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3 unusual facts about Queen Alexandra's birdwing


Queen Alexandra's birdwing

The species was named by Walter Rothschild in 1907, in honour of Alexandra of Denmark.

However, the eruption of nearby Mount Lamington in the 1950s destroyed a very large area of this species' former habitat and is a key reason for its current rarity.

The adults may live for three months or more and have few predators, excluding large Orb Weaving spiders (Nephila spp.) and some small birds.


Anne Thomson

: Matron-in-Chief of the QAIMNS (now the QARANC) from 1948 to 31 January 1949

Arighi Bianchi

In the early 20th century, the store supplied furniture to Marlborough House and Sandringham House, by royal appointment of Edward VII, Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary.

Army Medical Services Museum

The museum presently houses the collections of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) and Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) and the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC).

Battlefield Line Railway

It conveyed King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria on their way to Gopsall Hall, where Handel is reputed to have composed his oratorio Messiah.

Dublin Corporation

A later monarch, Queen Victoria, refused to visit Ireland for a number of years, partly in protest at Dublin Corporation's decision not to congratulate her son, Prince Albert Edward, The Prince of Wales, on both his marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark and on the birth of the royal couple's oldest son, Prince Albert Victor.

Earl of Gosford

His son, the fourth Earl, served as Lord-Lieutenant of County Armagh and was also a Lord of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales and Vice-Chamberlain of the Household to Her Majesty Queen Alexandra.

Elgin Academy, Scotland

Brigadier Helen Cattanach CB, Matron-in-Chief and Director of Army Nursing Services from 1973 to 1976 of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps

Fredensborg Palace

In the 19th century, King Christian IX and Queen Louise, who counted England's Queen Alexandra, King George I of Greece and Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia amongst their children used Fredensborg to host annual family reunions.

Helen Gillespie

Brigadier Dame Helen Shiels Gillespie, DBE, RRC, QHNS (1898–1974) was a British nursing matron during World War II.

From 1952 until her retirement on 31 July 1956 on completion of her term, Gillespie served as Matron-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QAIMNS/QARANC).

Margaret Lindsay Williams

She is best known as a portrait painter and was commissioned to paint portraits of Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, at least five portraits of the present Queen Elizabeth II, President Warren Harding, Henry Ford, and Field Marshal Slim.

Monica Golding

Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Johnson Golding, DBE (born 6 August 1902, London - died 6 June 1997, Bournemouth) was a British Army nurse, who rose to Colonel Commandant, Matron-in-Chief and Director of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC).

Princess Augusta of Cambridge

In making preparations for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1901, the Duke of Norfolk consulted her on matters of etiquette and attire.

Queen Alexandra Bridge

It was built by Sir William Arrol between 1907 and 1909 and officially opened by The Earl of Durham, on behalf of Queen Alexandra on June 10, 1909.

Queen Alexandra's State Coach

Like all the State Coaches it has a variety of uses, but perhaps its best-known regular duty is to convey the Imperial State Crown (together with the Sword of State, the Cap of Maintenance and their respective bearers) to and from the Palace of Westminster for the annual State Opening of Parliament.

In transit, like the monarch herself, the crown and insignia are entitled to a Household Cavalry escort and receive a royal salute.

Queens Park, Western Australia

It was agreed that the name would be changed to Queens Park to honour Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII.


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