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Royal Manuscripts
The peers of France sustaining the King’s crown, Coronation Book of Charles V (Livre du sacre des rois de France) Paris, 1365, Cotton Tiberius B. viii, f. 69v British Library Board

Queen Elizabeth II opened a new exhibition with a royal connection at the British Library on Friday.

The exhibition titled Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination features illuminated manuscripts collected by the Kings and Queens of England over 700 years from the 9<sup>th to 16<sup>th centuries.

For the first time, the riches of the Library's Royal collection will be presented together in one exhibition, providing an insight into the past and understanding of Royalty in the middle ages.

The manuscripts provide a broader understanding of royal identity, moral and religious beliefs, learning, religious practice and international politics.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the event with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.

The exhibition is open from Nov. 11 until March 13, 2012.