I’m banking on the Greek Key (Meander) Tiara:

While the Fringe Tiara is beautiful and has been worn for the weddings of her mother and grandmother, Zara may choose the Meander Tiara to represent one side of her family. The choice of church is a nod to the other.

The tiara comes from Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark. It was her wedding gift to then-Princess Elizabeth. Her Majesty has never worn it publicly, but she did pass it on to Princess Anne who has worn it for many occasions.

The wedding ceremony will take place in Crathie Kirk, in the Scottish village of Crathie. The Royal Family has enjoyed Scotland for several generations, and they worship at the little church when they are on holiday at Balmoral Castle.

Scotland was the birthplace of Zara’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, who came from the Bowes-Lyon family. Zara’s other formidable female forebear, Queen Victoria, was also an ardent fan of Scotland and cherished her time at Balmoral.

Two very important family connections are made with the location and choice of tiara. I look forward to seeing Zara, Mike, and both families enjoy their special day.

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The Privy Council has ruled in favor of the Muslims and Hindus of Trinidad and Tobago, saying that the Trinity Cross awarded to them is unconstitutional because of its associations with Christianity.

So, despite getting an award for distinguished service and bravery, not mention that it was instituted 40 years ago, the decoration will now be withdrawn.

That slap in the face stings a bit, though now the Queen and government know better – no medals to anyone unless they are carded and stamped at the door as being ok with Christianity or an actual Christian. Otherwise… lawsuit!

Thought bubble: Christian person lives in a country that has a Muslim/Hindu/etc. head of state. They are awarded for good service, but instead of accepting the honor graciously, they sue the Muslim/Hindu/etc. system because of the non-Christian imagery on the award.

I don’t suppose I have to yammer on about the obvious outcome of that scenario.

It is not just a Muslim v. Christian issue.  No sir. This is clearly a “We Don’t Like England and Her Ideals” stance in general.

Take, for instance, Christine Grahame, a member of the Scottish Parliament, who said the George Medal was “clearly very Anglocentric” and unsuitable for Scots.

How very awful of King George VI to bestow the highest civilian award for bravery on someone. His Majesty had that honor created so that he could personally recognize all that the people of the realm did in the war effort. That’s so very Anglo-centric and evil. Not at all suitable.

Fair warning: next time, England will just ignore you. After you slap someone in the face enough, they get the picture.

via Queen’s medal ‘unlawful’ for being too Christian – Telegraph.

One of Britain’s oldest castles was damaged last night when fire tore through its north wing.

The Earl of Glasgow – whose family has lived in Kelburn Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland, for more than 700 years – was awakened by his son, Viscount Kelburn, who discovered the smoke in a billiard room at 1.30am.

Viscount Kelburn said: “The fire brigade were amazing. We are both alive and the house has not burned down. I think we are incredibly fortunate.”

See the castle’s official website at: kelburnestate.com

via Monsters & Critics.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen… lend me your artwork!

Yes, the art pages have returned! “Mandy’s Royal Artists” was a series of pages featuring the public’s works of art based on a royal theme. Found on Mandy’s British Royalty several years ago, the pages were lost during the website’s transfer to a new server. Now they return in the form of an art blog.

If you have previously entered work but don’t see it here, there is a chance it has disappeared. Please resend.

If you would like to submit anew, please see the “About” page to contact me. You can send a scan of your work (in any medium) to be featured here. No more than 3 please.

Castles, Queens, and Culture Captured in Art. Send in Yours. Now at http://mandysroyalty.org/artists

People over at OurKingdom are debating about the fate of the UK. Some are suggesting an Anglo-Celtic bloc within the European Union (should the UK join), and refer to this possibility as a “decentralised Albion, with a Council of the Isles”.

Others are speaking up saying, “For England, a “confederated” United Kingdom would be nothing but gain. The obsession among Westminster politicians with keeping the union is archaic … An autonomous Scotland, a country as big as Denmark, should liberate the English parliament to enjoy a politics freed of the alien encumbrance of Scottish seats … It should also liberate England to consider its localism, its neglected Anglo-Saxon history and culture, without having to “take into account” the Scottish (or Irish or Welsh) ingredients of that curious vacuity, Britishness.”

Take a look around OurKingdom or start a debate in the British American Group

AWARD-WINNING PLAY BLACK WATCH MAKES AMERICAN DEBUT
Themes of Conflict and International Dialogue Highlighted, Dissected

Hurtling from a pool room in Fife to an armored wagon in Iraq, Black Watch is based on recent interviews conducted by acclaimed Scottish playwright Gregory Burke with former soldiers who served in Iraq. Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of “the war on terror” and what it means to make the journey home again.

For more, see: National Theatre of Scotland OR The British Council (USA)

Referring back to the previous post “No Longer A Scottish Queen”, I just realized why the Union is a point of contention right now. 2007 is the 300th year that England, Scotland, and Wales have been united as one kingdom.

In 1707, the three countries were combined into the United Kingdom of Great Britain by the Act of the Union, endorsed by Queen Anne.

Interesting eh? Any comments on the timing of the debate?