She was the ‘May Queen’ whose reign
lasted little more than a month but left its mark in royal history.
Marie-Jose was always a bit of a maverick who had her own views and
no fear of sharing them. Those opinions would become a saving grace
for the dynasty she married into when she became its one public
dissenting voice against the fascism taking over their country.
But…
They are the people who will one day
reign and their role has an importance that pervades every element
of their lives. Being the heir means preparation for a throne that
starts early and only ends with accession. From the first in lines
who grew up in pole position to those…
The Empress of Japan wore one of the most
famous jewels belonging to the Imperial Royal Family when she was
guest of honour at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. Empress
Masako wore the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara and her choice was
historic. [getty…
Royal weddings are now major
celebrations, glittering events that capture the imagination and
draw huge crowds who cheer the vows and shout demands for a kiss
when the deal is done. However, in centuries past a royal union
might be a discreet event, witnessed by just a handful of people.
And for that reason, rumours were able to grow of secret weddings,
hidden spouses and possible threats to…
How many kings called Edward have there
been? If you think you know the answer, this special feature by
Liam Foley might make you think again. One aspect of the evolution
of monarchy that I find interesting is the development of Ordinal
numbers, or regnal numbers, and…
The tiara left by a princess to her young godson to give to his future bride
26th June 2024
The Duchess of Gloucester has a jewellery
collection to rival some of those held by royal dynasties in
Europe. Some of her pieces come from Queen Mary thanks to the
current duke’s mother and her mother-in-law, Princess Alice. But
one tiara in particular has a different…
On July 12th 1543, a rather low key royal
wedding took place. The groom was Henry VIII and his sixth
wife was Katherine Parr, a relatively unknown minor noblewoman who
had risen from daughter of a knight to Queen of England in thirty
years. The woman who became a royal bride on that
July day at Hampton Court was also one of her country’s most
interesting consorts – here are ten…
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of
Japan are about to begin their State Visit to the United Kingdom.
It runs from 25 to 28 June although the Emperor and Empress are
already here, carrying out private engagements. There will be pomp
and ceremony for this long awaited…
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume married
Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy on 19 and 20 October 2012 in
Luxembourg City. Not only was it an important event in Luxembourg,
but it also marked the last wedding of the current generation of
heir apparents. As Grand Duke Henri…
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg had just
announced a major change that begins the countdown to his own
abdication. On the country’s national day, Grand Duke Henri
revealed that his eldest son and heir, Hereditary Grand Duke
Guillaume, will take on a new role this autumn that is
traditionally the start of a passing of power. Guillaume will
become Lieutenant-Représentant. in October. From…
