The King Who Wanted To Be A Fireman

When he was Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII loved nothing more than fighting large blazes. His fascination with fire began when there was a fire in the nursery of Marlborough House in 1865. He doused the burning floorboards and organised the servants into a human chain so that they could pour water on the fire.

He asked his friend, Sir Eyure Massey Shaw, the Chief of the London Fire Brigade, to let him assist in fighting fires. Special vehicles were sent to the Prince's residence so that he could rush to fires. A uniform of helmut, axe, and bell was kept for him at the fire station near Charing Cross. The Prince probably didn't help by giving cigars away!

Edward VII introduced two medals, the King's Fire Service Medal and the King's Police Medal. These are still awarded to men from the British Fire Service today.

Grand Duchess Xenia Romanova | Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia Picture #10160493 - 245 x 440 - FanPix.Net

Grand Duchess Xenia Romanova | Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia Picture #10160493 - 245 x 440 - FanPix.Net

Grand Duchess Xenia in her gorgeous wedding dress.

Two Of Grand Duchess Xenia's Albums Are For Sale

Grand Duchess Xenia was one of the daughters of the last Tsar. She kept beautiful albums which recorded the exquisite gifts of jewellery which she received from her family and her husband.

If only I had the money to buy them!

NB: I will put up more videos and photographs of the Queen's tour here soon.