Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997)
It is one of those events whose impact ensures you never forget where you were when you heard. Amazingly enough, now 20 years have gone by since the untimely death of Diana, the People’s Princess, in that fateful car crash in Paris’s Alma Tunnel. August 27, 1997. It hardly seems possible that an entire younger generation now have no memories of the engaging Princess.
The Royal wedding of 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer to 31-year-old Charles, Prince of Wales, at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981, ranked high as the social event of the 20th century—watched by 750 million people around the globe. From her engagement announcement, Diana captivated public attention, and that never changed.
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Prince Philip Retires—at 95
AFTER 70 YEARS of loyal, unfailing service to his wife, the Queen and the British people, the Duke of Edinburgh has announced that as of this autumn he will retire from public engagements. The Prince’s step-down comes as the Royal Couple prepare to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November. In addition to accompanying the Queen around the world, since 1947 he has carried out more than 22,000 solo engagements, given 5,000 speeches and been associated with some 800 charities. Prince Philip’s retirement from public life comes with the full support of Her Majesty and has prompted an outpouring of tributes.
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Summer Events Not to Miss
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
July 22–August 31
It’s the only time of year to get behind the palace gates into Her Majesty’s London royal residence and nerve center of the monarchy.
The Garlic Festival
August 19, 20
The Isle of Wight draws 25,000 people each year to sample garlic beer, candy, ice cream and much more amid music and entertainment.
Notting Hill Carnival
August 27, 28
Caribbean music, elaborate costumes, island foods and parades fill the streets of London’s Nothing Hill during the biggest street party in Europe.
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Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
August 13–17
Europe’s largest hot-air balloon event sees more than 150 colorful balloons reach for the sky at dusk and dawn.
Jane Austen Festival
September 8–17
Bath is the perfect venue for this annual gathering of Jane Austen fans and Regency reenactors from around the world.
Fancy a Call at the Pub?
VISIT BRITAIN’S latest “Countryside Is Great” guide raves over these historic pubs that are really deep in the countryside for a memorable stay, meal or drink.
The Griffin Inn, Llyswen, Wales. A fairy-tale pub in a mid-Wales village. thegriffininnllyswen.com
Ye Olde George Inn, East Meon, Hampshire. Dawdle on the South Downs Way. yeoldegeorgeinn.net
The Spinners Arms, Cummersdale, Cumbria. After a day of countryside rambles. golakes.co.uk
The Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe, Scotland. Legendary atmosphere in the heart of the Higlands. clachaig.com
The Drovers Inn, Loch Lomond, Scotland. Three hundred years on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. droversinn.co.uk
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Dateline by the Numbers
42 Anglican Cathedrals in the Association of English Cathedrals.
216 The number of public engagements Prince Philip carried out in 2016.
11,072 Miles of coastline encircling mainland Great Britain.
24,000 Weight in tons of the Brent Delta oil rig being dismantled in Hartlepool.