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…
Category: Australia
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…
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 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…
Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen: Queen Consort of William IV of the United Kingdom
Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen proved a good influence on her husband William IV. The Australian capital Adelaide was founded in 1836 and named in her honour. Princess Adelheid Amalia Luisa Theresa Carolina was born at Meiningen, Thuringia, Germany on 13 August 1792. She was the eldest daughter of George I Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, and Louisa Eleanor…
Anzac Day: War, Women and the Queen Mother
Anzac Day is not just about the men who fought for our country, but also the women who did their bit during World War I. I write this article in response to a rant written for The Stately Harold by 20-year-old feminist Cassidy Boon who claims Anzac Day is “sexist” and there is “no mention of…
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George in Sydney
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge completed a very successful tour of Australia in April, with thousands of excited well-wishers coming to see the royal couple wherever they went. The baby Prince was dubbed “George the Republican Slayer”. How could one not resist such a cute little fellow – especially our future King whom Prime…