Thirty years ago, Belgium was rocked by the news that the hugely popular king, Baudouin, had died during a holiday with his beloved wife, Queen Fabiola. Royal Central looks back at the life and reign of a man who shaped a modern monarchy.
Baudouin, King of the Belgians
The young Belgian king’s reign began only months before Queen Elizabeth II’s, under much more political circumstances.
It’s not everyday your burger comes from the hands of a future king, but that’s just what happened when the Prince of Wales lent his support to Earthshot Prize winners.
Prince William was joined by three of 2022’s Earthshot Prize winners to showcase their winning…
For centuries, tiaras have been a symbol of royalty and some gems hold more significance than others when used in these sparkling signs of power. The ruby is the birthstone for July. It’s been used in royal jewellery collections for centuries and it now features in…
King Charles III is the first British monarch to begin his reign in the 21st century but he’s been followed throughout his rule by history. After the ceremony of the Coronation, a special service in Edinburgh saw him presented with the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain.
The Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in the United Kingdom, are on permanent display at the Crown Room in…
The most common royal names
30th July 2023
Monarchy is all about traditions and that includes naming conventions. Throughout the royal families of Europe there are common threads to be found for those who ascend to the throne.
Today, we’re looking at some of the most common regnal names.
Denmark
The…
The colourful tiara given to a princess by a billionaire
29th July 2023
The only ruby tiara in the Spanish Royal Family’s collection is the Niarchos Ruby Bandeau and its accompanying parure.
Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark received a treasure trove of jewels on her wedding day in 1962. In addition to the Prussian Tiara, a gift from…
Major new patronage for the Prince of Wales
28th July 2023
The Prince of Wales has taken on a new patronage this week, lending his support to The Fleming Centre, an appeal to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
In a press release by Kensington Palace earlier this week, William was announced as the Centre’s new patron to “support efforts over the next five years” to make its ambitious plans a reality.
The Fleming Centre is a new project by The…
George at 10: The day a future king was born
22nd July 2023
Never has there been so much interest in a livestream of a hospital door, save the lead up to Prince George’s birth on 22 July 2013.
When the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced in December 2012 that they were expecting their first child the next summer…
A Queen for Belgium? New survey shows strong support for heir Elisabeth to take the throne young
20th July 2023
Recent polling in Belgium suggests that a majority of people believe that Princess Elisabeth should succeed her father in the next 10 years.
A survey commissioned by top Belgian media outlets—including HLN, VTM NEWS, RTL and Le Soir—polled people on their thoughts…
King Philippe pays moving tributes to his two predecessors, King Albert and King Baudouin, as jubilee approaches
20th July 2023
King Philippe has paid a moving tribute to his father and predecessor in a National Day speech ahead of his 10th anniversary on the Belgian throne.
The Belgian monarch succeeded his father, Albert II, on 21 July 2013, after the aging king decided to abdicate due to poor health. After 10 years on the throne, King Philippe began his speech by paying homage to his father.
“You gave the Queen…