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The Origins of 12 Christmas Traditions
From expecting Santa to fill socks with gifts to eating cake that looks like tree bark, some holiday traditions are downright odd. But we can explain!
ROYAL FAMILY
15 Amazing Facts About Queen Elizabeth I
She spoke multiple languages, defeated Spain’s powerful navy, and never accepted a marriage proposal. Discover more fascinating facts about Queen Elizabeth I and her reign.
‘Georgie Porgie’: The Royal Origins of the British Nursery Rhyme
“Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie / Kissed the girls and made them cry.”
The History—and Value—of the Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Trying to sell your Princess Diana Beanie Baby? She probably isn’t worth as much as you hope—here’s why.
The Possibly Royal Origins of the ‘Jack Sprat’ Nursery Rhyme
Although “Jack Sprat” may not be in the nursery rhyme limelight, the two theories behind its meaning—both of which involve royalty—are just as interesting as the origins of better-known rhymes.
12 Facts About the ‘Mary Rose,’ Henry VIII’s Legendary Warship
King Henry VIII built the English Royal Navy around his favorite warship, the ‘Mary Rose,’ which sank under mysterious circumstances in 1545.
11 Royal Code Names
When she was trying to fly under the radar, Queen Elizabeth II went by the name ‘Sharon.’
When George Washington Nearly Kidnapped a British Prince
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington approved a plan to kidnap Prince William Henry, a son of King George III.
The Royal Rundown on Charlemagne’s 20 Children
Charlemagne, the 7th-century king of the Franks, had about 20 children who went on to establish Europe’s royal houses and populate most of Europe.
25 of the Most Mysterious Deaths in History
Explorers who vanished off the face of the earth. Conquerors, composers, and scientists who expired from strange illnesses. People tantalizingly close to power who wound up dead. When it comes to these deaths, we might never know what really happened.
The Princes in the Tower: British Royal History’s Most Tantalizing Murder Mystery
An heir and a spare disappeared during England's War of the Roses. Here's what happened—and how we might hope to solve the mystery today.
Now Hiring: Royal Family Communications Assistant (No, Literally)
Here's your chance to work for King Charles III's private secretary.
How to Pronounce 25 Tricky British Last Names and Titles
From ‘Cholmondeley’ to ‘Wriothesley,’ here's how to pronounce Britain's least intuitive last names.
8 People Who Impersonated Royals—And Almost Got Away With It
Whether driven by opportunity, coercion, or simply the desire to belong, here are the unbelievable true stories of eight people who claimed to be royal—and nearly got away with it.
10 Bizarre Royal Conspiracy Theories
From secret love children to political assassinations to accusations of vampirism, the British royal family has been the subject of many bizarre conspiracy theories over the course of its history.
The Royal Rundown on Marie Antoinette's Children
Marie Antoinette had four children before her beheading in 1793. Here's what happened to them.
The Royal Rundown on Queen Victoria’s 9 Children
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha had nine children. Their lives were packed with enough scandal and drama to make 'The Crown' seem positively dull.
The Royal Rundown on King Henry VIII’s Children
Only three out of Henry VIII's four legitimate children reached adulthood. Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I each went on to reign and leave their mark on English history.
10 Lesser-Known Royal Love Stories
If you’ve heard enough about King Henry VIII’s many wives or the turbulent relationship between Princess Diana and King Charles III, consider these 10 lesser known royal love stories.
Check Out the Top 10 Most Popular Books at the New York Public Library in 2023
The NYPL shares its most-borrowed titles, including a royal memoir and a fictional romance between video game developers.
10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family
The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.
25 Fascinating Facts About ’The Crown’
Netflix’s 'The Crown'—a royal family drama, and one of the most expensive TV shows ever made—is coming to an end.
4 Royal European Families Have Twins—But Only One Set Includes a Future Ruler
With more twins being born than ever, it should be no surprise that a handful have royal blood. In Europe, four ruling families of Europe currently have a set of twins.
From the Pragmatic to the Cruel: 7 Ways King James VI and I Changed Society
From uniting the Crowns to whipping witch hunters into a frenzy, King James VI and I left his mark on history.