Britain’s former war-veteran-turned Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell was born on 25 April. In Australia, every Anzac Day, the Australian Republic Movement, notably Peter FitzSimons, usually raise the issue of Australia becoming a republic. Yet they never mention Britain’s Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell whose birthday is also commemorated as Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand and the…
Month: April 2016
Gallipoli 1915: Dardanelles Campaign
Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, ordered a bombardment of the Dardanelles in October 1914—a month before the Ottoman Empire formally entered the war. The Dardanelles Strait bridges and divides Europe and Asia, as it controlled the passageway between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara in Turkey. The Turks immediately reinforced the…
Elizabeth II: Heir-Presumptive
Princess Elizabeth was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as Heir-Presumptive when her father was crowned George VI. However, Elizabeth’s life changed after her beloved grandfather died in 1936, as her uncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne less than a year later. Many people, including Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin visited 145 Piccadilly to discuss the Constitutional…
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Early Life
No one predicted Princess Elizabeth of York would eventually become Queen, as her life dramatically changed when her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in 1936. Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York was born on 21 April 1926 at 2.40 am by caesarian at 17 Bruton Street, London—the eldest daughter of Albert Duke of York and his…
Joanna I, The Mad Queen of Castile
Joanna of Castile was declared unfit to rule by her father but many historians believe she suffered from bipolar disorder or clinical depression. She was born in Toledo, the capital of Castile, on 6 November 1479, the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand’s third child. She inherited her Trastámara ancestors’ very fair complexion, blue eyes and…
Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester: Australia’s First Royal Governor-General
Prime Minister John Curtin believed appointing a member of the royal family would improve chances Britain maintained its commitment to Australia’s defence during World War II. Australians will be deeply appreciative of his Majesty’s action in appointing a member of the Royal Family to be Governor-General of Australia. All in the country will look forward…
Australia’s Role in the Abdication Crisis: Edward VIII Gave up Throne for Mrs Simpson
The Australian Government also insisted Edward VIII abdicated rather than marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Edward VIII became King of Great Britain on 20 January 1936 when his father George V died. He was determined to marry his mistress, Mrs Wallis Simpson, and told Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin on 16 November. Baldwin was horrified. Mrs…
The Windsors In The Bahamas: Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson After the Abdication
Prime Minister Winston Churchill appointed the Duke of Windsor as the Governor of the Bahamas to keep the former king out of Britain at all costs during World War II. The British Establishment expressed grave doubts about the Duke’s loyalty whilst the Royal Family behaved as if he ever existed! A Tremendous Welcome The Bahamas…
The Duke and Duchess of York’s 1927 Australian Visit
The Australian Government invited the Duke and Duchess of York for the opening of Parliament House, Canberra, as part of a gruelling and exhausting tour. Albert Duke of York (George VI) and the Duchess of York (Queen Elizabeth) were also representing Britain and its Empire’s trading interests, so their visit was of great importance to…
Arbella Stuart: Royal Cousin and First Lady of the Court
Arbella Stuart suffered from Porphyria and lived during turbulent times. She longed to marry, but she was prevented from doing so. Arbella was too close to the throne. Her grandmothers, Margaret Countess of Lennox and Bess of Hardwick, played matchmaker. Charles Stuart, Earl of Lennox, and Elizabeth Cavendish secretly married in November 1574. Elizabeth I…