queen victoria's daughters-in-law john van der kiste
Book Reviews

Book News April 2023

*contains affiliate links* The Windsors at War: The Nazi Threat to the Crown  Hardcover – 9 March 2023 (UK) & 18 April 2023 (US) The Windsors at War tells the story of the turbulent and seismic decade in between 1937 and 1947, including the bombing of Buckingham Palace in May 1940, the Duke of Windsor’s ill-advised [read more]

Diamond diadem
Royal Jewels

The Diamond Diadem

The Diamond Diadem, also known as the King George IV State Diadem, is one of the British monarchy’s most recognisable pieces of jewellery. Embed from Getty Images It was ordered from the jeweller Rundell in 1820, and it was completed in May 1820. The design, probably made by their chief designer Philip Liebart, incorporates the [read more]

empress in the pepper chamber
Book Reviews

Book Review: The Empress in the Pepper Chamber: Zhao Feiyan in History and Fiction by Olivia Milburn

*review copy* *contains affiliate links* Zhao Feiyan, also known as Empress Xiaocheng, was an Empress during the Han Dynasty. She has been known in history for being so wanton that she has been the main character in many lewd Chinese pieces of literature. Her notorious reputation has remained alive for two millennia, but is it [read more]

The Queen's Australian Wattle Brooch
Elizabeth II

The Australian Wattle Brooch

The Australian Wattle brooch is “claw- and pavé-set with three large brilliant and a variety of white, pale and deep yellow brilliants and baguettes in the form of a sprig of a golden wattle with a spray of Australian tea tree blossom.” The brooch represents the national flower of Australia and was commissioned by William [read more]

sophie wessex King Faisal Necklace
Royal Jewels

The King Faisal Necklace

The King Faisal necklace is described as being “channel-set with baguettes, suspending claw-set brilliant” and having “11 graduated pear-shaped pendants.” Embed from Getty Images The King Faisal necklace has a total of 83.94 metric carats and was made by Harry Winston in 1952. It stayed in stock until 1967, when it was purchased by King [read more]