Would You Believe It?
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I’D LIKE TO KNOW
QWhy is Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa the most famous of his works?
Mrs K.P., Essex.
AThe artwork showing the lady with the enigmatic smile came into the world spotlight after it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911.
The disappearance caused such a furore that it made headlines around the world – so much so that Mona Lisa became instantly recognisable around the globe. Thankfully, the artwork was finally recovered two years after Vincenzo Peruggia’s brazen theft, following his attempt to sell the painting to an art gallery owner.
QNow that Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, I wonder how many prime ministers she’s dealt with? Miss L.C., Portsmouth.
ASince the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953, she has seen 13 prime ministers – the first being Winston Churchill, right through to Theresa May. Incidentally, 13 US presidents have been in office during her reign – Harry Truman through to Trump.
QI know the Calcutta Cup is really old, but is it the oldest sporting trophy in the world?
Mr J.B., Aberdeen.
AAlthough the Calcutta Cup goes back to 1879, it isn’t the oldest trophy. The America’s Cup is the oldest active international trophy, first being awarded in the world of sailing in 1851.