Britain’s royal heritage
The history of British royalty is a long and captivating story of marriage, murder, patriotism, war, love, passion and unity. Today, you can still hear the echoes of these stories ringing round the towers and turrets of our majestic castles, and from the frontiers to the battlefields our fearless heroes.
Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II is not only our Queen and Head of State, but is also an important symbol of national unity. Up until 1603 however, the English and Scottish crowns were two completely independent monarchies – although there were a number of marriages between the two royal houses.
The first king of Great Britain
Sovereignty was handed down through generations. When it changed hands from one monarch to another, it was usually the result of a bloody takeover. In 1603 Elizabeth I (the Virgin Queen) died leaving no successor. This made way for James VI, King of Scots (son of Mary, Queen of Scots), to succeed as James I, King of England, effectively making him the first sovereign of the United Kingdom.
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