Features

The royal wedding dress created as a thank you to the bride's granny

He is one of the 20th century’s most famous fashion designers who became involved in a fairytale royal wedding through loyal links to a proud patron. Cristobal Balenciaga, who was born on January 21st 1895, created the regal gown worn by Queen Fabiola of the Belgians on the day she said yes to a king and a crown. And the fairytale ending began with her granny.Balenciaga’s links…
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The ancient stone that sparkles on a crown filled with history

On Wednesday afternoon, King Charles read his speech at the State Opening of Parliament. He was wearing one of the most important symbols of monarchy for it, the Imperial State Crown.The Imperial State Crown is worn by the British monarch when they leave Westminster Abbey at the end of their coronation. They also wear the Imperial State Crown for the State Opening of Parliament. (Queen…
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The royal bride whose wedding dress came via a department store

The marriage of Sonja Haraldsen to the future King of Norway, on August 29th 1968, marked a moment of joy in a relationship that had caused huge debate as soon as it was known about. For the bride had no royal blood in a monarchy where princes were expected to wed regally. However, love prevailed and Sonja married the then Crown Prince Harald in front of crowned heads from across Europe. This…
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Royalty returns to the Louvre for Olympic Gala

It began life as a royal fortress and became a symbol of a revived French monarchy in the 16th and 17th century and, as the Olympics took over Paris, kings and queens once more reigned at the Louvre.Several royals mingled at an Olympic gala dinner at the palace turned…
Features

The princess whose wedding dress was still being sewn as the church bells rang for her marriage

Princess Madeleine’s wedding dress is one of the most celebrated of recent royal weddings. The bride herself talked openly about how her wedding dress was designed. The Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani had asked her if he could create her dress. And the princess said the meetings with the designer were “rather funny”.Princess Madeleine’s lace covered dress…
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