Royal Splendor

Throughout her long reign Queen Elizabeth II has met every U.S. president, save for Lyndon B. Johnson.  The Queen has met President Donald Trump twice: first when he and wife First Lady Melania Trump paid and official visit to U.K. in 2018, and then when the presidential couple returned for a more formal state visit in 2019.

In 2017, the US President was extended the honour of a full state visit after meeting Theresa May. However,the official invitation – which is traditionally reserved for a president’s second term in office – prompted threats of mass protests and boycotts over Mr Trump’s controversial record.  More than 1.8 million people signed a petition against the plans and Commons Speaker John Bercow told MPs that Mr Trump should not be allowed to address Parliament. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also opposed the visit, saying he was “not sure it is appropriate for our Government to roll out the red carpet” for Mr Trump. The visit was eventually downgraded into an “official visit” a…

When John Nash designed Buckingham Palace, he envisioned it as a showcase of the crown’s power and grandeur, and where else to demonstrate these than in the palace’s Throne Room. Famous for its luxurious red wall paper, elaborate gilded ceiling, and sparkling chandeliers, the Throne Room features two thrones on the dais, with the Queen and Prince Philip’s monogram. Above these two thrones is a proscenium arch supported by a pair of winged figures of 'victory' holding garlands. 

Before the palace’s ballroom was constructed in the 1850s, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert used to host spectacular balls at the Throne Room in the 1840s. More than 200 candles brighten the room, making it hot and inconvenient considering the stifling press of bodies. Adding on to everyone’s dismay were the wax drips that poured on the wigs and elaborate dresses of the guests. 
Today the Throne Room is a grand venue for formal photo shoots with heads of state while providing a fitting background for f…

As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II has a role to play in the country’s diplomacy. It is she who welcomes heads of state to Buckingham Palace during state visits and on less formal occasions. She also meets ambassadors before they are sent to their overseas posts, sharing with them her many years of experiences and wide knowledge in international affairs. Ambassadors from other countries are also welcomed at Buckingham Palace where they present their credentials to Queen Elizabeth II when they first arrive in London.
Every December, a diplomatic reception is hosted by the Queen and it is considered as the largest annual reception at Buckingham Palace. The invitees are ambassadors and high commissioners from about 130 countries with foreign missions in London. A guest would usually don his or her national costume, adding color and variety to this glittering affair. The palace’s Green Drawing Room and the adjoining staterooms serve as venues for the drinks, while the more formal buff…

Prince Charles emerges as the latest addition in the list of royals with coronavirus. A statement from Clarence House confirmed the condition of the 71-year-old heir to the British throne:

The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus.  He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.  The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.  The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.

It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.

The Prince of Wales and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall are now quarantined at Birkall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.  Buckingham Palace said…

An employee working for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace was tested positive for coronavirus while she was still in residence there, reports confirmed.
The aide was said to have fallen ill and tested positive last week. Staff of the Royal Household were already ordered to self-isolate. The said worker was diagnosed with Covid-19 before the 93-year-old monarch was whisked to Windsor Castle.
Prior to that, Queen Elizabeth II and members of the British Royal Family has already avoided shaking hands with guests. The Royal Household has made the necessary measures to keep Queen Elizabeth II safe from the outbreak. The Queen’s transfer to Windsor Castle came earlier than scheduled. She is joined by Prince Philip, who was flown by a helicopter from Sandringham. The couple are expected remain there for an extended period. On the brighter side, this would be the longest time that the couple would be spending time together since Prince Philip retired from public duties and decided to sp…

A tour of the Buckingham Palace begins by taking the grand staircase, which provides visitors with a dramatic welcome to this iconic building. As you take the steps, imagine that you’re also treading the path of the hundreds of famous and distinguished guests who have been invited to the palace since the time of King George IV. From the royal to the aristocratic, the wealthy and the famous, highbrow and lowly, any one who have had the privileged of being invited by the sovereign have also had the honor of climbing up the grand staircase.
Historic portraits of members of the Royal Family are hung on the walls of the sweeping staircase, leading guests to the State Rooms during a reception, State Banquet or when invited to receive an honour from a member of the Royal Family.
A sovereign paying a state visit to the United Kingdom is welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II at the Grand Hall on the first day of the said visit. An opulent and spectacular scene, footmen and porters are in service in…