Belgium

King Philippe of the Belgians speaks of the power of hope in his Christmas address

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24th December 2023
The King of the Belgians has spoken of the power of hope in a moving Christmas message that emphasised unity over division. In an address from the Royal Palace in Brussels, King Philippe outlined many of the difficulties facing his country as well as international issues, but said that hope could overcome all. The Belgian monarch noted the conflicts around the world which have gone on in…
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Sweden

The romantic tiara worn by a royal bride on the day she became a queen

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23rd December 2023
It’s among the most unusual pieces in any royal collection and, in recent years, it’s acquired a reputation as the go to tiara for Sweden’s royal brides. The diadem now known as ‘the Cameo’ has a long and romantic history. It was worn by Silvia Sommerlath on the day she married King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and became the country’s queen. Their daughter, Crown…
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The Netherlands

Royal pet steals the show again at Christmas photo call

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23rd December 2023
The Dutch Royal Family has posed for their annual Christmas photocall and while the fashion is up for debate, one family member clearly stole the show: Mambo, their pet dog. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane posed in the courtyard at Huis ten Bosch Palace in front of the large Christmas trees. View this post on…
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Sweden

Sweden's longest-tenured consort turns 80

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23rd December 2023
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…
Spain

A special moment between a father and daughter caught at a royal birthday celebration

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22nd December 2023
The unexpected returned of King Juan Carlos I to Spain captured headlines but the former monarch had another focus. Juan Carlos had come back to join a 60th birthday party for his eldest child, Infanta Elena, and as he left, the two shared a special gesture that has clearly united them over the years. Elena accompanied her father to his car as her celebrations came to an end and said farewell…
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