The Royal Family

Eleanor Doughty takes a look at what's happening over coronation weekend — and explains the changes in the roles of dukes and duchesses, hitherto so important in the ceremony.

By Eleanor Doughty Published 6 May 23

It is to the Crown that we owe allegiance. Matthew Dennison considers the history of this most familiar attribute of royalty, which he finds as laden with the hopes of a nation as it is with glittering gold and precious jewels.

By Matthew Dennison Published 6 May 23

Few realise the breadth and depth of Charles III’s interests and influence; fewer still can offer a meaningful answer to the question 'what is the King really like?'. But here, 10 friends of Country Life — all people who know and have worked with The King — predict he will be a magnificent and much-loved monarch.

By Country Life Published 5 May 23

The Queen’s Coronation saw her take an oath which is crucial to our system of Government.

By Country Life Published 5 May 23

Emma Hughes collects the best Platinum Jubilee street party recipes from some of Britain's best-loved chefs and food writers.

By Emma Hughes Published 5 May 23

The setting of Charles III’s crowning in Westminster Abbey in London lends grandeur and history to this great ceremony. John Goodall considers the evolution of this remarkable building and its role in celebrating the authority and antiquity of the monarchy.

By John Goodall Published 5 May 23

Invitations to coronations have always been highly prized. Since the 18th century, they have also been designed to reflect the solemnity and splendour of the occasion, as John Goodall discovers.

By John Goodall Published 4 May 23

Whether she’s highlighting domestic abuse, championing literacy, dining with pensioners or quietly supporting her husband, our new Queen is excelling in her royal role, says Jane Wheatley.

By Jane Wheatley Published 1 May 23

Alan Titchmarsh considers the new monarch’s extraordinary contribution to British gardening, which is always underpinned by organic methods and a strong belief in husbandry and stewardship.

By Alan Titchmarsh Published 29 April 23

The late, great Poet Laureate John Betjeman was among the congregation when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953 — and he wrote about it for Country Life. We're very proud to reproduce that article now — The Queen's Coronation: In The Abbey by John Betjeman.

By John Betjeman Published 28 April 23

Country Life 26 April 2023 commemorates the coronation of King Charles III with an extraordinary issue of over 350 pages paying tribute to the monarch.

By Country Life Published 25 April 23

Our US-born, Norfolk-based columnist Carla Carlisle was only too happy to welcome Meghan Markle into the sisterhood of American women married to Englishmen. How things have changed since that 'hopeful and happy time'.

By Carla Carlisle Published 7 February 23

A trip through the archives unearths a real treasure in the form of a 1931 book about Buckingham Palace which offers a fascinatingly different perspective on one of the world's most famous buildings.

By Toby Keel Published 1 December 22

A brilliant conversationalist, a cracking host and, surprisingly, an excellent actor, Charles III genuinely cares for people and strives to make a difference to their lives. Anna Tyzack speaks to some of those who have crossed his path.

By Anna Tyzack Published 12 November 22

Country Life's forthcoming issue on November 9th, 2022, will take an in-depth look at His Majesty The King.

By Toby Keel Published 7 October 22

Literally millions of flowers and other tributes have been laid out around the country in honour of The Queen — here are just a few of them.

By Toby Keel Published 20 September 22

Details and images of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19th September, 2022.

By Toby Keel Published 19 September 22

The twist of fate that led the young Princess Elizabeth to become heir to the throne could not have gifted us a better sovereign, says Matthew Dennison, as he looks in depth at Queen Elizabeth II's life and legacy.

By Matthew Dennison Published 18 September 22

Mary Miers takes a look at a much-loved home of the Royal Family, Balmoral.

By Mary Miers Published 16 September 22