Features

The historic tiara that's become a favourite of a queen in waiting

For centuries, tiaras have been a symbol of royalty and some gems hold more significance than others when used in these sparkling signs of power. The ruby is the birthstone for July. It’s been used in royal jewellery collections for centuries and it now features in some of the most striking pieces in European vaults. The Dutch royal gem collection has some famous examples of the stone…
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History

The most common royal names

Monarchy is all about traditions and that includes naming conventions. Throughout the royal families of Europe there are common threads to be found for those who ascend to the throne.Today, we’re looking at some of the most common regnal names.DenmarkThe monarchy with the strictest regnal names is Denmark. Since 1513, their sovereigns have either been named Frederik or Christian. As…
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Features

Why didn't Queen Victoria have a Silver Jubilee?

Victoria was the monarch who invented jubilees as we know them. The celebrations of 1887 and 1897 are among the most famous events of royal history and helped shape her legacy. But our modern minds assume there must also have been a silver version, for that is the pattern we are used to. Elizabeth II, the ultimate Jubilee Monarch, began her unprecedented run of anniversary celebrations in 1977 as…
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Features

The monarch's role in Spain

Spain’s general election has seen the conservatives win most votes but not a majority and now negotiations begin as several parties vie to form a government. What is the role of Spain’s king, Felipe VI, in this situation? Maddalena Mastrostefano investigates for Royal Central.The Spanish monarchy was restored in 1975, following almost 40 years of dictatorship under General…
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