Keeper of the Kingdom

A new book is just being released, entitled “Keepers of the Kingdom: The Ancient Offices of Britain”. It outlines all of the odd and historic positions in the UK, necessary to keep the kingdom running smoothly. Of course, some of these positions are completely outmoded, but they’re retained, nevertheless.

This book was first published in 1999, and this edition has been updated and re-released in honour of the Jubilee celebrations which have taken place over the past year.

Obviously, HM QEII holds several positions, most especially as the reigning monarch. She looks happy and relaxed, with all the symbols of her role surrounding her.

In her portrait as Queen of the Scots, she looks much less friendly, and a lot more intimidating.

This picture was taken on her property at Balmoral, miles from the main house and in a small glen with a stream running through it. It was chucking down rain just before the picture was taken, and there was also an invasion of midges (a small biting fly). HM is shown wearing the wearing the Collar of the Order which is made from gold thistles and rue sprigs. The heather is blooming and the stream echoes the flow of her green velvet cape. The image is modeled after portraits by Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823), the Scottish painter.

Although the picture was taken three years ago, it’s just been published in the book, Keepers: The Ancient Offices of Britain, available here.