FeaturesSpain

A Very Spanish Christmas

The Spanish Christmas is kicked off in a rather unusual way every year – with the Loteria de Navidad, or the Christmas Lottery on December 22nd. School children announce the winning numbers of what is the most popular lottery throughout the year in Spain. Shortly afterwards is Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena as it is known in Spanish. Families gather together for a large dinner before attending…
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Features

Why Wallis Simpson could never be Queen, but Camilla can

With the question still looming over whether The Duchess of Cornwall may be Queen, I have seen the question proposed as to why divorcee Camilla may be Queen, but King Edward VIII had to abdicate from the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson who was at divorced once and…
FeaturesInsight

A Very Swedish Christmas

Next on our tour of Royal Christmas festivities is Sweden. Like any good celebration, the Swedish Royal Family keeps food in focus. With Queen Silvia’s birthday falling on December 23 her needs and wants are always taken to heart. One of her favourites is Weihnachtsstollen, which is a traditional loaf-shaped fruitcake from Germany soaked in brandy and covered with powdered sugar, served with…
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European RoyalsFeaturesNorway

A Very Norwegian Christmas

Continuing our series looking at how royal families from across Europe celebrate Christmas, today we will be looking at Norway and their festive traditions. In Norway, Christmas time means family time, and that is no different for the Norwegian royal family. King Harald…
FeaturesInsight

A Very Dutch Christmas

In the Netherlands, Christmas is very much the same, but earlier in the month, they also celebrate on December 5 with Sinterklaas (the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas) bringing presents. There is a large public event when Sinterklaas arrives, which the Dutch Royal Family has…
British RoyalsEuropean RoyalsFeatures

The Fifteen Princesses of Orange: Mary II of England

The 8th Princess of Orange was also a British Princess and a namesake of the previous Princess. This Mary Stuart was born on 30 April 1662 as the daughter of James II of England and Anne Hyde. She grew up in the relative peace of Richmond Palace with her sister Anne. She spoke excellent French, learned to play several instruments, and she loved to read as well as dance. Despite her father’s…
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FeaturesHistoryInsight

Monarchy Rules: A Look At Stephen

King Stephen of England was born in Blois in France in either 1092 or 1096. It’s quite unusual that we do not have a birth date for a future King of England, but by the time of his birth, it was not expected that he would ever be king. His parents were Stephen-Henry, Count of Blois and Chartres and Adela of Normandy, who was the sister of Henry I of England. He was their third surviving son.
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