On this day (10th December) 1936, Edward VIII gave up his throne. After the state refused to allow him to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson, he chose love over duty and became the first King to do so since the Roman Catholic James II fled the realm in 1688.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Royals have been out spreading festive cheer. From Christmas-themed children’s workshops to a very seasonal visit to a donkey charity, we highlight the Royals’ activities in the past week.

Serving the Royals, this week’s pick from Jessica Fellowes, journalist, novelist and author of several Downton Abbey companion books, offers an exclusive insight into the men and women who served the Royal Family.

The final week before Christmas saw Royal duties take on an almost uniformly festive flavour – but there have nevertheless been a few surprises in the Royal calendar. From audio advent calendars to Christmas cards, and one Royal opting to miss out on a Boxing Day tradition, we take a look at the last seven days in the life of the Royals.

With 2018 heralding the union of two newly-married royal couples, the arrival of two Royal babies and the announcement that a third is on the way, Christmas for the Royals was spent indulging in family time and festivities. From breaking a Royal Christmas tradition, to acts of remembrance and honour, we recap what The Royals have been up to over the Christmas and New Year period.

From Diana to Grace Kelly to the Princesses of Sweden, the life of a modern-day princess isn’t always as glamorous as it seems; many have had to make great sacrifices on the altar of their regal reputations.

This week’s Pick of The Week from Jessica Fellowes, journalist and author of ‘The World of Downton Abbey’, previews a documentary that looks into those incidents of drama and dishonour that have rocked – and sometimes even jeopardised – the monarchy throughout history.