An A to Z of the monarchy

From the official website of the British Royal Family...

A is for Accession

This long word means the moment when someone becomes king or queen. This is usually when the last king or queen dies. It is often a sad moment for the new king or queen as well as a special event. Today's Queen came to the Throne in 1952 - over 50 years ago!

B is for Buckingham Palace

The Queen's official home in London. Buckingham Palace has over 500 rooms, including 19 State rooms and 78 bathrooms! Many of the rooms are used as offices by the people who help The Queen in her work. Lots of people visit Buckingham Palace when they receive their honours from The Queen or go to a garden party. You can also go inside Buckingham Palace when it is open for visitors every summer.

C is for Crown Jewels

These are the crowns and other precious things which kings and queens wear or use when they are crowned, open Parliament or take part in other special events. There are lots of crowns which were made for different British kings and queens in the past. One sceptre (a long wand with jewels) has the largest diamond in the world. It was cut from the enormous Cullinan diamond. You can visit the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

D is for Dolls' House

Queen Mary's Dolls' House is probably the best dolls' house in the world. It was given as a present to Queen Mary, the grandmother of the present Queen. It is just like a Royal palace, with everything from a throne room and suits of armour to a library with tiny books and real silver knives and forks. It even has running water and electric light. You can see the house if you visit Windsor Castle near London.

E is for Employment

Lots of people work for The Queen to help her in her duties. Some people work in offices to plan where she will go and what she will do. Other people help to look after the palaces and the lovely things inside them. Some people look after the horses which pull carriages, and others prepare food for the Royal Family, guests and staff in the kitchens.


Words beginning with the letters running F-Z, and vaguely related to the monarchy, will be covered in future blog entries.