Sweden

Sweden's longest-tenured consort turns 80

Queen Silvia of Sweden marks her 80th birthday today, but who is the longest-tenured consort in Swedish history? We discuss the German-born wife of King Carl XVI Gustaf as she celebrates a milestone birthday. Silvia Renate Sommerlath was born on 23 December 1943 in Heidelberg, Germany, to Walther and Alice Sommerlath. Silvia is half German, through her father, and half Brazilian, through her…
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Features

An important emperor marks milestone birthday

Emperor Emertius Akihito, the first Japanese Emperor to abdicate in over 200 years, marks his 90th birthday today. We take a look at his life and reign. Born on 23 December 1933, Prince Akihito was born in the Imperial Palace of Tokyo as the elder son and fifth child of…
Royal Christmas

Schedule of the royal Christmas speeches

It’s almost time for the royal Christmas and New Year speeches from the monarchs across Europe, but when can you expect to watch each speech? There are three speeches on Christmas Eve: Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, King Felipe of Spain and King Philippe of the…
Royal Christmas

When did royal Christmas speeches start across Europe?

While one might think the UK had the first royal Christmas speech, that honour goes to the Netherlands. Queen Wilhelmina gave the first royal Christmas speech in 1931 on the radio before King George V in the UK followed suit a year later. Since then, monarchs from both countries have continued the tradition – first on radio and later on television. Besides the Netherlands and the UK…
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Features

In Pictures: Emperor Akihito's reign

Emperor Akihito is marking his 90th birthday on December 23rd 2023. He took the throne upon the death of his father, Emperor Shōwa, on 7 January 1989 and abdicated in 2018. Let’s take a look at Emperor Akihito’s life in photos: [getty…
Sweden

An unusual wedding tiara for a popular princess sparkles among Sweden's royal emeralds

Emeralds might be the birth stone of May but their green hue gives them a Christmas sparkle all of their own. Some of the most stunning emerald creations belong to the royal family of Sweden. Sweden’s emerald collection may be few, but they make up for it in their beauty. From older pieces to the newest tiara, we take a look at Sweden’s rare emeralds. There are a large emerald…
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Royal Christmas

A mix of private and public - how Luxembourg's royal family will celebrate a special Christmas

The Luxembourgish royals are more private about how they celebrate the Christmas holidays. But with one brand new prince enjoying his first Christmas in 2023 and another new family member on the way, the family is sure to have lots to celebrate this holiday season. On Christmas Eve each year, Grand Duke Henri’s speech is aired to the public, where he talks about the previous year and…
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