Monarchies - The Parnassian (Page 17)

Geography · Monarchies · Society

By 1720 Sweden, once the formidable Lion of the North, realises the futility of its ambitions to dominate the north of Europe; its former grandeur has been squandered in a string of defeats at the hands of Russia

England, which had stood on Sweden's side from the very beginning, was from 1707 openly backing the Swedes and setting them upon Moscow; in 1713 she insisted that Russia give up all the Swedish territories she had conquered; in 1716 she wished to take Peter captive; from 1717

Faith · Monarchies · Observations · Society · Rome

Unlike the start of Francis's pontificate in 2013, when the newly elected pope's first meeting with the cardinals was broadcast live, Leo XIV chose to hold his behind closed doors

Unlike the start of Francis's pontificate in 2013, when the newly elected pope's first meeting with the cardinals was broadcast live, Leo XIV chose to hold his behind closed doors. The Vatican has published part of the Pope's address, in which, as a supplement

Faith · Monarchies · Observations · Rome

Italian and Spanish media confirm that Pope Leo XIV has decided to restore the papal residence in the Apostolic Palace

I remind you that Pope Francis lived and died in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Casa Santa Marta), an annexe to St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, intended for the lodging of cardinals who arrive to take part in the conclave. After his election Francis declined to move into

Cinema · Monarchies · Observations · Humour

Anyone dreaming of a prince would do well to watch the 1969 film "Anne of the Thousand Days", which won the Oscar for Best Costume Design

True, the film contains a number of questionable historical allusions, such as the presence of Mary Tudor at her mother's deathbed, which was impossible given the royal ban on any contact between them, but on the whole the story of a mad sovereign who treacherously wrecked the lives

Books · Monarchies · Observations · Humour

"Of course, her pleasant face bore traces of corpulence," – I recommend all ageists to read Byron's description of Catherine II, the imperial mistress of Don Juan

"Of course, her pleasant face bore traces of corpulence," – I recommend all ageists to read Byron's description of Catherine II, the imperial mistress of Don Juan. A not especially flattering beginning, one would think. But in fact Byron is kind and benevolent towards the 62-year-

Archive · London · Monarchies · Society

The British Royal Family on Victory Day in 1945 and in 2025

The series of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany has begun not only in Russia and the post-Soviet countries. Britain has been celebrating since yesterday. Yesterday senior members of the royal family joined thousands of people in London to watch a military parade and a

Archive · Monarchies · Society · Saint Petersburg

Resolution of the Executive Committee of the Petrograd Soviet of 9 (22) March 1917:

"In view of information received that the Provisional Government has afforded Nicholas Romanov the opportunity to leave for England, it has been resolved to declare forthwith to the Provisional Government the inflexible will of the Executive Committee not to permit the departure of Nicholas Romanov for England and to

Interviews · London · Monarchies · Observations · People

Prince Harry says in a new interview that his father will not speak to him "because of this security nonsense"

Harry seems to have begun to forget that he is himself the very security risk on account of which nobody wishes to speak to him. If only because whatever the King says will, a second later, be relayed across every American television channel. Take the strictly private conversation with his

NB! · Art · Monarchies · Mores · Humour

The caption to this caricature of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette reads: "She thought she had married a man, but it was only a log"

Faith · Monarchies · Rome

The conclave that elected Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła, 1920-2005) was held from 14 to 16 October 1978 and lasted 3 days

The conclave that elected Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła, 1920-2005) was held from 14 to 16 October 1978 and lasted 3 days. The election was concluded on the eighth ballot. The conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Alois Ratzinger, 1927-2022) in 2005 lasted only a single

Monarchies · Observations · People

A reminder that Elizabeth II held the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces and Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy

A reminder that Elizabeth II held the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces and Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy. But that was after her accession to the throne. Her military rank during her wartime service in the Second World War was that of lieutenant.

Books · Monarchies · Observations

The piety and virtues of Vladimir (no comma required!) compelled many sovereigns to send ambassadors to him: namely, from Stephen I, King of Hungary, Boleslav III, King of Bohemia, Boleslav I, King of Poland, Pope Sylvester II…

Nicely put: piety and virtues compelled many sovereigns to send ambassadors. And then Vladimir, having fortified his Realm with various strongholds and with the courage of the people he had enlightened, began to consider how he might establish peace among his children for all posterity, knowing that discord between brothers