's third child. pic.twitter.com/hcYYluf2fF
Congratulations to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge Kate and the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William on the birth of their baby boy! #RoyalBaby 👶🏻
After learning about nonverbal communication in class this week, I decided to analyze “Shy Di,” a media-generated term that described Princess Diana’s public image.
One thing is certain: Diana was under constant media spotlight. But don’t be fooled– Diana understood how the media worked. Unlike the rest of the royal family, Diana was able to use media to her advantage.
“Diana used the media to become a superstar and, later, to wage war with the palace,” The Washington Post said in an article. “She believed she could summon the cameras when she wanted flattering stories, and send them away when she’d had enough.”
As a result of this media obsession, Diana became one of the most famous and well-loved women in the world, especially in Great Britain. However, this attention is what some believe indirectly caused her death.
One thing we can thank the media for is the endless amounts of photographs we have in Diana’s memory. I have chosen a few of her most famous photos to analyze for nonverbal behavior.
Thumbs up (toward face) = approval with what is being said
From Charles and Diana’s engagement interview:
Lips and mouth are held together, eyebrows lifted, cheeks pushed forward with watery eyes= unassured (with what Charles is going to say next, or about her future marriage. That’s for you to decide!)
When Charles asks about the proposal, Diana smiles and pulls her lips up = she expected the engagement
At questions Charles answers, Diana immediately looks to him after the reporter says the question= Diana seeks reassurance from Charles’ presence.
vs.
First photo:
Thumbs forward = supportive, curious, emotional
Smiling/laughing
Second photo
Fingers froward = readiness for action; greater authority; assertive
Mouth and mid-face are tense
Nostrils are mildly flared
Eyelids are tense = focusing on something in the distance
Until next time!
Cheerio,
Carly
* Information adapted from Washington Post, BBC, Express and The Guardian
This week’s post will examine one of the “New Royals,” Prince William, who is second in the line of succession to the British throne.
Photo courtesy of Parent Magazine
William was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London on June 21, 1982. He is the first child of Charles, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to Queen Elizabeth II, and Diana, Princess of Wales. One week after his birth, his names, William Arthur Philip Louis, were announced at Buckingham Palace. He was baptized in Buckingham Palace on August 4, on the 82nd birthday of The Queen Mother. William’s parents affectionately called him “Wombat” or “Wills,” which was later coined by the press.
William’s first public appearance was on March 1, 1991 during an official visit of his parents in Cardiff, Wales. When he signed the visitor’s book, he showed the world that he was left-handed.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
You might have noticed a scar on the left side of William’s face. On June 3, 1991, when William was 8 years old, he was accidentally hit by a fellow student wielding a golf club. He did not lose consciousness, but suffered a depressed fracture on his skull. He was operated on at Great Ormond Street Hospital, resulting in a permanent scar. He jokingly calls it his Harry Potter scar. Sometimes his scar is noticeable, while at other times, when there is less lighting, it is hidden.
Diana wanted her sons to have more experiences than most royal children. She took them everywhere, from Walt Disney World to McDonalds’, to AIDS clinics and homeless shelters. She even let them play video games, which was taboo.
Photo courtesy of Popsugar
A year after his parents divorced in 1996, his mother passed away in a car crash in Paris. With immense courage, he insisted on walking behind Princess Diana’s hearse in the funeral procession.
In an interview with BBC News, William described this moment:
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, that walk. It felt she was almost walking along beside us to get us through it.”
William attended independent schools: Jane Mynor’s nursery school, pre-prepatory Wetherby School and Ludgrove School. At Ludgrove School, he participated in football, swimming, basketball, clay pigeon shooting and cross country running.
Photo courtesy of People
William sat the entrance exam to Eton College (which I saw in London, next to Windsor Castle) and was accepted. There, he studied geography, biology and history of art. He continued playing football, and took up water polo.
Something interesting to me as a journalism major: The Royal Family and the tabloid press agreed that William would be allowed to study free of paparazzi in exchange for regular updates on the Prince’s life.
After graduating from Eton, William took a gap year. He participated in British Army training, worked on English dairy farms, visited Africa, and taught children for ten weeks in Chile. William lived with other young volunteers, sharing common household chores, including cleaning the toilet, and volunteering as the guest radio jockey for the local radio station.
In 2001, William enrolled at the University of St Andrews. Once word spread that he was attending, student applications skyrocketed (mainly from young women.)
“I just want to go to university and have fun I want to be an ordinary student,” he said. “I’m only going to university. It’s not like I’m getting married.”
Photo courtesy of Hello Magazine
William got want he wanted. He was a normal student who lived with other normal students (including someone named Kate Middleton.) Their friendship soon blossomed into romance.
While William remained reticent about marriage, royal observers noted that Kate’s ever-increasing presence in the young Prince’s life might soon lead to wedding bells.
In 2007, just when it was thought an engagement was imminent, the duo went their separate ways. Royal watchers realized the break-up was temporary (and due to the military) when the pair were spotted kissing passionately and dancing closely at a party held in William’s Army barracks.
The extra attention (and romance) did not deter William from getting a Scottish Master of Arts degree with upper second class honors. While at university, he represented the Scottish national universities water polo team at the Celtic Nations tournament in 2004. He was known as “Steve” by other students to avoid any journalists overhearing and realizing his identity.
Photo courtesy of People
After he decided to follow a military career, William underwent selection to become an army officer. Once he passed the selection, he was admitted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in January 2006. Because he was second in line to the throne, William was never allowed to see combat. Therefore, William trained in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Since his graduation, William began fulfilling more royal duties: traveling to different countries, sponsoring humanitarian efforts and participating in sports.
On Nov. 16 2010, Clarence House announced that Prince William and Middleton were to marry (the couple became engaged in Kenya in October.) The engagement ring given by William to Catherine was Diana’s.
The wedding took place on April 29, 2011 in Westminster Abbey (where I have now been to!)
Since then, the couple has had two children– Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Their third child is due in April 2018.
To learn more about William’s life, check out these great videos:
Until next time!
Cheerio,
Carly
* Information adapted from Wikipedia, Bibliography.com and Hello Magazine.
I had an amazing time in London. Each day was packed with places to see, things to learn, food to eat and people to meet. It’s so hard to pick my favorite thing about the trip, but Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle were at the top of my list– and of course, they have a lot to do with the Royal Family. This post will showcase the history of both buildings, as well as their purpose for the Royal Family today.
Buckingham Palace
The earliest known drawing of Buckingham House in 1703. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.
Before it was a palace, this site was a mulberry plantation. In the early 17th century, James I ordered mulberries be planted for the rearing of silkworms in what is now the Palace Gardens. His successor, Charles I, gave the garden and existing house to Lord Aston in 1628. The property had many owners and tenants until, in 1698, it was let to the man who would give the house its name — John Sheffield, later the Duke of Buckingham.
St. James’ Palace in the early 1700s. Photo courtesy of fotoLibra.
When the Duke of Buckingham acquired the property, he found the house to be too outdated. In 1703, he ordered the building to be demolished. The new “Buckingham House” was built on the same grounds as Buckingham Palace for £7,000 ($9,915.)
Buckingham House remained the privately-owned property of the Dukes of Buckingham until 1761, when George III made the site a private family residence for his wife, Queen Charlotte, and their children. As a result, the building was coined The Queen’s House. St James’ Palace remained the official seat of the court.
Between 1762 and 1776, the house was remodeled for £73,000 ($99,164.) The main additions were elaborate ceilings and the Queen’s rooms.
Buckingham Palace in 1828. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
When George III’s son, George IV, took the throne in 1820, he wanted Buckingham House to be transformed into a palace. The House was enlarged to create the iconic U-shape we know today. The central block of the building was extended and the eastern wing was rebuilt from scratch. A marble arch was added in the center of the building for ceremonial processions and to honor Britain’s military. Although the building was widely regarded as a masterpiece, it came at the heavy cost of £496,169 ($703,488.25) Because of his overspending, the Prime Minister dismissed John Nash, the building’s official architect, from his position. Lord Ducannon, First Commissioner of Works, took over the project to finish the Palace. Under his guidance, the east façade was extended at both ends and a new southern entrance was built.
The Burning of the Palace of Westminster in 1834. Photo courtesy of YouTube.
George IV’s successor, his brother William IV, had no interest in moving from his home at Clarence House to Buckingham Palace. When the old Houses of Parliament were destroyed by the 1834 fire in London, the still-incomplete Buckingham Palace was offered as a replacement meeting space. Parliament respectfully declined the offer and waited until Buckingham Palace was completely renovated.
Queen Victoria welcomed soldiers home from the Crimean War on the Palace’s balcony. Photo courtesy of Royal Collection Trust.
Since then, many kings and queens have made additions to Buckingham Palace: Queen Victoria added the central balcony, King Edward VII incorporated the white and gold decorative scheme still used today, King George V refaced the front of the Palace with Portland stone, and Queen Elizabeth refurbished the Private Chapel into the The Queen’s Gallery.
The Portland Stone façade was completed in 1914. Photo courtesy of royal.uk
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch as well as a venue for royal events and ceremonies. More than 50,000 people visit the Palace each year as guests to State banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and Garden Parties.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms: 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The offices of those who support the day-to-day activities of the Royal Family are located at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth in her office. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
Windsor Castle
Unknown print date of Windsor Castle. Photo courtesy of Calmgrove.
The history of this magnificent building is so rich. If you find this summary interesting, or want to know more about the other buildings, I encourage you to read more on your own!
The original Windsor Castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conquerer after the Norman invasion of England. After 16 years of construction, the Castle was finished around 1086. The Castle’s purpose was to guard a western approach to London. The location’s easy access from the capital made it an ideal location for a royal residence. Henry I made domestic quarters within the Castle, while his grandson converted the Castle into a palace by adding royal apartments within the fortified walls.
Before the castle was made out of Bagshot Heath, it was made of timber until the late 12th century. To further increase security, the entire perimeter of the building was renewed over the next 60 years by adding a circuit of stone walls around the Lower Ward.
Windsor Castle in 1658. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Edward III wanted to turn the Castle from a military fortification to a gothic palace. In order to do so, he spent £50,000 (over $70,000). This was more than any other medieval English king spent on any other single building.
As a result of Edward III and the resulting kings, Windsor Castle was now a suitable royal residence with State Apartments, engraved gates and a viewing area to watch the hunt in the nearby park.
But as always, renovation was needed to keep the Castle in pristine shape. Elizabeth I made extensive interior renovations and added a gallery overlooking the North Terrace. The Georgian kings made stylistic changes based on what was popular at the time (baroque, gothic, French Empire, etc.)
Devastation of St. George’s Hall. Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust.
On Nov. 20, 1992, a fire broke out in Queen Victoria’s private chapel. The fire quickly engulfed the roof spaces, destroying St. George’s Hall, the Grand Reception Room, the private chapel, the State Dining Room and the Crimson Drawing Room.
The long process of repair and restoration began immediately, guided by a Restoration Committee chaired by The Duke of Edinburgh. Some areas, such as St. George’s Hall, was redesigned in a modern gothic style, while others were restored to their original conditions. It took five years to complete the restoration in the Castle.
The Royal Standard. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Windsor Castle is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth, but she normally stays there only on weekends. Windsor Castle can also pride itself in being the largest occupied castle in the world.
If the Royal Standard is flown over Windsor Castle, it means the sovereign is present. If Queen Elizabeth is not present, the Union Jack Flag will fly instead. When I was at Windsor Castle, the Royal Standard was flying high. I was so close to her…. yet so far away!
I hope you learned something new and interesting in this post! But I think the best way to learn about these marvelous buildings is to see them for yourself. If you need a tour guide, let me know!
Until next time!
Cheerio,
Carly
*Information adapted from Royal Collection Trust, History.com, Wikipedia, royal.uk and Britannica.
In less than a week, I will be exploring London! I can hardly contain my excitement. I have ordered pounds from the bank, alerted my phone and credit card companies, and started packing.
Just in case Prince Harry doesn’t want to go through with the wedding when he meets me, I decided to research rules the Royal Family must follow.
And I was willing to accept all of them– until I saw the one about carbs.
Watch this video by Talltanic to see if you have what it takes to be a Royal.
The next post will review all I learned about the Royal Family in London! Until next time!
You could read for hours about the love triangle of Charles, Diana, and Camilla– but who has that kind of time? This post gives the basics on the Charles’ marriages to Diana Spencer and Camilla Shand.
Photo courtesy of Popsugar
Charles and Diana: How did they meet?
Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana first met on Nov. 16, 1977. At the time, Charles was dating Diana’s older sister, Sarah.
Three years later, Diana and Sarah were Charles’ guests at a country weekend. Diana spent the weekend watching Charles play polo. Before the weekend was over, Charles was seriously considering Diana as a potential bride.
Their relationship progressed when he invited her aboard the royal yacht Brittanica for a sailing weekend. He later invited her to Balmoral (the Royal Family’s Scottish residence) to meet his family.
Lady Diana was well received by the Queen, the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Charles and Diana: The engagement
Prince Charles proposed on Feb. 6, 1981. Lady Diana accepted, but their engagement was kept secret for the next few weeks.
Their engagement was announced to the public on Feb. 24, 1981. Diana’s engagement ring consisted of 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set, similar to her mother’s engagement ring. The Queen Mother gave Diana a sapphire and diamond brooch as an engagement present.
Photo courtesy of the Diamond Authority
After her engagement, Diana left her occupation as a kindergarten assistant and lived for a short period at Clarence House, home of the Queen Mother. She then lived at Buckingham Palace until the wedding.
Diana was the first Englishwoman in 300 years to become the spouse of an heir apparent. She was also the first royal bride to have a paying job before her engagement.
Photo courtesy of The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor
Charles and Diana: The wedding
Diana was 21 years old when she married on July 29, 1981 at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The wedding was at St. Paul’s Cathedral because it offered more seating than Westminster Abbey.
Guests, both in-person and viewing on television, described the service as a “fairytale wedding.” Over 750 million people watched the wedding on television, while 600,000 spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple en route to the ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping
At the altar, Diana said “Philip Charles” instead of “Charles Philip.” She also did not say she would “obey” him. This traditional vow, left out at the couple’s request, caused some comment at the time.
Diana’s dress and 25-foot train cost £9,000 ($12,445.92)
After the wedding, Diana automatically acquired rank as the third-highest female in the United Kingdom Order of Precedence.
Charles and Diana: The separation
After five years of marriage, the couple’s incompatibility and 13 year age difference was apparent. Prince Charles had an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, and Diana later began one with Major James Hewitt.
Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post
After increased media attention with the publication of Diana: Her True Story, Elizabeth and Philip tried to reconcile the couple.
After an unsuccessful meeting, Philip wrote Diana. He expressed his disappointment at the extra-marital affairs of both Charles and Diana. Although the letters were hard to take, Diana appreciated Philip’s good intent.
In 1992, leaked tapes of both Charles’ and Diana’s significant others caused a media eruption, nicknamed “Squidgygate” and “Camillagate.”
In December 1922, Prime Minister John Major announced the couple was amicably separated.
Charles and Diana: The divorce
Photo courtesy of People Magazine
On Dec. 20, 1995, Buckingham Palace publicly announced the Queen advised Charles and Diana to divorce. Prince Charles formally agreed to the divorce in a written statement two weeks later. In February 1996, Diana announced her agreement after negotiations with the Prince and representatives of the Queen.
The divorce was finalized on Aug. 28, 1996.
Diana received a lump sum settlement of £17 million ($23,480,400.00) as well as £400,000 (552,480.00) per year.
The couple signed a confidentiality agreement that prohibited them from discussing the details of their marriage or divorce.
Photo courtesy of the New York Times
Charles and Diana: The crash
After her divorce, Diana retained the double apartment on the north side of Kensington Palace she originally shared with Charles.
She dated a British-Pakistani heart surgeon, Hasnat Khan, who she called the love of her life. She also had a relationship with Dodi Fayed, the son of her summer host Mohamed Al-Fayed. The relationship quickly escalated, to the point where Fayed bought a yacht to entertain Diana and her sons.
Photo courtesy of NBC News
On Aug. 31, 1997, Diana was killed in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. The accident also resulted in the deaths of the driver, Henri Paul, and Fayed. Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived the crash.
Her funeral on Sept. 6 was viewed by 32.1 million people.
Charles and Camilla: Dating
Photo courtesy of The Daily Express
Charles and Camilla reportedly met in mid-1971, ten years before Charles and Diana’s wedding. They both belonged to the same social circle, occasionally attending the same event. They were formally introduced to each other at an event by a mutual friend. They became close friends and began seeing one another, which was well known within their social circle.
When they became a couple, they regularly met at polo matches at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park, where Charles played polo.
As their relationship grew more serious, Charles met Camilla’s family. Their relationship ended in early 1973 when Charles joined the Royal Navy.
Photo courtesy of TIME magazine
Charles and Camilla: Rekindling
When Charles heard of the engagement of Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, he told Lord Mountbatten “I suppose the feelings of emptiness will pass eventually.” Nevertheless, Charles and Camilla remained friends.
When Lord Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA in 1979, Charles relied heavily on Camilla for solace. During this period, rumors began circulating among family, friends and neighbors that they rekindled their intimate relationship.
Reportedly, Parker Bowles gave Camilla consent to see Philip, as long as he could see other women.
Charles and Camilla: The affair
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Charles and Camilla’s affair became public knowledge in the press a decade later with the publication of Diana: Her True Story. As a result, the “Camillagate” scandal erupted in 1993.
After the press vilified Camilla, Charles finally spoke about this relationship with Camilla in a televised interview, saying:
“Mrs. Parker Bowles is a great friend of mine…a friend for a very long time. She will continue to be a friend for a long time”
Charles also admitted he and Camilla rekindled after his marriage had “irretrievably broken down” in 1986.
Following the two couples’ divorces, Charles stated his relationship with Camilla was, and is, “non-negotiable.”
Charles and Camilla: The engagement
Photo courtesy of the Daily Mail
On Feb. 10, 2005, Clarence House announced Charles and Philip were engaged. Camilla’s diamond engagement ring was believed to have been given Queen Elizabeth after giving birth to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The ring is a square-cut diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side.
The prospect of Charles marrying a divorcée was controversial, but the Queen, government, and Church of England gave their consent.
Charles and Camilla: The wedding
The marriage was supposed to be a civil ceremony on April 8, 2005, in Windsor Castle. However, to conduct a civil marriage at Windsor Castle would oblige the venue to host marriages for the public. The venue was changed to Windsor Guildhall.
Their marriage took place on April 5, 2005.
Photo courtesy of BBC
Neither Charles’s parents nor Camilla’s father attended the ceremony. Camilla’s son and Charles’s son, Prince William, acted as witnesses to the union. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh did attend the service of blessing.
Afterwards, a reception was held by the Queen for the newlyweds at Windsor Castle.
Were you surprised by anything? What was something you wish I dived into more thoroughly? Let me know in the comments section. Until next time!
Cheerio,
Carly
* Information adapted from Britannica.com, Wikipedia, bibliography.com and biographyonline.net
This week’s entry will spotlight the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, also known as
Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh, earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich
Philip, prince of Greece and Denmark
Philip Mountbatten
Photo courtesy of NY Daily News
Philip was born in Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921. He is the only son and fifth child of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, and Princess Alice of Battenberg.
Alice went into labor on June 10, 1921. She was Corfiot doctor to the dining-room table, which he deemed the most suitable place in the house to give birth. The infant was registered in nearby Corfu Town under the name of Philippos. He was sixth in line to the Greek throne.
Philip was baptized into the Greek Orthodox Church. Because he left Greece as a baby, he does not have a strong grasp of the Greek language.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Philip was first educated at The Elms, an American school in Paris. He was described by the school’s director as “a know it all smarty person, but always remarkably polite.” In 1928, he was sent to the United Kingdom to attend Cheam School.
In the next three years, his four older sisters married German noblemen and moved to Germany, his mother was placed in an asylum after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his father moved to a small flat in Monte Carlo.
As a result, Philip had little contact with his mother and father for the remainder of his childhood.
When Philip was 16 years old, his sister, Cecilie, was killed in an air crash at Ostend.
The following year, his uncle and guardian Lord Milford Haven died of bone marrow cancer.
“The Telegraph” described his early life as such:
“He had the most unorthodox childhood: with his mother in a psychiatric clinic and his exiled father mostly absent, Prince Philip spent his early years being sent from post to pillar. Despite a succession of family tragedies, he emerged capable, charming and uncomplaining.”
Photo courtesy of The Daily Mail
As an 18-year-old, Philip joined the Royal Navy. He graduated in 1940 as the best cadet in his course.
During World War Two, he served the British forces while two of his brothers-in-law fought on the opposing German side.
Philip was appointed as a midshipman, spending four months on the battleship HMS Ramillies protecting convoys of the Australian Expeditionary Force. He was later transferred to HMS Valiant after the invasion of Greece by Italy in October 1940.
In October of 1942, Philip became the first lieutenant of HMS Wallace. At 21 years old, he was one of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy. During the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, he saved his ship from a night bomber attack by distracting the bombers with smoke.
Photo courtesy of Town and Country Magazine
In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. During their visit, they asked Philip to escort their two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret (Philip’s third cousins through Queen Victoria, and second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark.) Elizabeth fell in love with Philip, and they began to exchange letters when she was thirteen.
Eventually, in the summer of 1946, Philip asked the King for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. The King granted this request, provided any formal engagement be delayed until Elizabeth’s twenty-first birthday the following April.
In March 1947, Philip abandoned his Greek and Danish royal titles, adopted the surname Mountbatten from his mother’s family, and became a naturalized British subject.
Philip and Elizabeth’s engagement was announced to the public on July 9, 1947.
Photo courtesy of Pop Sugar
On the day preceding the wedding, King George VI bestowed the title of Royal Highnesson Philip. On the morning of the wedding, November 20, 1947, Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the Country of London.
Philip and Elizabeth were married at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was recorded and broadcast by BBC radio to 200 million people around the world. Because post-WW2 relations forbid those with German relations to be invited to the wedding, none of Philip’s sisters were present.
Their marriage is now the longest of any British sovereign.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Their two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, were born in 1948 and 1950.
With the King in ill health, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were both appointed to the Privy Council on November 4, 1951. On February 6, 1952, Philip broke the news to Elizabeth that her father passed away.
As consort to the Queen, Philip supports his wife in her duties as sovereign, accompanying her to ceremonies, countries, state dinners and tours abroad. Philip was not crowned in the service, but knelt before Elizabeth, with her hands enclosing his, and swore to be her “liege man of life and limb”.
Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Sun
At the beginning of 1981, Philip wrote to his oldest son, Charles, telling him to either propose to Lady Diana Spencer or break off their courtship. Charles felt pressured by his father to make a decision and did so, proposing to Diana in February. They married six months later.
After Lady Diana Spencer’s death, Mohamed Fayed, whose son was killed in the same crash, claimed Prince Philip ordered the death of Diana and staged the accident. The inquest into the Princess of Wales’s death concluded there was no evidence of a conspiracy.
Photo courtesy of E! Online
During his wife’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Duke was commended by the Speaker of the British House of Commons for his role in supporting the Queen. Philip has held the title of royal consult longer than any other in consort in British history. His wife, the Queen, gave him the title Lord High Admiral for his 90th birthday.
After several health incidents, Prince Philip retired from his royal duties on August 2, 2017. Since 1952, he has completed 22,219 solo engagements.
On November 20, 2017, Prince Philip celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with the Queen, which made her the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary.
Prince Philip receives a Parliamentary annuity of £359,000 (or half a million dollars,) which serves to meet official expenses in carrying out public duties. Any part of the allowance that is not used to meet official expenditure is liable for tax.
Photo courtesy of The Telegraph
Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time!
Welcome to the first Royal spotlight! In these posts, I will highlight the life of a Royal. And of course, it is only fitting to begin with the Queen!
Or should I say Queen Elizabeth II,by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Photo courtesy of Canada.com
Queen Elizabeth II was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926. She was delivered by Caesarean section at her maternal grandfather’s London house. She is the eldest child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later George VI,) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Mother.) At the time of her birth, her father was second in line to the throne. Just ten years later, Prince Albert’s older brother, Edward VII, abdicated the throne. On December 11, 1936, her father began his reign as King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Elizabeth, called “Lilibet” by her close family, was educated at home with her sister, Princess Margaret. The two princesses were educated by their mother and governess Marion Crawford. Their lessons concentrated on history, language, literature and music. Elizabeth valued orderliness and responsibility at an astonishing level for an infant. But, she also loved horses and dogs just like any other child.
When Britain entered WWII in September 1939, the princesses were evacuated due to frequent aerial bombing. Princess Elizabeth and Margaret stayed at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Sandringham House, Norfolk, Royal Lodge, Windsor, and Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
Photo courtesy of The History Notes
In 1940, 14-year-old Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast during the BBC’s Children’s Hour, saying:
“We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well.”
At the age of 19, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she served as a driver and mechanic.
On Victory Day in Europe, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret mingled anonymously with the celebrity crowns in the streets of London. She said:
“We asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves. I remember we were terrified of being recognized … I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall.”
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
After the war, she began to increase her public service by making her first overseas trip to South Africa in 1947.
On her 21st birthday, she made the following pledge:
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
Elizabeth met her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, in 1934. They are second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark. Even though Elizabeth was 13 at the time, she said she fell in love with Philip. They often exchanged love letters to one another. She was 21 when their engagement was officially announced on July 9, 1947.
Photo courtesy of Retro Kimmer
Elizabeth and Philip were married on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey. At the wedding, they received 2,500 gifts from around the world. Because Britain had not yet completely recovered from the devastation of the war, Elizabeth required ration coupons to buy the material for her gown.
Photo courtesy of ABC
Just one year after their marriage, Prince Charles was born. A second child, Princess Anne, was born in 1950.
During 1951, George VI’s health declined, causing Elizabeth to frequently stand in for him at public events. On February 6, 1952, Elizabeth received the news that her father passed away. Elizabeth immediately ascended to the throne, and she and the Duke of Edinburg moved into Buckingham Palace.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Family
Despite the death of Queen Mary on March 24, the coronation went as planned on June 2, 1953. The ceremony took place in Westminster Abbey. Elizabeth’s coronation gown was embroidered with floral emblems of Commonwealth countries.
Photo courtesy of The Guardia
The British Empire continued its transformation into the Commonwealth of Nations. By the time of her accession in 1952, her role as head of multiple independent states was already established. Throughout her reign, the Queen has made hundreds of state visits to other countries, making her the most widely traveled head of state.
1997 marked Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee of her accession. Parties and events took place throughout the Commonwealth that re-affirmed the Queen’s popularity.
Photo courtesy of The Telegraph
In 1981, six weeks before the wedding of Charles, Prince of Whales and Lady Diana Spencer, six shots were fired at the Queen as she rode down The Mall on her horse, Burmese. Police later discovered the shots were blanks. The 17-year-old assailant, Marcus Sarjeant, was sentenced to five years in prison and released after three. The Queen’s composure and skill in controlling her mount were widely praised.
In the wake of coalition victory in the Gulf War, the Queen became the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress in 1941.
Photo courtesy of Country Life
In November 1997, the Queen and her husband held a reception at Banqueting House to mark their golden wedding anniversary. She made a speech praising Philip for his role as a consort, referring to him as “my strength and stay.”
2002 marked Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee. Because her sister and mother died in February and March respectively, the media speculated whether the Jubilee would be a success or failure. A million people attended each day of the three-day main Jubilee celebration in London. The enthusiasm shown by the public for the Queen was greater than many journalists expected.
Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 marked 60 years on the throne. Celebrations were held throughout her realms, the wider Commonwealth, and beyond. In a message released on Accession Day, Elizabeth wrote:
“In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness … I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart.”
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
The Queen does not intend to abdicate, though Prince Charles is expected to take on more of her duties as Elizabeth, who celebrated her 91st birthday in 2017, carries out fewer public engagements. Plans for her death and funeral have been extensively prepared by most British government and media organizations for decades.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Did you learn something new? Or shocking? Or is there something else you want to contribute? Be sure to comment below.
Until next time…
Cheerio,
Carly
* Information adapted from Britannica.com, Wikipedia, bibliography.com and biographyonline.net
Every little girl dreams of being a princess. Being a tall tomboy myself, I thought my story would turn out like Mia Thermopolis’ in “The Princess Diaries.” Unfortunately, I never discovered I was the princess of a small European principality.
Because of “The Princess Diaries” and many movies like it, some people think all royal people do is enjoy makeovers, limousine rides, and of course– mattress surfing.
So, what do real kings and queens do? And how does their family pitch in?
Photo courtesy of royal.uk
First, the official members of the Royal Family include The Queen’s children, grandchildren and their spouses, and her cousins (children of King George VI’s brothers) and their spouses.
The primary responsibility of the Royal Family is to support The Queen in her many endeavors: state duties, national duties, public service, charity and strengthening national unity.
Members of the Royal Family are responsible for carrying out the official duties in the UK and abroad when The Queen cannot be present. In 2017, Queen Elizabeth II conducted 296 engagements, and members of the Royal Family facilitated 3,313 others. Some of these engagements include official State responsibilities, while others include parties, press releases and presenting citizens with awards.
The Royal Family also entertains 70,000 guests a year in their residences, as well as answers 100,00 letters from curious people like you and me.
The Royal Family is responsible for representing the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of Kentucky? Not quite. Countries in the Commonwealth realm share Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and reigning constitutional monarch, but retains a crown legally distinct from other countries. The 16 countries in the Commonwealth are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the United Kingdom.
Photo courtesy of the Daily Express
Members of the Royal Family who travel overseas may represent The Queen at State funerals, national festivities, or diplomatic and economic relations meetings.
The Royal Family is well known for their role in supporting charities. Currently, over 3,000 organizations list a member of the Royal Family as their patron or president, including the British Red Cross and Reedham Children’s Trust.
These charities, ranging in size and purpose, allow members of the Royal Family to meet the citizens they serve.
Some members of the Royal Family established their own charities:
The Royal Family also supports the work of the Armed Services. In addition to their official relationship with the Forces, the Royals will regularly visit soldiers, sailors and airmen.
And finally, the Royal Family duty we are most familiar with– strengthening national unity. With their bubbly personalities, the Royal Family participates in local events to build community within their nation and relate to citizens’ everyday life.
Did any of these duties surprise you? Did you learn something new, or have further questions? If so, you are always welcome to leave a comment.
Cheerio,
Carly
* Information in this blog was adapted from www.royal.uk
Welcome to “A Touch of Royalty.” My name is Carly Middleton, and I am a sophomore organizational communication and journalism double major at Murray State University. During spring break, I have the amazing opportunity to study abroad in London with my intercultural communication class. In order to learn more about London’s culture, I am writing a blog featuring the Royal Family. I hope each post you read leaves you with a touch of royalty.
A Touch of Royalty 