UK

Her reign was short, but her legacy is long.

The Lasting Legacy of Elizabeth Stuart, the ‘Winter Queen’ of Bohemia

The daughter of King James VI and I was Electress Palatine of the Rhine and Queen of Bohemia, and through her grandson, the founder of a new British ruling dynasty.

"Careless Whisper": How George Michael's "Flippantly" Written Song Became a Career-Defining Hit That Still Endures

Although “Careless Whisper” just might be George Michael's most enduring hit, the singer (who also wrote it) wasn’t a huge fan of the song.

8 Ways Queen Victoria’s Coronation Was a Flop

Queen Victoria’s 1838 coronation featured a very small ring and a very big fall.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the day of her coronation, Buckingham Palace, 1953

Watch Queen Elizabeth II’s History-Making 1953 Coronation

On May 12, 1937, Princess Elizabeth—then just 11 years old—looked on as her father, King George VI, was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Little did she know that just 16 years later, she would be at the center of the exact same ceremony.

The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair.

7 Facts About the Stone of Scone

The Stone of Scone—also called the Stone of Destiny—may look unassuming, but it’s had a long and colorful history, right up to the present day.

Clockwise from top left: Prince Frederick Louis of Wales, Edward the Black Prince, Edward VII, Edward VIII, George IV.

5 Other Princes of Wales Who Waited a Long Time to Reign

King Charles III spent 70 years as the heir apparent. But some other long-waiting Princes of Wales never even made it to the throne.

King Charles III (then still a prince) at the State Opening of Parliament in May 2022.

Everything We Know About King Charles III’s Coronation So Far

The date of King Charles III’s coronation is set for May 6. But the party doesn’t stop when the day is over.

France's starting lineup with their "mascots" ahead of a match against Poland during the 2022 World Cup.

Why Do Soccer Players Walk Out With Kids?

The pint-sized escorts have been a part of the pregame ceremonies since the mid-1990s.

For Sale: The Hampshire Estate Where Jane Austen Wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and Other Books

The house where Jane Austen grew up is now ritzy enough to suit her wealthier characters.

And so Krypton sent their only son, Kal-El...

Failure to Launch: Why Winston Churchill's ‘Sarcophagus-Like’ Airplane Pod Never Took Off

The UK’s Prime Minister was in poor health but still needed to fly. The solution? Stuff him in a big egg.

7 Surprising Facts about Camilla, Queen Consort

Despite the decades of public attention, there are some aspects of Camilla’s life that have been less well documented.

There's a Good Reason Europeans Think American Chocolate Tastes Like Vomit

There's a scientific explanation for the "vomit" notes some Europeans taste in Hershey's chocolate.

11 Facts About Boudica, Warrior Queen of the Iceni

We take a closer look at the life and demise of the wronged queen who lent her name to a rebellion when she took on the might of—what was at the time—the world’s largest empire.

The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

8 Facts About The Giant’s Causeway

In Northern Ireland, thousands of hexagonal stone columns of various heights rise out of the North Atlantic Ocean and climb up to the foot of a cliff, as if they had been placed by a massive mythical creature.

A lorry by any other name would carry as much cargo.

Why Are Trucks Called “Lorries” in the UK?

It wasn’t inspired by a beast of burden named Laurie, if that’s what you assumed.

An Irish family at the ruins of their house In Killarney.

Ireland’s Great Hunger: 13 Facts About the 19th-Century Potato Famine that Devastated the Emerald Isle

The lack of proper aid paired with layers of broken policies and a fractured response from a distant British government led to unimaginable—and likely avoidable—suffering in Ireland.

There’s a lot you may not know about the Duke of Sussex.

9 Surprising Facts About Prince Harry

In the midst of the incessant press speculation and gossip, many less well-known things about the Duke of Sussex have become lost in the shuffle.

12 Facts About Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Man Who Could Have Been King Charles III

According to paternalistic hereditary succession, Charles Edward Stuart was directly in line to the throne.

Unraveling the Many Mysteries of New Order's "Blue Monday"

Equal parts happy accident and technological triumph, “Blue Monday” is a supremely weird and brilliant song that continues to pack dance floors and transfix listeners 40 years after its original release.

What? Did you say something? Say it again.

‘Demonic’: Derek the Jackdaw Is Currently Menacing Children in South Yorkshire

The bird’s wild mood swings have some residents living in fear of his winged wrath.

Stonehenge was once in the hands of private owners.

Cecil Chubb: The Man Who Bought Stonehenge

Cecil Chubb attended an auction in 1915 and decided Stonehenge would make for a fantastic new family possession.

13 Facts About Lady Jane Grey, England’s Unlucky Nine Days’ Queen

Lady Jane Grey is seen as an innocent victim of Tudor Dynasty politics, and her rightfulness to the crown is debated to this day.

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Platinum Jubilee Pageant

25 Royals in the Line of Succession to the British Throne

While King Charles III is only just getting started, here are the royals who could one day take his place on the throne—in one very specific order.

Queen Elizabeth II and company at Buckingham Palace after her coronation in June 1953.

Coronation vs. Accession: What’s the Difference?

Prince Charles’s coronation won’t be for months. Yes, he’s already technically King Charles III.

Prev Next