Queens perhaps perform better in the role of monarch because they never take their position for granted. Many kings have failed because they believed that the public would love them whatever they did. Queens knew better. Kate Williams believefailgrant share on social
Over the years to come, one thing is for certain: if the monarchy wishes to stay relevant and in power, it will have to change more. Kate Williams changemonarchypower Change image and share on social
Britain's passion for Christmas and huge white weddings dates from Victorian times - both were low-key celebrations before Victoria and her PR machine. Kate Williams britaincelebrationchristmas Change image and share on social
Unless I'm asked to dress up in a costume, TV shows prefer a clean, modern look, so I've developed a wardrobe full of plain, bright colours. If it's an outdoors job, I just wear big jumpers. Kate Williams askbigbright Change image and share on social
People are not happy with women in actual power, yet we seem to be happy to take women on as figureheads, objects, like queens. It's a powerful yet politically powerless role. Kate Williams actualfigureheadhappy Change image and share on social
I receive many letters from people hoping to research their own houses. Kate Williams hopehouseletter Change image and share on social
The motivations of kings in British history can generally be reduced to two: the quest for territory and the search for a male heir. No king was secure on his throne until he had a son, and no queen consort was ever really safe without a boy. Kate Williams boybritishconsort share on social
When Elizabeth II was crowned - the sixth female monarch since the Norman conquest - the world lit up in her favour. Kate Williams conquestcrownelizabeth Change image and share on social
Still often interventionist, convinced of our importance in the world, even those of us born long after 1900 live in a country that is much more Victorian than we think. Kate Williams bearconvincecountry Change image and share on social
My Welsh grandmother Mair didn't meet my grandfather until she was 28, quite old to be unmarried in the early '40s. Kate Williams 40searlygrandfather Change image and share on social
