But above all it is the glimpses of humanity inside the early House of Windsor that infuse history with drama.

FORBES: Rich Film Slice of Royal History

It is hard not to equate the travails of the Royal Opera House with those of the House of Windsor.

ECONOMIST: Royal Opera House

Like some other famous British brands in neighbouring parts of London (hand-made shoes, suits, shotguns and so forth), House of Windsor profits greatly from tradition and sentiment.

ECONOMIST: House of Windsor

The British royal family can be traced back 900 years to William the Conqueror, although the succession has passed through a number of families to the house of Windsor.

CNN: AN HEIR OF CHANGE IN JAPAN

But as long as the House of Windsor plc remains in the head-of-state business, it has to keep an eye on its core competence: being born, being non-political, and simply being there.

ECONOMIST: The monarchy

The representatives of the House of Windsor, bravely touring the East End of London during the Blitz, still showed with hats and handbags and graciously extended hands that they were a class apart.

ECONOMIST: Princess Juliana of the Netherlands

Hipsters favor The Drake on Queen West with its art-house vibe and bustling bar scene, while the hushed, clubby Windsor Arms, just steps from the toney boutiques of Bloor Street, draws A-list celebs.

FORBES: Travel