Royal events such as coronations and jubilees encompass a wide spectrum of planned events involving monarchs and their families that are strategically designed to reinforce the role of royalty within social and political structures. Royal events may have a long heritage, but often involve traditions that are invented, revived or undergoing major innovations in response to changing times or to meet different purposes. The change from absolutism towards constitutional monarchies has seen a shift towards using royal events to promote national identity, community and inclusiveness. While the function and meaning of royal ritual and ceremony is a product of its particular political, economic and cultural context, conversely, royal events are often an influence on the broader milieu. This book is the first to explore royal events within the context of Events Studies, and takes an historical approach, examining the development of royal events through different periods. It starts with four broad pre-modern eras, namely Classical, Byzantine, the Dark Ages and the Medieval Period, then moves through to the early modern dynasties such as the Tudors, Stuarts, Georgians and Bourbons and on to contemporary times, incorporating the Victorian and Edwardian eras and the current reign of Elizabeth II, including the legacy of Diana and an analysis of current issues affecting royal events. Themes emphasised throughout include the institutional dynamism of royalty, the invention of tradition, the ritual structure of events, the impact of the media and the influence of individual tastemakers. This multidisciplinary work will appeal to postgraduate students and academics from a wide variety of disciplines, including cultural studies, history, tourism, events and sociology.

Celebrating Sir Brian Baker's illustrious RAF career, from World War I flying ace to post-war Air Marshal, highlighting key roles like the Berlin Airlift and Operation CORK. From Rifleman to Air Marshal, Sir Brian Baker excelled in every role. Having transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and learning to fly in record time on a Maurice Farman Longhorn, he progressed to a Bristol Fighter on the Western Front. A natural pilot, he became a ‘Flying Ace’, chasing the Red Baron down and accounting for twelve Fokkers and Gothas in quick succession, earning several gallantry medals. Brian’s close shaves were legendary. Between the wars he was Commander of the famous ‘Cock Squadron’ at Biggin Hill followed by being attached to the Royal Navy, pioneering the training and use of aircraft carriers. His many key appointments during the Second World War included commanding the RAF’s North Atlantic defenses and Coastal Command. His role in the planning of Operation CORK ensured that not a single U-Boat reached the Channel throughout the D-Day landings. Post-war Sir Brian, now an Air Marshal and CinC Transport Command, master-minded the Berlin Airlift with singular success. His career achievements were recognized by decorations from allied nations. A keen sportsman, Brian captained the RAF Cricket team at The Oval and organised a farewell tour of ten countries. Celebrating the achievements of one of the RAF’s most illustrious characters, this overdue biography will be welcomed by aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

This volume examines how literature was central to the debates about royal succession and political culture of the early eighteenth century. It reshapes our understanding of writers such as Daniel Defoe, Alexander Pope, and Joseph Addison, as well as our understanding of political, literary, and material cultures of the time.