The last Princess of Cambridge: the 19th century People's Princess known as 'Fat Mary'

From The Telegraph-

She has been in the world for just two short days, but the infant Princess of Cambridge has a rather impressive legacy to follow if her 19th century namesake is anything to go by.

The last Princess of Cambridge, born more than 180 years ago, led a life to be reckoned with, known for her ready good humour, devotion to charity and a nickname of the original “People’s Princess”.

Praised as setting the tone for the modern Royal family with her "common touch", she is celebrated as providing the link to bring the middle classes and the Crown into alliance, and reaffirming the importance of the monarchy at a critical moment.

She also, however, has one less fortunate enduring legacy: the nickname Fat Mary.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-baby/11580421/The-last-Princess-of-Cambridge-the-19th-century-Peoples-Princess-known-as-Fat-Mary.html

Queen's hope for a lasting reconciliation is realistic

From The Belfast Telegraph-

One of the reasons why I admire the Queen is her openness about sharing her Christian faith, especially in the United Kingdom where many establishment figures are either aloof from religion or too embarrassed to associate themselves with Christianity.

In her Christmas Day message, Elizabeth showed that she is a devout Anglican, and in her broadcast she spoke about the role of Jesus Christ "as an inspiration and an anchor in my life".

There are not many heads of state, apart from the Pope, who would speak out so clearly and it was no surprise that, in a recent survey about moral leadership in Britain, the Queen topped the poll ahead of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and well ahead of Prime Minister David Cameron.

More here-

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/queens-hope-for-a-lasting-reconciliation-is-realistic-30878243.html

Donald Dewar consulted Queen over Catholic monarchy ban

From The Telegraph-

Donald Dewar consulted the Queen and the UK Government over his rejection of SNP calls for an end to the ban on Roman Catholics ascending to the throne, according to newly-declassified documents.

Scotland’s first First Minister after devolution personally backed the campaign to reform the "prejudiced" Act of Settlement 1701, which also prevented Catholics marrying into the Royal Family.
But Mr Dewar argued that a “simplistic or hasty approach” to the controversial issue could embarrass Tony Blair's Labour government and disrupt the peace process in Northern Ireland.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11319713/Donald-Dewar-consulted-Queen-over-Catholic-monarchy-ban.html

Prince William (and Kate) should go to Anglican services: after all, this is the Church he's going to govern one day

From The Telegraph-

The news that Prince William only goes to church a handful of times a year shows the Old Etonian didn't pay attention in history class. If he had, he'd be hotfooting it to the local Anglican church on a regular basis: it is the Church, after all, that legitimises the monarchy.

We may no longer believe in the mystical monarchy of the Stuarts, whose mere touch would heal the sick (Charles II touched over 100,000 people: history does not relate whether all or some were indeed healed); but the Church of England plays a crucial role even in this constitutional monarchy. The Queen's title includes the words "Defender of the Faith" and when Prince William ascends to the throne, he too will bear that responsibility.

The Church props up the Crown; the Crown must protect the Church. Upon this contract both institutions rest.

More here-

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100197954/prince-william-and-kate-should-go-to-anglican-services-after-all-this-is-the-church-hes-going-to-govern-one-day/

Catholic could become king under plans to abolish Act of Settlement

Further signs of the impending apocalypse ! From the London Telegraph -

The plan to abolish the Act of Settlement could ultimately lead to the disestablishment of the Church of England. The Act also prevents Muslims and other non-Protestants from succeeding to the throne.

Scrapping it would also end the practice of primogeniture where male heirs are given priority in the succession. That could pave the way for a first-born daughter of Prince William to ultimately succeed him as monarch.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/3076884/Catholic-could-become-king-under-plans-to-abolish-Act-of-Settlement.html