April 25

Born in 1214, Louis IX ascended to the French throne at age 12 and ruled for nearly 44 years. He is known for his devout faith, reform of the French legal system, and sponsorship of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades. Under his reign, he strengthened royal justice, establishing the Parlement of Paris as a supreme court of appeal. His commitment to fairness led to the abolition of trials by ordeal and the protection of the poor. Honored for his piety and charity, he was canonized by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297, becoming the only French king to be declared a saint. His legacy endures in architectural masterpieces like the Sainte-Chapelle and the Château de Vincennes.

Conrad IV, born in 1228 as the son of Emperor Frederick II, held multiple royal titles including King of Germany and titular King of Jerusalem. His reign was marked by conflict with the papacy and his half-brother Manfred, leading to civil war within the empire. Despite attempts to secure his inheritance, Conrad struggled against rival claimants and papal forces. He spent much of his rule in Italy before retreating to Germany, where he died at just 26. Although his early death curtailed his ambitions, Conrad's efforts reflected the dynastic and political complexities of the 13th-century Holy Roman Empire.

Edward II was born in 1284 as the son of Edward I and ascended to the English throne in 1307. His reign was troubled by military defeats, most notably at the Battle of Bannockburn against the Scots in 1314, and by favoritism towards close companions like Piers Gaveston. This favoritism sparked rebellions by powerful barons who sought to limit the king’s authority. In 1326, Edward’s wife Isabella and her ally Roger Mortimer invaded England, forcing his abdication in favor of his son Edward III. Imprisoned and later murdered in 1327, Edward II's reign highlighted the dangers of weak leadership and court intrigue in medieval England.

Roger Mortimer, born in 1287, rose to power as a close ally of Queen Isabella and orchestrated the 1326 invasion of England that deposed King Edward II. Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1316, he gained military and administrative experience before turning against the crown. After capturing Edward II, Mortimer became de facto ruler of England alongside Isabella, wielding significant influence until Edward III asserted his authority in 1330. Charged with treason, Mortimer was executed in November of that year, but his dramatic rise and fall remain emblematic of the volatile politics of 14th-century England.

Oliver Cromwell, born in 1599, emerged as a key commander in the Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War, leading his New Model Army to victory over Royalist troops. After the execution of Charles I, Cromwell became a leading figure in the Commonwealth government and was appointed Lord Protector in 1653. His rule saw major military campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, religious reforms, and attempts to establish a stable republican government. Controversial for his authoritarian style and campaigns in Ireland, he nonetheless modernized the army and promoted meritocracy. He died in 1658, leaving a complex legacy as both a champion of parliamentary authority and a military dictator.

Roger Boyle was born in 1621 into a prominent Irish-English family and became a distinguished soldier and politician. He fought in the English Civil War on the Royalist side before reconciling with Oliver Cromwell’s regime and later supporting the Restoration of Charles II. Appointed Lord President of Munster and created Earl of Orrery in 1660, he also contributed to literature through plays and essays that reflected his classical education. Boyle’s diplomatic skills and military leadership earned him respect, and his works influenced Restoration drama. He died in 1679, leaving behind the title and a legacy in both politics and letters.

Richard Boyle, born in 1694, was a leading figure in the Palladian revival in Britain, designing landmarks such as Burlington House and Chiswick House. As 3rd Earl of Burlington and Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, he balanced political duties with artistic passion, patronizing artists including William Kent. Boyle’s architectural treatises and translations helped disseminate Palladian principles. His refined taste earned him the nickname “Apollo of the Arts,” and his influence shaped 18th-century British architecture and interior design. He died in 1753, leaving a legacy as both a statesman and cultural innovator.

Augustus Keppel, 1st Viscount Keppel (1725–1786), was a distinguished English naval officer and politician. He saw action in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War, where he commanded fleets in the Atlantic. Keppel was later appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, influencing British naval policy. He also sat in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament, championing naval reform and veterans' welfare. Known for his leadership and technical knowledge, he faced political controversy after the Battle of Ushant. Despite this, he maintained a respected position in both military and political circles until his death.

Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon (1862–1933) was an English statesman and avid ornithologist. He served as British Foreign Secretary from 1905 to 1916, the longest tenure in that office since the 18th century. Grey navigated complex international relations during the prelude to World War I and famously remarked 'The lamps are going out' on the eve of war. An accomplished birdwatcher, he published works on British birds and served as President of the British Ornithologists' Union. His dual passions for diplomacy and natural history defined his enduring legacy in politics and science.

Jacob Nicol (1876–1958) was a Canadian lawyer, publisher, and political figure in Quebec. He co-founded the newspaper La Patrie and managed several other francophone publications, influencing public opinion. Nicol served as Mayor of Trois-Rivières from 1919 to 1922 and represented the district in the Quebec Legislative Assembly. In 1935, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he worked on issues affecting Quebec until his death. His career bridged journalism, law, and governance, leaving a lasting impact on Quebec's political and media landscapes.

Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, was born in 1897 as the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. In 1922, she married Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, becoming a prominent figure in Yorkshire society. Appointed Princess Royal in 1932, she dedicated herself to numerous charitable causes, including the British Red Cross and the Girl Guides. During World War I, she trained as a nurse, and in World War II, she organized relief efforts for wounded soldiers and civilians. Mary oversaw the restoration of Harewood House, transforming it into a center for arts and education. Her lifelong commitment to public service and cultural patronage made her a respected royal figure until her death in 1965.

Gladwyn Jebb was born in 1900 in Cheshire, England, and joined the British Foreign Office in the early 1920s. An expert in international relations, he played a key role in drafting the United Nations Charter as Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission. From October to December 1945, Jebb served as Acting Secretary-General of the UN, overseeing the organization's transition from planning to operational status. He later held ambassadorial posts in India and Spain, fostering diplomatic ties during the post-war period. In recognition of his service, he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Gladwyn. Jebb's career spanned critical moments in 20th-century diplomacy, and he remained an influential voice on global affairs until his death in 1996.