Tsars in their eyes: A new exhibition reveals the amazing decadence of Russia’s rulers

The Tsars were some of the most lavishly dressed royals in history (portrayed here by Greta Scacchi and Ian McKellen)

The Daily Mail – 22 November 2008 – By Barbara Davies

Organised by the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Empress Alexandra, it was remembered as the last great ball in Russian imperial history, a fancy dress spectacular at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. 

The 416 guests were requested to come in costumes from the time of 17th century Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich. And, on 11 February, 1903, the Imperial Hermitage was transformed into a breathtaking scene of wealth and splendour. 

The spinning of Charles I: Van Dyck’s idealistic portrayal of a reticent king

The Guardian – 22 November 2008 – By Charlotte Higgins. 

Tate Britain’s exhibition will include 10 rarely seen works from Royal Collection.

Like a combination of Mario Testino and Alastair Campbell, he was the chief projector of royal glamour, and chief political image maker, of Charles I.

In the process Anthony van Dyck set the standard for the grand British regal portrait, and was emulated by later artists from Gainsborough to John Singer Sargent to the portraitists of the golden age of Hollywood.

It’s our monarchy, not Britain’s

The National Post – 20 November 2008.

Letter-writer Regina Silva Robinson says she is displeased that Prince Charles will not take the Anglican title of “Defender of the Faith” when he takes the throne. Likewise, Catholic readers should be displeased by the Act of Settlement of 1701, which bars Roman Catholics (43% of the population of Canada) from becoming head of state of Canada.

No royal variety ABs haka

 

Queen Elizabeth II reacts to the cold weather as she stands with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key (unseen) on November 25, 2008 in London. The Queen visited a New Zealand tourism exhibition housed in a giant inflatable rugby ball nera London's Tower Bridge. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

The Waikato Times  - 25 November 2008 – By Duncan Johnstone.

The All Blacks will leave the London performance of their haka to when they face England at Twickenham this weekend rather than perform one when they meet the Queen in a rugby environment in the capital tomorrow ( NZ time).

It’s Fergie, queen of the screen

Daily Mail – 25 November 2008 – By Richard Kay

OVER the years, she has risen to the challenge of adversity. When her overdraft ballooned to £4million she got a job to pay it off. When the royals refused to invite her to Sandringham for Christmas — but included her daughters — she shrugged off the snub with her own festivities.

This week in pictures and videos (Nov. 24 to Dec. 1)