From the beginning, the unexpected has pervaded the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

As a child, “Lilibet” and her younger sister Margaret were groomed for a life considered ordinary by royal standards. However, at the age of 10, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor’s future as Defender of the Faith was sealed when her father took the throne in an unforeseen turn of events.

It would be the first of many detours along the royal road ahead.

In honor of her Diamond Jubilee, which this year celebrates six decades of her rule, here are Queen Elizabeth’s Top 10 Royal Moments:

1. The Abdication of King Edward VIII

When Elizabeth’s grandfather King George V died in 1936, the crown passed to her uncle King Edward VIII.

However, Edward refused to forsake plans to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson, opting instead to abdicate the throne less than a year after his father’s death.

The switch propelled her father, George VI, to the throne and altered Elizabeth’s life forever. Suddenly the 10-year-old girl was reading the latest political news and absorbing lessons on British government.

Here’s a video of his historic speech:

2. Accession to the Throne

On Feb. 6, 1952, while on a trip to Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip, Elizabeth learned her father had died and she had inherited the crown at the age of 25. She immediately returned to Britain as quickly as possible.

Thrust into the global spotlight, Elizabeth was named Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year – 1952.

Here’s a historical video all bout her Accession Day:

3. Coronation

Elizabeth’s coronation as Queen at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953 was the first coronation broadcast on television.

The more than 8,000 guests, including prime ministers and other heads of state from throughout the Commonwealth, witnessed the Archbishop of Canterbury place the crown on her head.

In a radio broadcast marking the occasion, the Queen said, “throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

4. Silver Jubilee – 1977

More than one million people gathered along the streets of London to watch the Royal Family, led by the Queen and Prince Philip in the golden state coach, on its way to St. Paul’s at the launch of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

“I want to thank all those in Britain and the Commonwealth who, through their loyalty and friendship, have given me strength and encouragement during these last 25 years,” said the Queen at the time.

5. “Annus Horribilis”

In a speech given Nov. 24, 1992 to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession, the Queen referred to 1992 as her “annus horribilis,” or horrible year.

It was, after all, the year her sons Prince Charles and Andrew, the Duke of York separated from their wives, Diana and Sarah, respectively; daughter Princess Anne divorced; and a fire destroyed a portion of Windsor Castle.

During that speech, Elizabeth said, “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. … I sometimes wonder how future generations will judge the events of this tumultuous year. I dare say that history will take a slightly more moderate view than that of some contemporary commentators.”

6. Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

When Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, died following a car crash on Aug. 31, 1997, members of the Royal Family were depicted as unemotional and lacking in compassion for not displaying grief publicly.

The Queen subsequently broke convention by bowing to Diana’s coffin as it passed Buckingham Palace during the funeral procession and paid tribute to Diana during a live television broadcast on Sept. 9, 1997, thereby ending criticism from the tabloids.

During her speech, Elizabeth said, “Since last Sunday’s dreadful news, we have seen, throughout Britain and around the world, an overwhelming expression of sadness at Diana’s death. We have all been trying in our different ways to cope. It is not easy to express a sense of loss, since the initial shock is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings: disbelief, incomprehension, anger and concern for those who remain. We have all felt those emotions in the last few days. So what I say to you now, as your queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. First I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys.”

7. The Deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother

In 2002, the Queen lost her sister and only sibling, Princess Margaret, and her mother, the Queen Mother.

Margaret died Feb. 9. In a statement from the Palace, the Queen announced her death “with great sadness.”

The Queen Mother died the following month on March 30 at the age of 101 with Elizabeth at her bedside.

8. Reception for Charles and Camilla

Despite her well-known disapproval of their relationship, the Queen held a reception at Windsor Castle in honor of the April 9, 2005 marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. She and Philip did not attend the civil wedding ceremony.

The marriage was said to have been the culmination of the long and controversial relationship of Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

9. Advising Prince William on his Wedding

The Queen assisted her grandson in planning his April 29, 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton.

Not only did Elizabeth advise William regarding what to wear (his Irish Guards uniform), she helped shape the guest list for the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. “I rang her up and said ‘Do we need to be doing this?’ ” he said in an article printed in The Daily Mail. “And she said, ‘No. Start with your friends first and then go from there.’ And she told me to bin the list.”

10. Farewell Tour, Visit to Ireland

Last year, at the age of 85, the Queen embarked on what many referred to as her “Farewell Tour” of the Australia, her 16th visit to the continent.

She also became the first monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since it gained independence in the 1920s. The historic four-day visit was conducted in May.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by Leeann Neal. LeeAnn is an Oregon coast freelance writer and journalist. Her grandmother, whose own grandparents moved to the United States from London in the 1800s, was a staunch Anglophile who insisted on passing on the ritual of afternoon tea, and who made Yorkshire pudding from scratch each Christmas.

What’s your favorite moment of the Queen’s 60 year reign? Let us know in the comments!

Diamond Jubilee: The Queen’s Top 10 Royal Moments of Her 60 Year Reign is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Duke of Edinburgh has completed his first official engagement since his heart operation over the Christmas period at Cambridge University.

Prince Philip returns to work after health scare is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Fergie Cancels US Trip

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has cancelled a planned trip to the US for fear that Turkey could press to extradite her.

Ferguson has had charges brought against her for her covert filming of the living conditions of a state-run orphanage in Turkey. The US-Turkish extradition treaty could cause the Duchess of Controversy a huge headache.

The Duchess stands by her documentary, which she filmed for ITV in 2008 with her younger daughter, Princess Eugenie.

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You Can’t Make It Up: Dwarf blames injuries on Mike Tindall

Martin Henderson was attacked by a man he claims was imitating Mike Tindall’s rugby team behavior in a “dwarf tossing” event in New Zealand.

Henderson, who has appeared in “Harry Potter”movies and various television shows, says he worries that the injuries he suffered may end his career.

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The “Aye-Ayes” Have It: Royal Yacht To Proceed

Construction of a new royal yacht is to be funded by money raised from donating members of the public and corporate sponsors. The idea for the yacht is the brainchild of the charity Future Ship Project 21st Century.

The new ship is to replace the old yacht, Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997. To the Queen and royal family, however, nothing will truly replace Britannia. Launched in 1953 (the year of the Queen’s coronation) it carried members of the royal family on almost 1000 official voyages over 44 years. Her Majesty spent some of her happiest times on this ship, bringing along her young children – Charles and Anne – during voyages.

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He’s Out, But Not Down: Philip Gives Up Shooting

The Duke of Edinburgh’s health scare over the Christmas holiday has led his doctors to one conclusion: give up shooting.

Philip, who had been suffering chest pains, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was fitted with a stent to open a blocked coronary artery. After a few days of rest, the doctors let him return to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the royals’ Christmas holiday residence.

Now it is being reported that the Duke’s doctors have advised him to give up shooting for fear of gun recoil. The jerk of a recoil from a shotgun could dislodge the stent.

Philip has already given up carriage driving, a passion of his since the 1970s. In 2010 the Duke sustained an ankle injury while carriage driving in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

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Ascot’s Dresscode Reinforced

After a spate of “night club” attire popping up all over Ascot in the past few years, the organizers of the historic racing venue have decided to put the kibosh on casual.

Nick Smith, a spokesman for Ascot, said: “It is stretching a point to say standards have collapsed but there is no doubt that our customers would like to get back to a situation where it is universally acknowledged that this is a formal occasion and not an occasion where you might dress as you would at a nightclub.

Royal Round Up 1-18-12: Fergie Cancels US Trip; Midget Blames Mike; Philip Sidelined; Royal Yacht Reborn; Ascot Attire Revamped is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Middleton Family – How To Celebrate the Queen

The Middleton business empire, Party Pieces, has served up a dollop of party princess power. Now they’re giving tips on how to have a cost-effective celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Are they cashing in? [Read more]

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Pippa’s photos stolen

Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, has been a victim of money-grabbing thieves.

Pippa’s camera, which she had left in her car, was stolen and the contents were offered up to the Sun newspaper for the tidy sum of 25,000 GBP in 2008.The images included vacation pictures of Pippa’s future brother-in-law, Prince William, and her sister, Kate.

The Sun never ran the photos, but didn’t fail in its perceived duty to describe them in detail in an article.

The photos from Pippa’s camera being offered to the tabloid Sun is only a fraction of the ongoing controversy concerning the now-defunct News of the World and many other British tabloid newspapers. Journalists and other employees of the newspaper were accused of deceptive and illegal practices, including phone hacking and bribery.

Several celebrities have come forward to complain that their privacy has been invaded through phone hacking, and even Prince William has fallen pray to the practice.The British Royal Family alleged that the News of the World, the “sister” newspaper to the Sun, had illegally tapped into private voicemails of Prince William in 2005. The paper’s editor, Andy Coulson, abruptly resigned but claimed that he had no knowledge of any illegal activities.

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Duchess C hits the Big 3-0

The Duchess of Cambridge celebrated her 30th birthday on Monday, January 9th. The loyal Canadians over at the Toronto Star give us a lovely selection of photos as well as profiles of other royals and where they were at 30. See here!

Catherine now looks forward to beginning her new patronages. Her choices are:

The Art Room – Learning and achieving through Art. A charity that provides art as therapy to children in Oxford and Islington.

Action on Addiction – working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education, support for families and children and campaigns.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices – EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Scouts (UK) – The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25. Internationally, we have over 28 million young people enjoying the benefits of Scouting  across 216 countries.

The National Portrait Gallery – As well as the permanent displays, the Gallery has a diverse and ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events which promote an appreciation of portraiture in all forms, and an energetic learning and outreach programme.

From The Prince of Wales official website.

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Countess of Wessex gifts questioned

The Daily Mail trumpets the headline: “Countess faces questions after accepting lavish jewellery gifts from bloody Bahrain”

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her husband, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, accepted gifts from the Crown Prince of Bahrain during their visit to the country. Sophie received two suites of jewels, at fact which many people protest in light of the country’s human rights abuses.

Last March, Bahrain imposed martial law to keep down protestors calling for the ruling family to give up some of their power. The Al-Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain for over two centuries, and members of the family still comprise most of the government.

Former Foreign Office minister Denis MacShane has called for the Countess of Wessex to auction the jewels and donate the proceeds to the victims of the Bahraini government’s violence.

Other gifts given to the British royals…

Royal Round Up 1-11-11: Pippa’s Pics Stolen; Catherine’s Birthday Milestone; Sophie Wessex Jewel Maelstrom is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Body Found On Sandringham Estate

Police have launched a murder inquiry after the remains of a human body were found in the woods of the Queen’s Sandringham estate. Norfolk police have determined that it was a female corpse, but have not yet ascertained her identity.

A member of the public out walking on New Year’s Day discovered the body.

Sandringham has had a string of bad luck in the recent years – a mystery illness has killed at least eight dogs exercised in the woods of Sandringham. The sickness was suspected to be caused by possible contact with local plants, but researchers investigating a recent 2011 outbreak of “Seasonal Canine Illness” debunked that theory.

In March 2011, the body of a homeless man was discovered on a small island in St. James’ Park just outside Buckingham Palace. The autopsy determined that he had been dead for about three years, but no cause of death was found.

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“Early Photoshopping” For King George VI

The coronation of King Edward VIII was highly anticipated. Commemorative cups, saucers, and other memorabilia had been created, as well as an official coronation portrait. However, Edward threw a monkey wrench in the works by abdicating in 1936. The original artist didn’t mind, it seems: he painted him out and replaced his head with that of his brother, the newly minted King George VI.

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Queen’s list of New Year’s honorees released

The annual UK Honors List, announcing new knighthoods, was released for 2012. The Guardian newspaper, however, was irritated at the list of folks named.

An editorial from the Guardian says that “Too many recipients of honours are clearly undeserving”.

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The Royal Collection Displays Queen’s Jewels

The Royal Collection will put on a sparkly, awe-inspiring show of diamonds, including many of the Queen’s personal jewels, to mark her 60 years on throne.

Diamonds are the theme this year as 60 years is considered to be a diamond landmark, a precedent set by Queen Victoria for her own 60 years on the throne.

Among the items on display will be the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, a personal favorite of this royal blogger. It was a wedding gift to the Queen’s grandmother, Queen Mary, upon her marriage to the then-Duke of York.

Royal Round Up 1-3-12: Sandringham Murder; Queen’s Jewels; Honors List; 1936 Photoshopping is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Duke of Edinburgh Sent To Hospital For Chest Pains

The inimitable Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was suffering chest pains and was immediately flown from Sandringham to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire nearby. As it turns out, Philip had a blocked coronary artery and needed a stent put in to clear the blockage.

When asked how his father was feeling, Prince Charles said that Philip was “resilient” and “very determined”, two very apropos descriptions for the 90-year-old Duke.

The Duke was kept in the hospital for observation for four days after the procedure. By that time, Philip had had enough. He was allowed to leave and return to Sandringham, and he waved cheerfully to the crowds amassed outside as he drove away from the hospital.

True to form, he dove right back into the traditional Christmas activities: shooting game on the Sandringham estate. Though he was not an active participant, Philip was happy to observe the action.

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David Cameron Praises Queen’s Trip To Eire

Prime Minister Cameron has praised the Queen’s trip to The Republic of Ireland last May as being a “game-changer”. He enthusiastically spoke of the warm welcome extended to the Queen and her husband during their state visit, and intimated that it is a “new era” for the relationship between Ireland and the UK.

It has even been mentioned that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge might visit Ireland in the near future to further cement ties.

The Queen’s visit to the country was the first time a British sovereign had been in Ireland for 100 years. The previous visit was made by the Queen’s grandfather, King George V.

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Duchess C Dazzles In Velvet

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry for a glam night of fun for The Sun’s Military Awards (alternately known as “Night of Heroes”).

Many people commented that Catherine’s black strapless gown was reminiscent of a famous Diana gown of the 1980s. Diana attended a gala as the fiancée of Prince Charles, where she also met Princess Grace of Monaco.

Catherine’s diamond and ruby necklace has been pegged as a possible convertible tiara (see the article here).

Royal Round Up 12-27-11: Duke Has Surgery; Catherine Dazzles; Queen’s Irish Trip Praised By PM is a post from: Anglotopia.net

As we have posted in previous years, here’s the traditional Queen’s annual Christmas message to her subjects for 2011.

Watch it now below!

Happy Christmas Your Majesty!

The Queen: The 2011 Christmas Message – Queen’s Christmas Speech – Watch Now! is a post from: Anglotopia.net

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a series of regional visits and engagements throughout the United Kingdom during 2012.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, supported by other members of the Royal Family, will be travelling as widely as possible across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Details of the programme will include:

In addition, members of the Royal Family will travel overseas representing The Queen throughout the Diamond Jubilee year, visiting every Realm as well as undertaking visits to Commonwealth countries, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

Her Majesty has asked that these visits include the following:

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea

The Prince of Wales: Channel Islands, Isle of Man

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: Malaysia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu

Prince Harry: Belize, Jamaica, The Bahamas

The Duke of York: India

The Earl and Countess of Wessex: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Gibraltar, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

The Princess Royal: Mozambique, Zambia

The Duke of Gloucester: British Virgin Islands, Malta

The Duke of Kent: Falkland Islands, Uganda

Further details of the regional and overseas visits will be announced in due course.

Diamond Jubilee: Queen’s Engagements for 2012 and Royal Family Tours Abroad Announced, Royal Couple Tours is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Below is a great selection of links. Enjoy!

The owner of the barge selected to host the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee Pageant the River Thames says the ship will be completely transformed for the event. Read more – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: barge to be transformed into ‘regal podium’

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The Prince of Wales has created a post of head of fundraising for his charities as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attract donations to their own organisation. Read more – The Prince of Wales enters a new era with his ‘super fundraiser’

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Thanks to King Edward VIII’s abdication, the House of Windsor has never been stronger, says Andrew Roberts. Read more – 2011: A vintage year for the Royal family

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Rumours that Edward Vlll, then Prince of Wales, and future king, had fallen in love with the American divorcee Mrs Wallis Simpson had swirled around high society for some time and were confirmed by gossipy stories cut from foreign newspapers and posted to relatives back home in the UK… Read more – 1936: British press finally break silence on Wallis Simpson affair

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Prince Charles’ lawyers seek to challenge a judicial ruling that threatens to expose the environmental impact of his Duchy of Cornwall estate. Read more -
Prince Charles to challenge ruling set to lift secrecy about his estate

Royal Round Up 12-14-11: Link Time is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Saturday Night Live spoofed the Royal Family again this past Saturday, riffing on the Kate Middleton pregnancy rumors to hilarious affect.

Features impressions of The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Features Katy Perry as Pippa Middleton.

Check out the Royal Family SNL spoof video below:

Royal Jest: Saturday Night Live Spoofs the Royal Family Again – Katy Perry as Pippa is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Like many of us, the Royal Family will gather together around a trimmed tree this Christmas and pause to reflect upon the passing year. The royals also celebrate the season, like many families, with traditions that have been passed down through the years.

Let’s take a look at some of the Royal traditions at Christmas:

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, also known as Queen Victoria’s husband, was the first to really get things rolling in the Royal Family. The Prince Consort introduced the Christmas tree, a German tradition, a custom that soon spread throughout England.

Today, the Royal Family spend Christmas at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate acquired in 1866 by the Queen’s great-grandfather, Edward VII. Sandringham quickly became a part of the family’s holiday traditions.

The Queen arrives at Sandringham for Christmas and works there until February (when she’s not in residence, the house is open to the public). It is at Sandringham that the Royal Family partake of their favorite outdoor pursuit – grouse shooting.

The Queen’s great-grandfather, as Prince of Wales, absolutely loved the outdoors and shooting was a passion. It’s because of Edward that Sandringham developed its own timeframe, aptly named “Sandringham Time”. Edward set the all the clocks a half an hour later in order to obtain the most time from the waning winter light so that he could shoot.

Edward’s son, George V, maintained Sandringham Time even during his own reign. This unique tradition ended during the brief reign of his controversial grandson and namesake, Edward VIII.

The Queen and Prince Philip, along with their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, all attend the annual Christmas Day church service at a small chapel within the estate. Afterwards, they partake of Christmas lunch and break open crackers filled with paper hats and jokes.

Later in the afternoon, the royals sit down to watch Her Majesty’s televised Christmas message to the nation. This particular tradition began in 1932 with her grandfather, George V. The king broadcast his Christmas address via radio from a room in Sandringham, and the tradition lives on today. The Queen made history of her own when she delivered her first televised Christmas message in 1957 from the library at Sandringham.

This year, the Royal Family celebrate Christmas with new members of the team – the new Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa.

The former Kate Middleton, who married Prince William last April, is spending her first Christmas at Sandringham. Reports say that her younger sister Pippa (Philippa) is joining her.

For more about the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, visit SandringhamEstate.co.uk

Happy Christmas (and Frohe Weihnachten)!

Your Guide to Royal Family Christmas Traditions – What’s Christmas like In The British Royal Family? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Lincoln Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe. On the day of the visit, it was announced that His Royal Highness will become Patron of the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund.

Video: The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Lincoln Cathedral is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Duchess of Cambridge Style Alert FYI

Whether it’s her clothes or her weight, the Duchess of Cambridge is critiqued for her appearance at every turn. Now people are in a tizzy about her hair and her teeth.

Reports are now flying about Duchess Catherine’s chompers being artistically realigned by a pioneering French dental surgeon.

Unlike America’s view of dental beauty – where teeth are bleached white and perfectly straightened to resembled dentures – Dr. Didier Fillion, a London-based dental surgeon, views “harmonious asymmetry” as the way to go.

Dr. Fillion claims to be the one who gave Duchess C her dazzling smile through “micro rotations” so that her teeth still retain a natural look.

Whatever next!?

Since you asked: James Pryce, the Duchess’ hairstylist back when she was plain old Kate Middleton, has left the Richard Ward salon in Chelsea. Pryce has departed for the Duchess of Cambridge’s personal camp, and it has ruffled many feathers.

Reports say that there is considerable anger over Pryce’s departure. The salon feels that they made his name and that he shouldn’t be leaving.

No one was apparently available for direct comment.

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Royal Mint Loses The Queen’s Jubilee Medal

Ironically, the Royal Mint will not officially be associated with the royal celebration of the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The centuries old mint has the exclusive contract to supply all British coinage. It also produced the medals for the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees, 1977 and 2002 respectively. This year, the Mint was given competition when the Ministry of Defence held an open competition in accordance with European Union procurement rules.

Thankfully, the company making the Diamond Jubilee medals is still in the U.K.: the Midlands-area Worcestershire Medal Services will be paid more than £7 million to mint the medals

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Mike Makes a Comeback

Princess Anne’s son-in-law has returned to his position on the England rugby team.

Mike Tindall, the husband of Zara Phillips, was charged a £25,000 fine and thrown off the team after some wild partying with another woman caught the media’s attention. Mike’s behavior at the recent World Cup in New Zealand was deemed boorish and irresponsible, but then he was tagged as a liar when it came to light that he wasn’t entirely truthful when discussing what went on that evening.

However, an appeal was made and Mike is back on the team. His fine was also reduced.

Royal Round Up 11-30-11: Cambridge Style Upset; Mint Loses Jubilee Medal; Mike Makes a Comeback is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Wind Farms and Fairy Tales

In his usual inimitable style, the Duke of Edinburgh has proclaimed that wind farms “are useless”.

Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband of 64 years, embraces much of today’s technology. Wind turbines, however, fail to impress.

Philip has accused people who support the building of wind farms as believing in a “fairy tale”.

The Telegraph reports:

When Esbjorn Wilmar, of Infinergy, which builds and operates turbines, introduced himself to the Duke at a reception in London, he found himself on the end of an outspoken attack on his industry.

“He said they were absolutely useless, completely reliant on subsidies and an absolute disgrace,” said Mr Wilmar. “I was surprised by his very frank views.”

(Mr. Wilmar has obviously never been privy to the stories of Philip’s legendary quips and strong opinions. One might be taken aback!)

Despite his apparent disapproval, the Duke is not against green energy. In September, Archimedes Screw turbines were installed at Romney Weir on the River Thames, just a few miles from Windsor Castle. They will be ready to operate this month.

A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal household “now has an agreement in place to purchase the energy generated by the hydro scheme”.

“We have been looking at this for a number of years. It is one of a number of green initiatives introduced at royal residences by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.”

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The Queen welcomes President of Turkey

The Queen and her government have welcomed the President of Turkey today with a 41-gun royal salute and royal band.

Abdullah Gul is in the country for a three-day state visit. He will be meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron for talks regarding Turkey’s entrance into the European Union. Turkey is a candidate country for EU membership following the Helsinki European Council of December 1999.

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Royal Row Between Brothers

According to this Chicago Sun-Times article, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are under their Uncle Charles’ skin.

The “usually reliable” palace source for this article states that Charles has been making sharp comments regarding how they represent the royal family since the debut of THAT hat.

During the royal wedding in April, Princess Beatrice debuted her infamous hat, which has been compared to everything from ovaries to horns. Prince Charles was not amused. Fearful, perhaps, that they are leaning a little too close to their mother Sarah Ferguson’s wild and wacky ways.

Charles and his brother, Prince Andrew, father to Beatrice and Eugenie, are facing off over the role of the princesses in public life. Charles thinks they should be cut out of the senior royal line up and and in a professional career. Andrew wants them to have protection officers and a more prominent royal role.

What will become of the York Princesses? Stay tuned….

Royal Round Up 11-23-11: Philip vs Wind Turbines; Turkey Talks; York Conundrum; is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Argentina Not Amused At William’s Falklands Landing

Flight Lieutenant Wales of the RAF is causing controversy with his Falklands post.

Prince William, the second-in-line to Britain’s throne, is stirring angry feelings with his posting, expected next year, as the 30th anniversary of the start of the Falklands War occurs in April of 2012.

In 1982, Argentina’s military junta invaded the islands. Britain sent in its military and thus the Falklands War began. The Queen’s son, Prince Andrew, fought as a pilot of a Sea King helicopter of 820 Squadron on HMS Invincible. It is inevitable, then, that the Argentinians would not look favorably upon the arrival of his nephew 29 years later.

The Ministry of Defense has said that the Duke’s deployment is “routine” and “forms part of a normal squadron crew rotation”. Argentina, however, is intensely irritated.

Relations between Britain and Argentina have long been rocky – most of the Argentine settlers on the islands were expelled by a US warship in 1831 and a British expedition took control of the territory the following year. British sovereignty was declared in 1833, but Argentina has disputed this claim ever since. They even refer to the islands by a different name: the Spanish “Malvinas”.

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Duchess C Heads Out For The Shoot

The Royal Family decamps to their Norfolk estate of Sandringham each Christmas season, and this year Duchess Catherine is having a go at her first Sandringham shoot .

Naturally, she will want to put her best foot forward, and it’s been reported that the newly minted Duchess is keen to hone her skills before the traditional Boxing Day pheasant shoot. She has been receiving shooting lessons from Prince Charles’ hunt attendant.

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Duchy Out In The Open

A judge’s ruling states that the Duchy of Cornwall is not a private estate, but a public authority. The duchy, which provides the prince with his income, will now be subject to significant public scrutiny.

An information tribunal declared that the duchy must release information about its activities as they affect the environment, but Prince Charles and his lawyers had blocked attempts to access certain files regarding a controversial non-native oyster farm. They said that they didn’t have to release the information because the duchy is a private estate. The judge didn’t buy it.

The Duchy is around 53,628 hectares (207 square miles) of land spread over 23 counties, most of which covers Southwest England. The duchy has traditionally provided income for The Prince of Wales, and the current incumbent is no exception.

From the Duchy of Cornwall’s official site:

The Duchy estate was created in 1337 by Edward III for his son and heir, Prince Edward (later known as The Black Prince) who became the first Duke of Cornwall. The Duchy’s primary function is to provide an income from its assets for The Prince of Wales.

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Recommended:

Albert and Charlene Attend Princess Grace Awards [photos]

The Duke of York Reveals His Anxiety Over Falklands

Faking it: Royal bums, buns and bridesmaids

Royal Round Up 11-16-11: Angry Argentina; Catherine Shoots; Duchy Revealed is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Royal Australian Tour Is A Smashing Success

Upon arrival in Australia on Wednesday, October 19th, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted at the Royal Australian Air Force base by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

Bryce curtsied as protocol required upon greeting the Queen, but Gillard chose to shake the Queen’s hand and give a slight bow. It caused quite a stir and Gillard was pegged as “rude”.

“If she isn’t a royalist, it’s not a matter of that; it’s a matter of paying courtesy to a queen, to the Queen,” said June Dally-Watkins, an Australian etiquette expert.

Gillard said she was told to do what she “was most comfortable with”.

Reports say that the lack of curtsey is merely a “storm in a teacup”. The Queen is said to be “delighted” with the warm reception she has received in Australia.

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Prince To Postpone Party-Hearty Ways

Prince Harry will be taming his late night trawling for an upcoming tour.

Harry is expected to undertake his first solo tour in 2012 – in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – representing his grandmother in the Commonwealth Nations.

This tour marks a “coming of age” for Harry as it prepares him for the eventual division of the current household, which he shares with William. Upon the completion of William’s military duties, the princes will each have their own household, representing the Queen in their own capacity.

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Queen’s Australia Trip May Overturn Succession Law

British Prime Minister David Cameron, with the backing of the Queen, has discussed overturning the ancient law of primogeniture in the United Kingdom.

Currently, if a first-born royal child is a girl, she will be automatically superseded in the line of succession if a male sibling is born.

With the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton in April, the topic of primogeniture has been a major talking point. It has been deemed out of date in the current modern era, and the Queen is set to support the change. Her Majesty needs the approval of Commonwealth countries to enact such a change, so the royal tour is the time to seize the moment.

David Howell, the Foreign Office minister for the Commonwealth, said that he believed the matter of royal succession “will be discussed and I believe approved at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth”.

Royal Round Up 10-26-11: Curtsey Controversy; Harry Set To Make Mark; Succession Law Countdown is a post from: Anglotopia.net

This post was brought to you by Aussietopia – the website for people who love Australia.

The Queen has arrived in Australia for her official visit as Queen of Australia.

Here’s a video:

Here’s another video:

Here are some pictures:

If you’re curious about what The Queen will be up to in Australia – here’s the itinerary.

The Queen: Elizabeth II Arrives in Australia for State Visit is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Queen To Be Great-Grandmother, Round 2

The Palace has announced that a new member of the Windsor family will be born in March 2012. The Queen’s eldest grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife Autumn are expecting their second child, the second grandchild for Princess Anne and second great-grandchild for the Queen and Prince Philip.

Peter and Autumn already have a baby daughter, Savannah, born December 2010.

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Plans to Abolish Primogeniture Backed By The Queen

It is reported that the Queen is backing the coalition government’s moves to repeal the primogeniture law, in place for centuries. Primogeniture places male heirs ahead of their sisters in the line of succession, even if the sister is the elder sibling.

David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has been vying for the consent of fifteen Commonwealth countries to reform the law.

With the Queen backing the change, her visit to Australia this week and her attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth will be crucial in gaining support of the reform.

Read More…

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Princess Royal Honors Wootton Bassett

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, created the town of Wootton Bassett a “royal” town during a ceremony on October 16th.

The Princess bestowed the Letters Patent issued by the Queen to officially rename the town “Royal Wootton Bassett”.

Wootton Bassett is located in the south of England. It became famous for its military funeral repatriations, which passed through the town.

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Queen and Britain Part of Australia’s Past?

Join the conversation at Facebook!

Royal Round Up 10-19-11: Great-Granny, Part Deux; Goodbye To Primogeniture; Wootton Bassett Is Royal is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Olympic Gold Medalist Named Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex

Ms. Sally Gunnell, a former Olympic gold medalist, has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex.

Gunnell won a gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Gunnell lives in West Sussex with her husband, Jonathan Bigg, and their sons.

“It’s such an exciting time to take up the role. It shows that it’s just not landowners and older locals who get the honour; it’s people who can make a difference and be a bit of a voice in the community,” she said.

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Queen Not Amused By Alleged Vogue Offer to Duchess

After the brouhaha over the exclusive wedding photos sold to Hello! by Peter and Autumn Phillips, Her Majesty is not likely to support a Duchess of Cambridge shoot for Vogue.

Perhaps concerned that Kate would appear as a mere clotheshorse – all style and no substance – the Palace intends to “86″ the deal, according to reports.

Not to worry, we’re not missing out, say some critics.

Mary, Queen of Frocks star Mary Portas declared that Kate is no style icon, anyway.

“Is that fashion? No,” Portas said of the Duchess’s outfits. “I think she’s done an incredible job globally, but I do not know how you can say she is a fashion icon. I just don’t get that.”

Rumors swirled that Duchess C would appear the cover of (American) Vogue, shot by Mario Testino, but the Telegraph reports that the Queen will not have any of that!

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New £5 Coin For The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A new coin minted to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond jubilee – a celebration not seen since Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 – has been issued by the Royal Mint.

On one side, there is a contemporary image of Her Majesty dressed in formal Garter Robes, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. On the reverse, a young Elizabeth at age 25 wearing a laurel crown alongside the Latin words Dirige Deus Gressus Meos – May God Guide My Steps.

The Official Queen’s Diamond Jubilee UK £5 coin is available now from the Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com priced at £12.99. The precious metal coins will be available in January 2012.

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Royal Round Up 10-12-11: Olympic Lieutenant; Vogue Offer to Duchess; Coin For Queen’s Jubilee is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Prince Harry has set foot in the USA for further military training so he can qualify as an Apache pilot. This will be a low-key work visit but I’m sure we’ll get some tabloid gossip of him partying in Vegas if he goes on leave.

According to the Telegraph:

For the next two months he will be based at Naval Air Facility El Centro, near the Mexican border, which was used as a location for the Tom Cruise film Top Gun.

Since April the Prince has been taking part in an Apache Conversion to Role course but has not so far had the opportunity to fire live weapons.

The intensive training at El Centro and at Gila Bend Auxiliary Air Force Base in Arizona will give him the chance to fire the Apache’s hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm cannon in hot desert conditions similar to those in Afghanistan.

Prince Harry Arrives in the USA for Military Training is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Royal Stalker Found Dead Near Palace

American Robert Moore was found dead just outside Buckingham Palace – three years after his passing.

According to reports, Moore arrived in Britain in 2007. He sent hundreds of “strange and offensive” letters to the Palace, including pornography. Then he mysteriously disappeared.

Moore’s whereabouts had gone unnoticed by authorities until this past March, when someone from the parks authority walked through West Island, a small island in St. James’s Park near the Palace [see the location]. He discovered a skeleton lying next to some vodka bottles tied to a belt, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Moore is not the first royal stalker, but unfortunately, he will not be the last.

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Prince Charles’ friend ‘killed in helicopter crash after engine trouble’

Charles Stisted, 47, a friend of the Prince of Wales, was killed when his plane crashed in Mourne Mountains, County Down, Ireland a year ago.

Stisted was chief executive of the Guards Polo Club at Windsor. He was on his way back to England after a shooting party with friends at the Irish estate of the Duke of Abercorn. The Duke is also a good friend of Prince Charles.

A preliminary hearing was held today. The inquest is expected to take a week.

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Mike’s Story Unravelling

Reports have emerged saying that Mike Tindall, husband to the Queen’s granddaughter, misled officials about his wild night that led to a romp with a blonde woman.

A blonde woman, it should be noted, who was NOT his wife.

Tindall, who only married Zara Phillips a mere 2 months ago, was caught on camera kissing a woman during a drunken night out in Queenstown, New Zealand. Tindall was there for the Rugby World Cup.

“His recollection on his whereabouts that night was inaccurate and he has issued a statement apologising. He did not mean to mislead anybody,” said Martin Johnson, manager for the England rugby team for whom Tindall plays.

A drunk, raucous Tindall plus “free-for-all-Fergie” and “Air Miles Andy” can’t be doing anything good for the Queen’s blood pressure.

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Royal Round Up 10-5-11: Zara Marriage Woes; Stalker Found Dead; Prince’s Pal In Crash is a post from: Anglotopia.net

William wants to stay on as pilot

Reports say that Prince William wants to continue as a RAF pilot beyond 2013 when he is due to leave.

The prince has already stated that he tries not to think of the burden of kingship just yet. He is enjoying his time as a RAF pilot: “As I’m flying along in my helicopter through the mountains of Wales, I try desperately hard no tot think about it. That can wait until I’m a bit older.”

William revealed this as he spoke about his relationship with his royal grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, during an interview with author Robert Hardman.

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PoW Charities Lacking In Funds?

A G Carrick Ltd, one of four subsidiary companies under The Prince’s Charities Foundation, admits that “no charitable donations were made in the year” after looking through their accounts.

Read more…

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Princess Anne Is Not Amused

The Princess Royal is reported to be upset over the antics of her new son-in-law, footballer Mike Tindall. Tindall, the husband of Zara Phillips, was caught on tape flirting with a blonde woman at the Rugby World Cup. Zara was not present.

Zara and Mike married this past July in Scotland. Publicly they stated that the woman was a friend of both and they were just larking about. Some speculate, however, that not all is as well as presented.

Royal Round Up 9-27-11: Charles’ Charities; William Loves RAF Life; Anne Annoyed is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Zara Doesn’t “Like” Facebook

It turns out that Zara Phillips is not a fan of Facebook.

Speaking to Tatler magazine, Zara says: “I think Facebook’s dangerous. So many people I know get into trouble with Facebook…I’d rather just pick up the phone. Or Skype.”

This is one hot young royal looking to stay low on the radar. Do you agree with Zara, or is she making a big deal? It’s all in how you use social networking…

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Wanted: Jeeves

The Queen is looking for a new butler, says the Telegraph.

The salary is low – only 15,000 GBP per annum – but the prestige associated with such a position carries great gravitas. Your accommodation is free, and you get to travel to all royal residences with the household.

For those of us who are extremely devoted royal historians, we jump at the chance, Ma’am! Where do I sign up?

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Bea’s Hat Still Hated

American designer Tom Ford wishes that Princess Beatrice of York would have worn a different hat to her cousin William’s royal wedding.

While Phillip Treacy is a much-loved milliner to the royals and aristocrats of Britain, Ford was not impressed with his design for Beatrice’s hat. He says she should have worn something more subtle. Instead, the hat “wore her” instead of the other way around.

Treacy himself defended Beatrice earlier this year when criticism was directed the princess’ way for her choice of headgear.

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Royal Round Up 9-7-11: Zara Dislikes Facebook; Looking for Jeeves; Bea’s Hat Hate is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Rebuilding After The Riots

After the Duchess of Cambridge’s trip to Birmingham to visit those affected by the riots, she has decided that she will take up worthy causes to prevent such traumatic events. In this she mirrors the sentiments of her father-in-law, Prince Charles, who expressed his desire to see that teens and young people are “exhausted” with extra-curricular activities. The Prince feel that this will keep kids out of gangs and out of trouble.

The Telegraph reports that Catherine “hopes to become the patron of a charity working with young people affected by the riots around the country”. The Prince of Wales continues his work with his Prince’s Trust Charity.

The Prince’s Trust was created by Charles in 1976, and it will invest £2.5 million to help rebuild communities that were destroyed.

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Windsor Castle electricity to be supplied by River Thames turbines

The Queen and her advisors have decided to give hydro-electric turbines a go. It has been announced that the Thames will now supply the Castle’s energy.

In 2009 plans to “power” the castle by renewable energy were halted but now Royal advisers think the time is right embrace renewable energy.

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Prince of Wales congratulates the Canadian Youth Business Foundation

Prince Charles issued a video today congratulating the Canadian Youth Business Foundation for 15 years of training young entrepreneurs across Canada.

The CYBF is a prominent member of The Prince’s Youth Business International, founded by Prince Charles in 2000. The Prince’s Youth Business International is a worldwide network of non-profit initiatives helping young people to start and grow their own business and create employment.

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Royal Round Up 8-30-11: Rebuilding After The Riots; Windsor Turbines; Charles Cheers Canadian Entrepreneurs is a post from: Anglotopia.net

We have a couple clips to share from Prince Harry’s recent show on BBC chronicling his journey to the Arctic with disabled soldiers.

Check them out below!

Training Day – Harry’s Arctic Heroes – Episode 1

Prince Harry joins four British soldiers on a twenty mile training ski before they attempt the first unsupported trek to the North Pole by wounded servicemen.

Pressure Ridges – Harry’s Arctic Heroes – Episode 2

The soldiers witness a rare sight – the formation of a pressure ridge. Two huge masses of ice collide, forcing one ice field above the other.

Prince Harry: See Clips from Harry’s Arctic Adventure! is a post from: Anglotopia.net