Features

Five royal brides who didn't wear tiaras

Royal weddings bring all kinds of expectations and among them is one filled with sparkle and glitter. For we all assume a royal bride will arrive for her marriage wearing a tiara. When the wedding will result in them becoming a consort or consort in waiting, the expectation is even higher. However, some of the most high profile royal brides of recent times have decided to ditch the diadem. Royal…
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FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterestsSweden

Why do Swedish royals use a French surname? The origins of the first Bernadotte

Sweden was a monarchy long before its current ruling house arrived on the throne. However, it was the last dynasty to accede to the throne that made it famous. Its founder was born in France, and the Kingdom of Sweden was his reward for a well-conducted campaign during the Napoleonic wars. Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte was born in Pau, southern France, on the 26th of January 1763, the…
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Features

The royal romance that shocked society, created kings and led to war

It was a famous royal love story that shocked as much as it thrilled and its descendants still hold thrones today.John of Gaunt was the ultra-ambitious prince whose desire to be a king almost cost him his life, Katherine Swynford was the mysterious commoner who supplanted a queen in his affections. Their relationship lasted decades, survived a serious separation and ultimately led to the…
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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…
Features

The colourful tiara given to a princess by a billionaire

The only ruby tiara in the Spanish Royal Family’s collection is the Niarchos Ruby Bandeau and its accompanying parure.Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark received a treasure trove of jewels on her wedding day in 1962. In addition to the Prussian Tiara, a gift from her parents (King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece); the Mellerio Shell Tiara, a gift from her in-laws (Infante Juan and…
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