HistoryInsightPalaces & BuildingsSpain

The life and times of the 18th Duchess of Alba, who had more titles than Queen Elizabeth II

By
2nd March 2020
The 18th Duchess of Alba, María del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva, was born on 28 March 1926 at the vast Liria Palace, which has served as the Madrid residence of the Dukes of Albas for generations (most of the home was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and was rebuilt by the Duchess’s father and the Duchess). The Fitz-James Stuarts, the most powerful aristocratic…
Read more
British RoyalsReviews

Review: At Home with Diana

By
2nd March 2020
Deb Stratas has written her fourth book featuring Diana, Princess of Wales. This one, At Home with Diana, tells Diana’s story through the windows of her homes and residences. The book goes from her birth to her death in homes such as Park House, Althorp, Kensington…
FeaturesHistoryHistory

A Calendar of Kings: March

By
2nd March 2020
Every royal life is peppered with milestones, the moments that mark beginnings and ends, filled with joy and sometimes sadness. On Royal Central, we’re charting the famous dates throughout the year in our Calendars of Kings and Queens. And as March gets well and truly…
British RoyalsEuropean RoyalsFeaturesHistory

Carolina - The blue-eyed Princess who became the grandmother of Europe

By
28th February 2020
It has been nearly two years since I first saw the portrait of a young Princess with blue eyes in a beautiful blue dress. Since then I’ve visited archives, held her letters to her brother in my hand and visited the places where she lived and died. Carolina of Orange-Nassau was bornon28 February 1743 as the daughter of William IV, Prince of Orange and Anne, Princess Royal, the…
Read more
FeaturesQueen Elizabeth II

The sadness behind an historic portrait of the Queen

By
26th February 2020
At first glance, she is the very embodiment of regality but look closer and the hint of mourning behind an iconic image of the Queen becomes clear. On February 26th 1952, Elizabeth II posed for her first official portrait as Monarch with her gentle smile hiding the grief she felt as this famous photo was taken. For less than three weeks earlier she had lost her beloved father, King George…
Read more
British RoyalsFeatures

Royal style roundup: February 2020

By
26th February 2020
Kristin Contino, Chief Reporter Both of my outfits from this month were from Spain’s Queen Letizia. The first was from Valentine’s Day when she debuted a new polka dot dress during a day visiting Huelva andCádiz. As per the Queen Letizia Style blog…