#lancaster household

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

About Harry's comment that he was "literally" cut off financially -

This is just my speculation, but like you, I also assume that Harry still gets some sort of annual allowance from Charles and that he absolutely lied in the Oprah interview.

What I think he meant is that-

1. Part of their salary, their allowance from the Duchy of Lancaster (at the time, under the Queen) was stopped. Obviously, because they stopped working for The Crown.

2. Their salary from the Duchy of Cornwall (at the under Charles) stopped. Read somewhere that this was in the range of 3 to 4 mil.

3. Their official expenses for their staff, likely being covered separately by the Duchy/BP stopped.

4. Their upkeep expenses like travel, housing etc, being covered by the Duchy/BP stopped.

5. Their official security, being covered by the govt, stopped.

6. Whatever perks their diplomatic status afforded them, stopped. I'm assuming this is what Canada/Trudeau said he won't be covering post March 2020. And so they fled to USA.

7. Private expenses - household, lifestyle etc, being covered privately by Charles via the Duchy stopped. I'm assuming this included clothing allowances, holidays that weren't comped by friends, rentals or lease for homes anywhere other than crown property, like their Cotswold home.

Like you said, I do think Charles privately funds Harry. Either via a trustfund that may have been set up ages ago, and so Harry takes that for granted and it doesn't count in Harry's mind. Or, Charles gives them an annual lump sum.

Of course, he may very well be spending his inheritance from Diana or the Queen mother as well. But both harry and meghan live their life like they don't much care about where their money comes from. They also doy seem to much effort into their Netflix, Spotify deals. We know they don't have any brand deals. So the money must come from somewhere.

And Harry keeps going over the UK every year around the same time each year. It can't be as simple as just a layover enroute to Invictus. My personal conspiracy theory (I have no rational explanation for it) is that he goes to UK, and stays at Windsor, to sign whatever documentation in person, so he can recieve this money from Charles.

Maybe part of the deal is that he comes and sign for it in person. And staying at Windsor makes it easier to meet with the lawyers or staff that handles this for him. He usually comes around April or May. His megxit trial separation review was March 2021. In my mind atleast, his annual trips in April or May along with that review date.

Another thing is that it was around this same time last year, in 2023, that negotiations for Harry's coronation appearance were happening. The result of which was that Meghan was absent (disinvited?) and Harry, quietly, weekly, came and went and did not create much of fuss for the way he was completely excluded from the coronation pomp. I think he may have got some money back then as well, and likely, got a bonus due his dad's promotion.

Old ask from June 2nd

I suspect Harry was given some money around the coronation too, and I feel like there might’ve been a condition that required Meghan to be radio silent for the whole weekend.

We talked about it at the time, but it was *very* strange, and very noticeable, that she completely disappeared for Coronation Weekend, considering that her usual MO is to smother us in PR any time the BRF steps out as a family - like trooping, Remembrance Day, post-summer holidays, the Platinum Jubilee, The Queen’s funeral. (Yes, she papwalked the first second she could, during the coronation concert, but by then most of the official festivities were over and no one really cared.)

I suspect maybe Meghan had gotten some kind of money for the coronation too. Probably a “half now, half after if you cooperate” kind of deal as I think that’s the only way Meghan would agree to anything. Or maybe Charles’s letters she leaked about just before the coronation (the ones where she claimed Charles names the racist royals) actually worked and they paid her for her silence. 🤷‍♀️

But anon picked up something I hadn’t — Harry really does have a pattern of going to the UK in the spring and what if it actually is tied to him getting the allowance from Charles?

Let’s review:

March 2020 - Sussex “farewell” tour

April 2021 - Philip’s funeral

April 2022 - secret Windsor visit on the way to The Hague Invictus Games that Meghan leaked because no one actually saw them. They reportedly wanted a meeting with The Queen, but she required them to meet with Charles and Camilla first. Supposedly they were late and never got to meet The Queen. I think this is the visit where Harry claimed he was making sure The Queen was protected and had good people around her.

June 2022 - Platinum Jubilee visit

September 2022 - Sussex “revenge” tour, overshadowed by The Queen’s illness and passing, royal mourning, and the funeral.

May 2023 - Harry returns for the coronation

June 2023 - Harry returns for lawsuit hearing/trial. Conveniently he’s in the country the same time that Charles is traveling and named Harry as a Counsellor of State.

February 2024 - Harry returns to see Charles after cancer diagnosis. He tries to see Kate but William blocks him.

May 2024 - Harry returns for 10th anniversary Invictus Games service. He doesn’t see Charles because Charles didn’t read Harry’s mind that he wanted to be personally invited by him despite an offer being made through staff. He tries to see Kate again but William blocks him.

I’m going to have to remember this theory next spring to check if the pattern continues.

[catsofcalifornia]

Ginger from Ruff Patches in Lancaster, California

Click here for more information about adoption and other ways to help!

Click here for a link to Ruff Patches' main website.

Meet Sweet Ginger, a 5-year-old calico on a mission to find her purr-fect match! After her previous hoomans vanished (something about a "move"?), this cuddle connoisseur is ready to charm the furry socks off any pawsitive households with chill doggos or fellow feline friends. She's gentle, as sweet as sugar, and will cuddle on demand. What more could you ask for?

[preet-01]

Maxiel Political AU

Word Count: 1243

Summary: Max Verstappen only had one goal - to be President. It's all he's wanted since he was just seven years old and all that he's worked towards. But bachelors don't get elected as Presidents, for the most part. Enter Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel's the ideal candidate for the country's most prominent and stressful unpaid job: the President's loving partner, a pretty bauble for the country to fall in love with and look towards. In secret meetings, contracts are signed and a marriage is arranged. Max and Daniel must convince the American people that they are a loving couple and perfect for the White House

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Chapter Two

In the political campaign business, there are certain names that everyone knows regardless of party lines or election levels. Campaign managers, press secretaries, and speechwriters became household names for politicians and politician hopefuls over the years. 

One such name is Sebastian Vettel. 

The German-American from Philly had entered the political scene fresh out of college and had carved out a space for himself. 

From local campaigns to presidential campaigns, he had worked on everything and anything. But his most notable career achievement was approximately four years ago when he was on the Hamilton presidential campaign as the press secretary. 

Now, years later and with many successful campaigns under his belt, Sebastian was looking towards another presidential campaign to put his name on. 

Max Verstappen, by all accounts that Sebastian had heard, was the next big thing after Lewis Hamilton came onto the scene. And by rumors that he’d heard from his contacts, Max Verstappen would be running for President in 2028. 

“You’re barely finished with your first term as a Senator,” Sebastian states when he finally has a meeting with Max Verstappen. The young senator is ambitious, but he does have the results to back it. Though Sebastian would not tell him that just yet, perhaps after they’ve won the presidency. 

“The election is still four years away. Plenty of time for any inexperience to become experience,” Max states. He has no doubts in his abilities. The next few years will be enough for him to fix any shortcomings and build an electable resume for himself. 

“Indeed, I do not doubt that. Your record so far speaks for itself,” Sebastian says, though he seems to be holding back on something. 

“But?” Max inquires. 

“But there are things outside of your work record that will influence your presidential campaign,” Sebastian replies. 

They leave it at that, despite Max wanting to know more about it. Sebastian says it is a matter for a later time, and that he needs to work out some things in the background before it becomes a pressing issue. 

While Max would like to know more about Sebastian’s pressing concerns, he does have committee meetings to go to, and- his train of thought is broken by a text he gets from one of his colleagues. 

S.4398 is going to the courts for constitutional violations 

Plaintiffs hired Ricciardo from Thompson and Lancaster. Should be an easy win 

Max is confused because is he supposed to know who Ricciardo is? There were too many lawyers in the district to know everyone.  

____

“Are you wearing a signet ring?” Oscar questions. When they said that he could get an intern, Daniel assumed that he would get a helpful intern eager to learn and do whatever Daniel needed. He had been like that, taking whatever scraps he could get. Instead, he received Oscar. And while Oscar was very polite at first glance, in Daniel’s opinion the twenty-three-year-old was a menace to society – well mainly to Daniel, but he was society. “Oh god, you’re one of those lawyers,” he groans. 

“It’s a family ring and my grandfather is in town,” Daniel sighs. He hadn’t worn the family signet ring consistently since they’d found out he was a carrier, but his grandfather was in town and he couldn’t get away with it. “Have you filed the McKinley documents?” he asks, changing the conversation from his family to the newest case that Daniel had been chosen as the head lawyer. His record of winning had made it an easy decision for the bosses and plaintiffs.

“Filed them this morning,” Oscar replies, “Vergne was sniffing around about the case when I was filing.” 

“Of course he was. Boss man’s not been very subtle that this case could potentially make me partner,” Daniel sighs. His once close friendship with Jev had suffered with both of them at the same firm and Daniel’s promotion potential being greater than his. He was sad about it, of course, law school would have been hell if it wasn’t for Jev’s friendship. But Daniel wanted to become partner and he’d do whatever was needed to achieve that. 

“We’re meeting with McKinley tomorrow morning, I want you there,” Daniel tells Oscar. Oscar had been his intern for months now, but he hadn’t sat in any of the meetings so far. 

“What?” And for probably the first time, Daniel is able to surprise Oscar. 

“I think you’re ready and it is the next step,” Daniel replies. 

The rest of the day goes by without a hitch. Daniel can avoid seeing his grandfather until it’s time to leave the office. 

His grandfather is waiting for him in front of the building with a town car. “Daniel,” he greets with a nod and motions to the town car. Daniel sighs as he enters the car. All he wanted was to go home and just be a blob in his bed as he contemplated some innocuous decision that he’d made. But when Joseph Ricciardo shows up at your job with a town car, you get in the town car. 

“How was your trip, grandfather?” Daniel inquires. 

“It was adequate,” the older man replies. “I spoke with your friend, the campaign manager,” he says. 

“Sebastian? Why?” Daniel questions. As far as Daniel knows, there was no reason for his grandfather to speak with Sebastian. Daniel knows that his grandfather had gotten acquainted with Seb when Seb worked on the Hamilton campaign the first time around and he endorsed Lewis Hamilton. But since then, as far as Daniel knew, Sebastian hadn’t worked on a campaign that would require an endorsement from his grandfather. 

“He is taking on a new presidential campaign for 28,” Joseph says. “A Senator from New York,” he adds. Daniel knows one of the Senators from New York – John Robbins – they’d gotten coffee a handful of times over the years. He doesn’t think John is a presidential hopeful and he isn’t the type of candidate that Seb likes to work with. No Seb likes younger politicians, not those over the retirement age. 

“Robbins?” 

“No, the other one. Verstappen,” Joseph answers. 

“Verstappen?” Daniel tries to think back to what he knows of the young Senator from New York. Relatively new to the Senate, younger than most of his colleagues, the same party as Lewis, unmarried, and not as established as other 2028 presidential hopefuls. “He’d never win. Not yet anyway,” Daniel says. The voters didn't like unmarried newcomers they barely knew. Politics was a game of strategy and name recognition.

“Hhm, at his present state, he would not win, but should his situation change and he gets more established support, then he does have a strong chance,” Joseph says, handing him a file. “Sebastian compiled a file on him. He will be contacting you soon to discuss a potential, mutually beneficial agreement for both parties involved,” he says. 

Daniel knows what a mutually beneficial agreement means. This wouldn’t be the first time that Daniel had gotten such a file from his grandfather. His cousin’s aspirations were more in line with the videogame industry than politics, so a presidency was far-fetched. Therefore, the attention had returned to getting Daniel hitched to some Senator or Governor who could take the Ricciardo name to the highest office in the country. 

Usually, he ignored them and found one reason or another to deny them. But this was someone that Seb would be working with and that intrigued him. 

He’d meet this Senator Verstappen.

________

I feel iffy about this chapter, but it's a necessary step to get to the first meeting in the next chapter

Updates will be every other week

[the-empress-7]

If Charles is being stupid & sending them money, then he better make sure it’s coming from his own personal bank account and not the Duchy’s purse. The crown should absolutely not pay for a single cent of their lives after they have publicly bashed & humiliated everything it stands for.

Charles has enough of his own money, but it would not surprise me at all if he is sending them money from the Duchy's purse. By leaving them on the site as working royals, he can claim them as members of his household and hence eligible for money from the Monarch/Duchy of Lancaster. Honestly think about it, who is going to say no to the King?

I am tired of repeating myself, but they are still listed on the official website by CHOICE. It benefits both Charles (to funnel tax payer money to Harry) and Harry (to maintain his diplomatic visa status and tax immunity). It's the perfect ploy because both parties are equally vested in the truth never emerging, the minute one goes down, so does the other.

Charles and Harry truly deserve each other for this con job they are pulling off on the British public

You know that saying, when people show you who they are believe them the first time? I know exactly what kind of man Charles is thanks to the honors for cash scandal among a laundry list of other scandals.

Charles did not discover morality when that Crown landed on his head. He is still the same corrupt man he has always been, except now he is infinite power and is literally above the law.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

[empiredesimparte]

Live broadcast of ‘Le Sacre de Napoléon V’ on the national channel Francesim 2, hosted by Stéphane Bernard

(Another journalist) Ah, we have news from the gala! (Stéphane Bernard) Indeed, the doors of the Château de Versailles are opening to welcome the Emperor's first guests. The setting makes everything more delightful: it is likely His Majesty's favorite residence. He spent much time there during his childhood. (Another journalist) Who are the guests, Stéphane?

(Stéphane Bernard) The Emperor has invited the most prominent heads of state, accompanied by their spouses or heirs, in the case of monarchies. We see Queen Viviana, whose country has very strong ties with ours. Similarly, the sovereigns of Uspana share what I would call a generational friendship with the Simparte family, dating back well before the restoration of the Francesim Empire.

(Other journalist) Here is Madame's fiancé! He is unaccompanied. (Stéphane Bernard) It is well known that the Imperial Household and the Duke of Rothsey went through a period of tension a few months ago. However, this should not be seen as a sign of the Emperor's grudge. It is simply the adherence to imperial protocol on this festive day. Nonetheless, I must acknowledge that the Duke, despite his undeniable poise and sharp mind, has not yet mastered the art of pleasing his entire in-laws.

⚜ Le Sacre de Napoléon V | N°2 | Francesim, Versailles, 27 Thermidor An 230

The guests arrive at the gala for the coronation of Emperor Napoleon V at Versailles. It was broadcast live on television by Stéphane Bernard, the famous journalist for the crowned heads in Francesim.

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

⚜ Guests at the coronation

TIM, Emperor David I and Empress Katalina of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

HRH, Prince Oliver, Duke of Rothsey (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

HIM, Queen Viviana II of the Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

TM, King Arnaut and Queen Lorraine of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

HM, Queen Anastasia of Carrington and HRH, Prince Hisirdoux, the Duke of Clois (@royalhouseofcarrington)

TRH, Crown Prince George, Duke of Everton and Crown Princess Anne, Duchess of Everton (@crownsofesha)

HRH, Margaret, the Princess Royal of Corrilea (@theroyalsofcorrilea)

HM, Queen Diana and HRH, Prince Gerhard of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt)

HRH, Madame Royale Eleanor de Thornolie (@theroyalthornoliachronicles)

TM, King Giovanni and Queen Consort Cassandre (@royalhouseofcardsleyts4)

TIM, The High King and High Queen of the Presean Empire (@stthomaspalace)

TM, King George I and Queen Elizabeth of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

TRH, the Duke and Duchess of Marseille and Saint-Lyon (@sosa-royals)

HM, Rosalind II, Queen of the Armoricans (@armoricaroyalty)

HM, King Arthur of the United Kingdom of Prydain and Voltadelmar (@prydainroyals)

TRH, The Prince and Princess of Belen (@housekonig)

HIH,  The Princess Imperial Eliana of Alexandria (@thealexandrianroyals)

TM, Queen Najwa and King Abeni of Oasis Springs (@hrh-the-royals)

TRH, Crown Princess Emeline and Crown Prince Cedric of Whitmore (@whitmoreroyals)

TM, King Oliver and Queen Charlotte of Cedoria and the Isle (@thebaillieroyals)

TM, King James II and Queen Alibhe of United Kingdoms of Great Briton and Ériu (@trhor)

Her Majesty Queen Irene and HRH Prince James (@albanyroyals)

⚜ Traduction française

Les invités arrivent au gala du couronnement de l'Empereur Napoléon V qui a lieu à Versailles.

(Autre journaliste) Ah, nous avons des nouvelles du gala. (Stéphane Bernard) En effet, les portes du château de Versailles s'ouvrent et accueillent les premiers invités de l'Empereur. Le cadre rend tout plus agréable : il s'agit probablement de la résidence préférée de Sa Majesté. Il y a passé beaucoup de temps durant son enfance. (Autre journaliste) Qui sont les invités Stéphane ?

(Stéphane Bernard) L'Empereur a invité les plus grands chefs d'Etat, accompagnés de leur conjoint ou de leur héritier, pour les monarchies. On retrouve la reine Viviana dont le pays est très lié au nôtre. De même, les souverains de Uspana ont une amitié je dirais générationnelle avec la famille Simparte, bien avant le rétablissement de l'empire de Francesim.

(Autre journaliste) Voici le fiancé de Madame ! Il n'est pas accompagné. (Stéphane Bernard) Il est de notoriété publique que la Maison Impériale et le duc de Rothsey ont traversé une période de tensions il y a quelques mois. Toutefois, il ne faut point interpréter cela comme une rancune de l'Empereur. Il s'agit simplement du respect du protocole impérial en ce jour de fête. Néanmoins, je veux bien reconnaître que le duc, malgré sa prestance indéniable et sa tête bien faite, n'a pas encore maîtrisé l'art de plaire à l'ensemble de sa belle-famille.

[hisimmer0]

Meet Orlando and Scarlet Lancaster ♡ Noelle’s Parents

Orlando

42, Straight

Family Oriented, Ambitious, Goofball

Investor

Loves Horse-riding, Funding new Start-ups, Spending time with his family

Scarlet

39, Straight

Perfectionist, Art Lover, Insider

Humanitarian Ambassador

Loves Throwing parties, Finding new art pieces, Shopping, Yoga

This image perfectly describes their relationship, look at the smirk on Orlando’s face and Scarlet being annoyed. Scarlet's usually the serious, straight-laced one, while Orlando loves to play the joker. But their opposite personalities actually work well together. Orlando's fun-loving nature adds some much-needed lightness to Scarlet's orderly life, creating a balanced and harmonious relationship.

Their twenty-years of shared love and understanding began at a horse-racing competition. They attended this event with their parents, who turned out to be business partners.

As an investor, Orlando found his passion in owning shares from various businesses, while Scarlet channeled her creative energy into her own art gallery. A gift from Orlando on her 30th birthday.

Orlando loves her daughter to death. As a doting father, he would indulge Noelle with horse riding trips where they would invite Maddie as well and spend quality time together. He cherishes every moment with his little girl, ready to do anything for her happiness.

Scarlet initially had reservations about Noelle's friendship with Madeline, due to the rumors surrounding the Bellemore household. However, watching Madeline grow up, she came to see her as a second daughter. Madeline, in turn, found a mother figure in Scarlet, always knowing she could rely on her for advice or a listening ear.

[notmaplemable]

9 Days Of Lancaster Day 8: Meeting The Family

RJ: *Standing outside the Arc household*

Jaune: Nervous?

Ruby: A little bit.

Jaune: Don't be, they'll love you. And I mean, you meeting my family can't go any worse than me meeting yours.

Ruby: What do you mean? Dad loved meeting you, and Uncle Qrow likes you more than he likes most people.

Jaune: I meant throwing up on Yang.

Ruby: Oh... Yeah, hopefully I can do better than... that.

Jaune: You will. You did great when you met Saph and Terra.

Ruby: But we weren't dating then, and two people are easier to deal with than ten!

Jaune: Well... you aren't wrong.

Ruby: You're supposed to encourage me!

Jaune: I have been.

Ruby: Well I don't feel encouraged!

Jaune: *Sighs* Let's just go meet everyone.

------

Ruby: H-Hello, my name is Rubin Rose!... I mean Robin Rose!... I mean Ronald Rose!... I mean-!

Jaune: This is Ruby.

Ruby: RUBY ROSE!

Mama Arc: *Chuckles* Well aren't you adorable.

Papa Arc: There's no need to be so nervous, Ruby. We've heard a lot about you.

Mama Arc: And if you're anything like your mom, you'll get along with the girls just wonderfully.

Papa Arc: Hopefully.

Jaune: Where is everyone else anyways?

Mama Arc: In the den, we wanted to give Ruby a little bit of breathing room before we throw her to the wolves. *Chuckles*

Ruby: *Mortified*

Jaune: Thanks mom, really helping her anxiety there.

Mama Arc: Oh I'm just teasing.

Jaune: Tease less, please.

Mama Arc: Oh sure, sure. Let's go introduce her to the girls! *Grabs Ruby's hand and drags her away*

Ruby: Eeep!

Jaune: Oh, boy.

Papa Arc: This is going to be a... fun day.

------

Mama Arc: This is Ruby Rose, Summer's youngest daughter, and Jaune's fiancée! Isn't she just adorable?

Arc girls: *Various forms of yes*

Ruby: H-h-h-hi?

Mama Arc: Now, you already know Saphron and Terra.

Terra: Hello again, Ruby.

Saphron: It's been too long. I like what you're doing with your hair now, though.

Ruby: T-thank you. It's good to see you two again.

Mama Arc: This is Garnet, our oldest.

Garnet: I see you like red a lot.

Ruby: Yeah, it's my favorite color.

Garnet: Well, we have that in common. And from what I've been told about you, I look forward to having you as a little sister.

Ruby: Oh, umm. Thanks?

Mama Arc: This is Jaune's twin sister, Joan.

Joan: It's nice to meet you.

Ruby: It's nice to meet you too, you look a lot like Jaune.

Joan: Except a good bit shorter and a lot less muscular now. *Chuckles* He's changed a lot since he left.

Ruby: Yeah.

Joan: Mostly for the better it seems, and I believe I have you and the rest of his friends to thank for that.

Mama Arc: This is Kelly.

Kelly: So, I hear you like weapons.

Ruby: They're my second most favorite thing in the world.

Kelly: Can you show me some cool weapons sometime?

Ruby: Sure! I mean, if you want me to.

Kelly: I do! This is going to be so awesome!

Mama Arc: This is Livie.

Livie: Sup?

Ruby: Umm, not much?

Livie: Hmm.

Mama Arc: She doesn't talk much, now onto the second set of twins. Milly and Amethyst.

Milly: You seem really cool!

Amethyst: You stole my big brother you harlett!

Ruby: Umm, I don't know what that means.

Milly: She just called you a w-

Mama Arc: And that's enough of that conversation! Let's eat!

------

Several hours later.

Jaune: See, I told you it wouldn't be that bad.

Ruby: Your little sister called me a "harlett".

Jaune: She's just getting used to me dating. It'll all be better after a good night's sleep.

Ruby: Where am I supposed to sleep?

Jaune: We have a ton of guest room you can stay in.

Mama Arc: Actually, I donated all of the beds in the guest room to charity.

Jaune: What? Why?

Mama Arc: It doesnt matter why! *Starts pushing Jaune and Ruby towards Jaune's room* You two can just sleep together in Jaune's room while you're staying here!

Jaune: Mom!

Ruby: *Blushing*

Mama Arc: *Pushes them into the room* Have a good night you two~! *Leaves*

Jaune and Ruby look around at Jaune's room, which is currently lit by several candles with some soft romantic music playing in the background.

Jaune: ...

Ruby: ...

[une-sanz-pluis]

What do we know about the relationship between Edward III and Henry IV? I find it quite intriguing that he was inducted into the Order of the Garter together with Richard II ( and in fact were the last two people to be admitted by Edward III) while he didn't bother to do the same for Thomas of Woodstock so this should imply some special fondness which Edward had for Harry. But on the other hand, Richard lost his father and elder brother quite early so Edward may have thought that there is a real likelihood of the same happening to Richard which would have ensured that Henry would become king in the future ( through John of Gaunt) so his knighting could reflect Edward wishing to knight someone whom he deemed had a viable chance of succeeding him. And this is why I am so curious about the relationship that Edward III had with Henry Bolingbroke.

Unfortunately, we don't know know anything about their relationship beyond the fact that Henry was knighted in April 1377. It's impossible to say what kind of contact they had before then, the evidence just isn't there. Edward III seems to have relied on John of Gaunt in his later years and both Edward and Philippa of Hainault seemed to have had a close relationship with Henry's mother, Blanche of Lancaster. According to Chris Given-Wilson, Henry spent his childhood in the Blanche, Lady Wake's household, then at Tutbury and then in the future Richard II's court. It seems possible that there was some contact between Edward and Henry before the St. George's day festivities but it's impossible to say for sure if there was or what kind of contact there was. I think there was probably very little contact due to Henry's youth and Edward's declining health. I think it's likely Edward thought fondly of Henry, even if he probably knew very little about him.

I'm afraid that I'm very resistant to the idea that anyone had any serious expectation Henry would one day be king, mainly out of spite at Ian Mortimer, lol. I think there was an awareness of the possibility - Edward's only brother died when he was young, he had several children predecease him - but I think the only people who seriously believed that Richard would die and Gaunt or Gaunt's son would become king were those who thought Gaunt was planning to murder Richard. Hell, Henry was Gaunt's only legitimately born son who lived to see 1377 so Edward could have harboured fears that Henry might drop dead just as much as, if not more so, than Richard might. The Order of the Garter had a strictly limited membership: no more than 24 members (plus the monarch and Prince of Wales) - Richard was likely stepping into his father's place as the new Prince of Wales, which meant only one slot was available. Why Henry and not Thomas of Woodstock? Beyond the fact that Edward seems to have neglected Woodstock's public career (he was knighted very late in life compared to his brothers, he had to wait until 1385 for a dukedom), inducting Henry into the Order of the Garter may have been a gesture of support or gratitude for Gaunt, given that Gaunt was basically running the country for Edward and bearing the brunt of public hate.

[blackboar]

Did Margaret beaufort say many times before Henry Tudor ascended the throne that my son would become king?

No, pardon my french but that’s complete bullshit.

Margaret Beaufort did not plan to make her son king until at best summer 1483. The white queen is very unrealistic in that aspect.

Margaret is an individual who have a familial loyalty and people whom she cares about beyond Henry, even though he certainly is her first concern. Margaret thinking that her son would be king is basically wishing the end of the House of Lancaster, and probably Beauforts and Holland, all whom do or could have a claim for the throne before Henry.

After 1471, we see no sign of Margaret attempting to push her son. In fact she clearly attempt to insert herself and her son in the triumphant Yorkist regime. She marry a influential lord close to power, she enter the queen’s household, she attempt to negotiate a settlement for her son.

It didn’t work for a decade because Margaret couldn’t garantuee her son’s safety in the Yorkist regime. Henry Holland’s weird death was probably a prime warning for her that reconciled Lancastrian pretenders could have a reduced chance of life expectancy in Yorkist England. There was probably third parties eager to see the Tudor heir die in exile and not return to claim his familial lands (like the Herberts, Clarence then Gloucester himself).

So she bid her time and negotiated what probably was a first step in 1482: a share of her mother’s inheritance. Edward IV died before final negotiations be made. She pushed her son king afterwards because it was the least bad option. Richard III was attempting to extradite him anyway and he was becoming a potential pretender with the new king’s flawed legitimacy. Negotiations were no longer possible.

I don’t think Margaret wanted her son to be king even after 1471. Every king she knew except Edward IV died violently and Edward himself came close numerous times. And that’s not even opening the issue of pretenders, wether overt or merely seen as potential ones. Their death rate was very high.

Hence why Hall claimed she cried during her son’s coronation: he was putting a big target in his back, she knew it and she was right considering he almost got killed weeks afterward. Anxiety probably swallowed her as her son was never completely safe and constantly facing rivals, plots, uncertainties, treasons, discontents and outright weirdos attempting to destroy him.

I personally think it’s not coincidence that she died months after him. Uncertainty kept her alive, fearful that his life would end with defeat and death. So when he died peacefully, albeit not painlessly, and the transition to her grandson was made, she knew she could leave at peace.

As an aside, if a show want to have an half-deluded character who desperately cling to the idea of making Henry king as ultimate vindication for his suffering, just pick Jasper (after 1471 though). He’s the one with big grudges toward Edward IV who personally executed his dad. He’s the one who can’t and probably won’t make peace with the Yorkist regime.

[the-lancasters]

Goldsborough Palace, Windenburg

Previous| Beginning  | Next

Transcript under the cut

Robert - We asked to visit you today because I proposed to Alexandra during our trip to Lancaster Palace over the weekend, and she said yes

Elizabeth - Oh sweetheart! That is just wonderful! Congratulations

George - Yes congratulations. *as an aside* Though are you forgetting the act of parliament? The one where you need to gain my permission?

Robert - Not at all Father. But you weren't going to object anyway were you?

George - No. But you could have warned me.

George - Well this couldn’t have come at a better time now that I think about it. Weddings bring economic upswing - tourism rises too. 

Elizabeth - And weddings are such happy family occasions too -

George - I will have Yvonne arrange a meeting by the end of this week with the Master of the Household, the Archbishop, and I guess we’d better get the Prime Minister's office involved. They thought they were involved too late with Charles. They will want to have a say in the date- which is absolutely ridiculous but we will at least give them that illusion I suppose. Robert, what does your calendar look like for the rest of the month?

*George walks Robert over to the side while Alex looks a bit shell shocked*

Elizabeth - So, Alexandra! Have you given any thought to what style of dress you want to wear?

--

George - You don’t seem that surprised by this news. 

Elizabeth - Of course not, I knew what he was planning. I helped him with the ring in the end. But I didn’t know if she had accepted or not.

George - I guess it was inevitable really, after two years

Elizabeth - Do try and seem a little bit enthused George

George - Im not denying its a solid match - her aristocratic background, she's young, educated, scandal free-

Elizabeth - They are actually in love-

George – Not exactly the most important consideration here. But that father of hers has some strange notions that he likes to express at all opportunities. And the wife - 

Elizabeth - Yes, I know she's quite full-on

 George - Now we will have to host them so much more frequently. And at family events!

[transdimensional-void]

If I ask nicely will you yap about the plantagenets? Maybe some rec'd reading? :D

red! yes, yes i will yap about the plantagenets with only minimal prodding!

i'll start off with the disclaimer that i'm no historian and have not read a ton of books about this topic. a lot of what i've learned has been through documentaries rather than books, but i'll give my few recs at the end.

OKAY, so i think the plantagenet dynasty was the main family grrm had in mind when he created the targaryens. the dynasty's founding had its origins in a period of english history known as the anarchy, which was the inspiration for the dance of the dragons, and the dynasty ended with the end of the wars of the roses, which was a major inspiration for the events of asoiaf.

the dynasty ruled england for over 300 years (from 1154 to 1485), and there was like sooooo much war, both internally and externally during that time period. the plantagenets obviously had a massive influence on the political, economic, and cultural development of england, considering how long they ruled.

so here's some of my favorite plantagenets to yap about:

henry ii - he was the first ruler of the dynasty, and nowadays is best known for maybe possibly ordering the murder of his best friend/archbishop of canterbury, thomas becket. the guys murdered him literally INSIDE the cathedral while he was performing mass. so then the king had to be like "oopsie. i'll just do a quick penance, shall i?" and thomas becket was made a saint as like an apology.

edward ii - was he a disaster bi or were those guys really just his good friends? we don't know! but we DO know that he liked his really good friends so much that he did not care about anything else and was such a terrible king that everyone attempted to depose him from his nobles to his own cousin to, eventually, his own wife and son! in which they succeeded! and then his wife had him discreetly murdered in prison and served as regent for their son until he came of age.

isabella of france, the she-wolf of france - the aforementioned wife! she was forced to marry this guy when she was 12, made the best of a bad situation and even had uneasy alliances with her husband's "good friends" until the second one purged her household and kidnapped her children to reduce her power. and THEN she recruited her brother (the king of france) her husband's exiled number 1 enemy (who became her lover), her 12-year-old son (the heir to her husband's throne), and a mere 700 mercenaries to depose her husband. and succeeded! what a woman.

edward iii - aforementioned 12-year-old son, who went on to be remembered as one of england's most effective kings. he made peace with scotland for a while (after killing a lot of scottish people and trying to put his own puppet monarch on their throne), made peace with france for a while (um while also kicking off the 100 years war lol), handled the black plague (then fixed laborers' wages to pre-plague levels lol), had one of the most harmonious and loving marriages the english monarchy has ever seen, and fought a shit-ton of battles. oh, he also made english the official language of government, since it had been french before!

john of gaunt - edward's third son (to survive to adulthood) who eventually became the wealthiest and most influential noble in all of england, the duke of lancaster, through his marriage to his beloved first wife, blanche of lancaster. he was patron to geoffrey chaucer (he of the "canterbury tales," which were about a bunch of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of saint thomas, that guy maybe killed by henry ii!), who eventually became his brother-in-law! after blanche's death, john began a decades-long love affair with his daughters' nanny, katherine swynford, who gave birth to four illegitimate children for him, who took the surname beaufort. eventually, he married katherine as his third wife and had the pope legitimize their children. AND IT WAS THROUGH THOSE CHILDREN THAT THE TUDORS GOT THEIR CLAIM TO THE THRONE A CENTURY LATER!!

henry iv - john of gaunt's eldest son and heir to the title of duke of lancaster. as a child, henry was friend to his cousin, richard, who was second in line to the throne. then richard's father and grandfather both died, and richard became king at only 10 years old. he ended up being a pretty terrible king (and might have had some sort of personality disorder), which led henry to eventually oppose him along with a bunch of other nobles, including one of their uncles. so richard banished him, and when john of gaunt died, richard refused to let henry inherit. but the thing was, pretty much everybody hated richard, and lots of people liked henry. so henry waited until richard had popped over to conquer ireland and quietly sailed to england and was like, "ha ha, i'm only here to claim my inheritance uwu," and then he gathered an army and took the throne with pretty much zero resistance. and when richard returned, he arrested him, forced him to publicly accept henry as king, imprisoned him in a castle being overseen by his stepbrother (katherine swynford's son!), and then richard ~mysteriously died~ in prison. oops. but the funniest thing was that HENRY WASN'T EVEN NEXT IN LINE TO THE THRONE SINCE HIS DAD WAS ONLY THE THIRD SON!! i smell a succession dispute brewing... (there was. this is what sowed the seeds for the wars of the roses that raged throughout the 15th century.) oh, also, henry's legitimized bastard siblings, the beauforts, helped him gain the throne, but then henry was like, "hmm actually i'm going to unilaterally decree you all excluded from the line of succession. who needs parliament's approval to change the succession? not me!" so lots of people claim that the beaufort line was ineligible to inherit the throne, but it's not really clear that henry even had the authority to exclude them since he did it without parliament's approval. oh, also he was the first king of england who spoke english as his primary language! (edit: should have said the first english king *post-norman invasion to speak english as his primary language. and he definitely was the first to speak MIDDLE english as his primary language).

joan beaufort - okay, so joan was one of the beaufort children of john of gaunt and katherine swynford, and her second marriage was to ralph de neville. at the time she married him, ralph already had EIGHT children from his first marriage, and then she gave birth to at least an additional NINE children for him. NINE. guess which family in asoiaf these two inspired? if you guessed the freys, you were right! joan was the half-sister of the KING, so you can imagine she had some serious connections and influence. and she used them to get REALLY REALLY advantageous marriages for her children. they all married heirs and heiresses who were wards of the crown. and then oopsie daisy her husband's older children from his first marriage got overlooked as his heirs and her son became the heir over his elder brother. this kicked off what became known as the neville-neville dispute, which, due to joan's children all being married into major noble houses, drew a ton of other families into the conflict... which eventually widened into the wars of the roses. well done, joan!

margaret beaufort - margaret was descended from both joan and joan's older brother, john beaufort. toward the end of the wars of the roses, pretty much all of the male claimants from the beauforts' side of the conflict (the lancastrian side) had been killed off. thus, margaret's descent from john of gaunt made her important to the lancastrian side. so, she was married off several times, starting at the age of 1 year old! dear god! the marriage that became her most important, though, was to edmund tudor. she was married to him at the age of 12 and gave birth to his son, her only ever child, at only 13, after which her husband promptly died in battle. that son was henry tudor, who inherited his mother's claim to the throne and thus became the final heir around whom the lancastrian side rallied in the final battle of the wars of the roses... which he won, largely thanks to his mother's tireless efforts to make her son king. which, honestly, if i'd been married off at the age of 1, forced to give birth at 13 almost killing me and permanently damaging my body, i'd want something to show for it too! well done, margaret!

oh no, i just scrolled up and realized just how much i yapped. feel free to ignore all of this if it's too much for you XD.

anyway, i've enjoyed the documentaries on this channel a lot: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleProfiles

also, dan jones' four-part series called "britain's bloodiest dynasty," also available on youtube.

my main platagenet blorbo is katherine swynford, so a lot of what i know is from biographies i've read of her, including:

"mistress of the monarchy" by alison weir

"katherine swynford: the history of a medieval mistress" by jeannette lucraft

i also have a book on the wars of the roses that i read years ago, but it's in storage right now, and i don't remember the author's name. the title was just "the wars of the roses."

(sorry again for yapping so much XD. maybe you'll find something interesting or enjoyable here. i hope. thanks for the ask!!)

[isadomna]

The triangle Constance of Castile, John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford

Part One

Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt met whilst she was in the service of his first Duchess, Blanche, as a chamber servant. During this time, the two women were on close terms, for Katherine’s own daughter, Blanche Swynford, was placed in the same chamber as both Philippa and Elizabeth – the daughters of Blanche of Lancaster – and Gaunt was appointed as her godfather. Katherine was married to one of Gaunt’s retainers, Sir Hugh Swynford, who held a manor in Kettlethorpe in Lincolnshire. Hugh Swynford suddenly died, whilst serving John of Gaunt in Aquitaine. He left Kettlethorpe in the possession of Katherine and his son and heir Thomas, who was four years old. Hugh Swynford’s land and house were part of the Duchy of Lancaster, and as his Lord, John of Gaunt dutifully ensured the welfare of his family. He employed Katherine in his household as a ‘maistresse’ – a governess – to his daughters, and appointed her sister Philippa, the wife of Geoffrey Chaucer, to serve Duchess Constance.

In spring 1372, shortly after John of Gaunt paraded Constance through London, he gifted Katherine a generous sum of money. This is the first record of his direct association with her, and it is likely that around this time she became his mistress. Katherine’s conveyance of the news of Princess Catalina’s birth to the King suggests that she had been in attendance; having borne at least four children of her own at a young age, she would have been able to reassure and support Constance through her ordeal. But as soon as her own pregnancy became obvious, a pregnancy that could not have been her husband’s doing, she would have been obliged to resign her post and return to Kettlethorpe.

In 1373, the first son of the lovers couple, John, was born and given the surname Beaufort. Following his birth, John of Gaunt granted Katherine more money as well as a lucrative marriage agreement for her daughter Blanche. John Beaufort’s early years were probably spent at Kettlethorpe. The pattern of John’s grants to Katherine, some of them concerning its refurbishment, some of them handsome gifts, may indicate the dates of birth of their other children, and certainly suggests that the manor was being made a fit place for them to be brought up in. Kettlethorpe was a remote village with a tiny population, an ideal setting for discreet confinements and the raising of royal bastards whose existence was better kept secret – at least for the present.

Certainly the lovers were discreet, at least to begin with – had they not been, the world would soon have known of their affair, and we would not have to rely on inference and speculation in determining the circumstances in which it began. Costain argues that it was Katherine who insisted on secrecy in the early years of the liaison – she was, after all, newly widowed – but there were political imperatives to be considered too: John would not have wished to openly dishonour his new wife when all his hopes were centred on claiming the crown of Castile in her right. Thus the need for discretion was probably mutual, and it ensured that for some years to come, his affair with Katherine was conducted in secrecy and with great circumspection.

Sadly for those romantics who would prefer to believe that the Duke stayed true to Katherine within the limits of their adulterous relationship, there is some evidence that he had fleeting sexual encounters with other women during the course of it. In 1381, he was publicly to confess that he had committed the sin of lechery with Katherine herself ‘and many others in his wife’s household’. Probably John’s amours were fleeting and purely physical – and made no impact on his obviously deep feelings for Katherine Swynford.

Yet it appears that the Duchess’s Castilian ladies were already aware in 1373 that Katherine was John’s mistress. Their gossiping so annoyed the Duke that he packed them all off to Nuneaton Abbey, hoping that the Abbess would teach them discretion. If her ladies knew what was going on between the Duke and Katherine, the chances are that Constance did too.

By 1375 Katherine's position of influence with the Duke was becoming public knowledge. Although there are very few known instances of her exercising any powers of patronage, the Leicester records show that she occasionally used her influence for the benefit of others, while there is evidence to suggest that if she did ask favours from the Duke, it was usually for her own family members.

The public and liberal relationship that Gaunt and Katherine enjoyed after 1377 was due to Gaunt’s shift in position after the death of Edward III. He was the uncle of King Richard II, the most powerful noble in the country, a Prince, and even a King himself; he was powerful enough to conduct the affair without fearing the consequences. Katherine accompanied John of Gaunt that summer as he toured his extensive Duchy lands – the towns and villages where he was most at ease and felt confident in the love of the people. It was certainly at the request of John of Gaunt, within weeks of Richard’s ascension, that Katherine was granted two wealthy manor estates for life, in exchange for Gaunt’s county of Richmond. This generous gift – at the cost of his own property – is testament to Gaunt’s respect and love for Katherine Swynford in the late 1370s.

Sources:

Alison Weir, KATHERINE SWYNFORD: THE STORY OF JOHN OF GAUNT AND HIS SCANDALOUS DUCHESS

Helen Carr, THE RED PRINCE: THE LIFE OF JOHN OF GAUNT, THE DUKE OF LANCASTER

Images from youtube's video:

[hildathesaint]

Hilda's herborium: Rose

Scientific name: genus Rosa with about 360 species

Country of Origin: China

Magical Qualities:

Enhances female intuition

Psychic work and dream work

Protection (having a rose with thorns helps with this)

Luck

Avoidance of conflict

Beauty

Confidence

Sexuality

Truth

Description

Rosa rubiginosa is the scientific name for rose. Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, and there are about 360 species in the genus Rosa. Erect bushes with stems are their defining characteristics.

Roses come in a variety of colours, such as red, white, yellow, blue, and many others. Roses are prized for their vivid colour, intricate petal arrangement, and fragrant scent. It also serves a functional purpose of slope stabilisation. The size of rose differs depending on the species. Roses are simple to grow since they are easily hybridised.

The majority of rose species are from Asia, while some are from Europe, North America, and other places.

Folklore

Roses have an extremely long history, with fossil evidence showing their existence over 35 million years ago. Around 5000 years ago, cultivation of roses is thought to have begun in China although it was only in the late 18th century that this type of rose made it to Europe. The cultivated roses from China were prized for their ability to bloom repeatedly each year and these cultivations ended up forming the base for most of the roses we see today after they were bred with hardy native roses.

Because of its bitter-sweet paradox of thorns and sweet smelling blooms, the rose earned its romantic associations. Love is both bitter and sweet, making the rose a perfect representation of it. The Greeks believed red roses were dyed by the blood of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, after she cut her foot while running to attend the wounds of Adonis. Other myths suggest Cupid, God of Love, splashed white roses with his nectar thus turning them red. Either way, red too has strong associations with love and romance. Cleopatra strew roses across her room when she was with her lovers so they thought of her whenever they smelled one. Roses are commonly worn or used to during love spells to increase the power of the spell. Rose water and petals can be added to love baths to attract love and romance, while rose hips can be strung into a necklace to attract love. It is said that you can also take three (or more) green rose leaves and write the name of your lovers on each. The one that stays the green the longest is said to be the one.

Rose is also a plant of valor and protection. During the War of the Roses, both houses, Lancaster and York, adopted red and white roses to represent their houses. The red rose ended up later becoming the emblem of England. Rose petals and hips can be carried as a personal protective charms. In fact, they were often included in posies to ward off the Black plague. Rose petals around the home can calm personal stress and soothe household problems as well.

Quotes about roses

“A rose dreams of enjoying the company of bees, but none appears. The sun asks: ‘Aren’t you tired of waiting?’ ‘Yes,’ answers the rose, ‘but if I close my petals, I will wither and die.’” – Paulo Coelho

“The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change: Yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.” – Paulo Coelho

“If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I’d be picking roses for a lifetime.” – Swedish Proverb

“Roses fall, but the thorns remain.” – Dutch Proverb

“A single rose can be my garden… a single friend, my world.” – Leo Buscaglia

“How cunningly nature hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses and violets and morning dew!” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a rose with the other.” -Chinese Proverb

[mrmrswales]

idk why people might be surprised at the idea of Charles tightening the purse strings over at BP. We would repeatedly hear stories about him being tight with money for W&K and H&M households and that was when he had the Duchy of Cornwall which has a higher income than Lancaster

Also him cutting royals has always been the plan 🤷🏻‍♀️

[inky-duchess]

Sorry if these are silly question but I'm not a native :

1. Do households have names ? Like sometimes I read something like [whatever his name] is lord of house [name]

2.if they do have names are they named based on the surname of the family ?

3.and how to come up with a surname that fits both the character and the setting?

Thanks!

Households are a collection of the family and the servants who serve them. A House is the family. Houses did have names which were either the surname or the branch they belonged to. For example, the House of Plantagenet ruled England, until their cousins the Lancaster branch (Plantagenets descended from John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster/Son of Edward III) took over. The Lancasters still carried the name Plantagenet but they were known as the House of Lancaster. Later when their cousins took over, the descendants of the York branch were known as the House of York. When coming up with a House name, considering a name consider where the current family gain their right to the throne. If they are a direct line, monarch to heir, they will share the surname with their house.