Sweden

The links between Empress Josephine and two modern symbols of Swedish royalty

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14th September 2023
The Swedish Royal Family has a knack for jewellery, and that’s especially true of their steel tiaras. There are two steel cut tiaras in their vault: the Steel Cut Tiara and the Steel Cut Bandeau. The Cut Steel Tiara dates back to Queen Hortense of Holland’s time—she was the granddaughter of Empress Joséphine—and lived as queen consort between 1806 and 1810. The steel tiara is…
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King Charles III

The style question that bemused King Charles

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14th September 2023
Of all the things King Charles could have expected to hear yelled at him, “What do you think of my nails?” likely wasn’t anywhere near the top of the list. Nevertheless, the King gamely stepped up to the barrier and inspected the manicure of a woman in the crowd…
European Royals

Sweden's king makes history as his reign reaches a half century - how do Europe's other monarchs measure up?

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14th September 2023
The King of Sweden is about to mark his Golden Jubilee, the first monarch in his country’s history to celebrate fifty years on the throne. He is also the longest reigning king on the continent of Europe. Here’s how his long reign fits into the current pattern of royal rule in Europe. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark – 14 January 1972 – present Queen Margrethe is Europe’s…
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Sweden

How Swedish monarchs are crowned

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12th September 2023
Earlier this year, we were treated to an ancient coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey when King Charles III was crowned, but what did King Carl XVI Gustaf’s crowing look like? In comparison, Carl XVI Gustaf was crowned King in a much more subdued atmosphere. Modern…
Denmark

The anniversary gift of emeralds that became part of Denmark's most important royal jewels

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11th September 2023
The Danish Royal Family counts just one emerald tiara in their collection, but it’s a stunning piece that features 67 emeralds and over 2,600 diamonds. Let’s take a look at the Danish Emerald Parure Tiara. King Christian VIII commissioned an emerald parure for his wife, Queen Caroline Amelie, on their anniversary. The 67 emeralds featured in the tiara date back to the 1700s; some come from…
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Spain

The colourful tiara given to a princess by a billionaire

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10th September 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 her parents (King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece); the Mellerio Shell Tiara, a gift from her in-laws (Infante Juan and…
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