April 26

On April 26, 1923, Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), wed Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon at Westminster Abbey. The royal wedding was attended by dignitaries, aristocrats, and tens of thousands of cheering Londoners. Lady Elizabeth's grace and charm endeared her to the public, earning her the nickname the People's Princess. The ceremony strengthened the monarchy's connection with its subjects during the interwar period. The couple's union produced two daughters, including the future Queen Elizabeth II, and became a celebrated chapter in Britain's royal history.

The Easter Riots began on Easter Monday as residents and students clashed with police over restrictions on public gatherings. Demonstrations escalated in central Uppsala, with barricades erected near the cathedral and stones hurled at law enforcement. The unrest reflected tensions in neutral Sweden during World War II, as youth movements and political sympathies collided. Municipal authorities struggled to restore order, calling in reinforcements from Stockholm. Dozens were arrested and several were injured, though fatalities were avoided. The episode prompted national debate over civil liberties and police tactics. In the aftermath, the authorities tightened regulations on public assemblies. The Easter Riots left a lasting imprint on Swedish attitudes toward protest and governance.

On April 26, 1963, Libya amended its 1951 constitution, dissolving the federal structure of the United Kingdom of Libya. The reform established a single, centralized Kingdom of Libya under King Idris I. Significantly, the amendments extended the franchise to women, allowing their participation in future elections. This landmark change reflected early moves toward modernization and social reform in the oil-rich nation. The unification and enfranchisement reshaped Libya’s political landscape ahead of later historical upheavals.