New BBC History Magazine Article: Was Queen Mary, wife of George V, a kleptomaniac?

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

My latest article in the BBC History Magazine examines the reputation of Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. In the new Downton Abbey film, one storyline references a long-standing question: was Mary partial to stealing from the grand houses that she visited? Writing for History Extra, I explore the life of George V’s queen, and her habits as a collector of precious objects.

Click here to read “Was Queen Mary, wife of George V, a kleptomaniac?” in the BBC History Magazine.

CBC News Interview: A ‘complicated transition’: How Kate is stepping up her public role for the royals

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

I discussed the role of the Duchess of Cambridge with Janet Davison at CBC News. Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

“For Kate, it’s been a “complicated transition,” said Carolyn Harris, a Toronto-based royal author and historian.

Kate came to public prominence once it was known she was dating William. She took part in a television interview at the time of their engagement, but didn’t make a public speech until 2012. In many ways, it seemed she was being eased into royal duties more slowly than previous generations.

For William’s mother, Diana, three decades earlier, “it was a very fast transition into royal life,” said Harris.”

Click here to read A ‘complicated transition’: How Kate is stepping up her public role for the royals at CBC News

Talking History Interview: Queen Victoria: A Life

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

I discussed the life, reign and legacy of Queen Victoria with Patrick Geoghegan on Talking History, Newstalk FM, Ireland.

The panel of historians and biographers on the program include A.N. Wilson, author of Victoria: A Life, Jane Ridley, author of Bertie: A Life of Edward VII and Queen Victoria: Queen, Matriarch, Empress, Jules Stewart, author of Albert: A Life and Christine Kinealy, author of A New History of Ireland.

Click here to listen to Queen Victoria: A Life

CBC News Interview: How Queen Victoria made her mark in Canada — without ever visiting

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

I discussed Queen Victoria’s legacy in Canada with Janet Davison at CBC News. While Queen Victoria never visited Canada in person, all four of her sons and her daughter Princess Louise spent time in Canada and set precedents for future royal tours. Queen Victoria also exerted political and cultural influence over the development of 19th century Canada and her birthday remains a Canadian holiday to the present day.

Click here to read How Queen Victoria made her mark in Canada — without ever visiting in the CBC News The Royal Fascinator Newsletter

The Nordic Nations: From Vikings to Modernity – My Fall 2019 course at the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

In October-November, 2019, I will be teaching a new course at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies – The Nordic Nations: From Vikings to Modernity. The course will take place on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm. Click here for more information and to register!

ABOUT THIS COURSE

The Nordic nations – Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway – are consistently among the top 15 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index. Their societies and culture are admired around the world. But prior to this success is a long, turbulent history. Learn about the history of the Nordic nations, including Vikings, warrior monarchs, the Second World War and immigration to North America. We’ll explore how the countries of northern Europe emerged from poverty and political upheaval to become some of the most successful countries of the 21st century.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Explore the cultural influence of the Nordic countries around the world.
  • Learn about the unique histories of the Nordic nations.
  • Discuss how successful societies can emerge from a difficult past.

Click here for more information and to register!

New Canadian Encyclopedia Article: Lady Grey

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

My latest article in the Canadian Encyclopedia is about Lady Grey, viceregal consort of Canada from 1904 to 1911. The article also discusses Rudyard Kipling’s poem Our Lady of the Snows. Born Alice Holford, Lady Grey shared her family’s interest in landscape gardening and was the patron of a wide variety philanthropic organizations in Canada.

Click here to read my article about Lady Grey in the Canadian Encyclopedia

New Canadian Encyclopedia Article: Earl Grey

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

My latest article in The Canadian Encyclopedia is about Albert Grey, 4th Earl Grey, Governor General of Canada from 1904 to 1911 (and the grandson of the British Prime Minister Earl Grey who reputedly received tea flavoured with oil of bergamot as a diplomatic gift, popularizing “Earl Grey” tea). As Governor General of Canada, the 4th Earl Grey established awards that honour Canadian arts, drama and sports. The Grey Cup is still presented to the winning team of the Canadian Football League championship.

Click here to read Albert Grey, 4th Earl Grey in The Canadian Encyclopedia

CBC News Interview: What Should a Prince of Wales Do?

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

I discussed the 50th anniversary of the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales with Janet Davison at CBC News.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

“What stands out to me about the investiture is how it resembled a medieval ceremony,” said Toronto-based royal historian and author Carolyn Harris. “But in fact, the investiture ceremony for the Prince of Wales was a 20th century invention.”

It was considerably more elaborate than previous investitures, and the first such ceremony to be broadcast via the increasingly popular medium of television. 

Click here to read “What Should A Prince of Wales Do?” in The Royal Fascinator Newsletter at CBC News

New BBC History Magazine Article: Charles, The Prince of Wales’s investiture at Caernarfon Castle, 50 years on

by CarolynHarris | Leave a comment

My latest article on the BBC History Magazine’s website History Extra is about the 50th anniversary of Prince Charles’s Investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle.

“Half a century ago, Queen Elizabeth II invested her son Charles as the Prince of Wales in an elaborate ceremony at Caernarfon Castle. But the ceremony was not without controversy, taking place amid the rapid social change of the 1960s and protest from a growing Welsh nationalist movement… “

Click here to read Charles, The Prince of Wales’s investiture at Caernarfon Castle, 50 years at History Extra.