Belgium

The wedding that gave Belgium its first homeborn queen

It was the last major royal wedding of the 20th century and it began a new chapter in a royal story that would lead to a throne. On December 4th 1999, the then heir to the Belgian throne, Philippe, married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz before a host of regal guests. The couple became King and Queen of the Belgians in 2013. As Queen Mathilde marks her 50th birthday, Royal Central rewinds to…
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Features

King of Greece or King of the Hellenes?

The death of King Constantine II has brought to an end a turbulent chapter in the history of his country and its relationship with its monarchy. His flight into exile in 1967, following a military coup, and the abolition of the monarchy in a referendum seven years later…
Features

The Lost Prince - did the Royal Family really hide a King's son through shame?

On January 18th 1919, the ringing of a telephone in Buckingham Palace signalled a tragedy for the Royal Family. The call brought news of the death of Prince John, youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary, who had passed away in his sleep at the age of 13. John had been epileptic for most of his short life and had died following a massive seizure. He was buried soon afterwards, his grave…
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Greece

A final gesture of love for King Constantine from his widow, Queen Anne-Marie

Their love story had spanned decades and as she said goodbye to her husband of 58 years, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece had a final, moving gesture of love for King Constantine II.The only wreath on his coffin during his funeral service in Athens was from Anne-Marie. It was made entirely of lily of the valley, the same flower that she carried on their wedding day.Across the tribute was a…
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Greece

New details of King Constantine's funeral announced

The former King of Greece, Constantine II, will be laid to rest at his family’s burial ground following a ceremony at the historic Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens.The service will take place on Monday, January 16th 2023.Earlier, the Greek government announced…
European Royals

Flags at half mast in Copenhagen as Queen Margrethe expresses ''deep sadness'' at death of Constantine II

The Queen of Denmark has expressed her ”deep sadness’ after the death of Constantine II, last King of the Hellenes.Constantine was married to Margrethe’s younger sister, Anne-Marie. As well as being in-laws, the Danish monarch and the former Greek monarch were also distant cousins through their descent from King Christian IX of Denmark.Constantine II died on January 10th…
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