BelgiumEuropean Royals

The Royal 2010s: Looking back at the accession of King Philippe

The 2010s were a decade filled with many major royal events, including the accession of several new monarchs. One of the countries that saw that change was Belgium. After an almost 20 year reign, King Albert II announced on 3 July 2013 that he would abdicate in favour of his son, Philippe who was at the time the Duke of Brabant. On 21 July 2013, Albert formally abdicated. Approximately one hour…
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DenmarkEuropean Royals

The Royal 2010s: the Ruby Queen

As the decade draws to a close, minds turn to reflection. It’s been a packed ten years for Europe’s ruling houses but while a handful have been marked by abdications, others have seen commemorations for major milestones. One of the first big jubilees of the 2010s…
FeaturesHistorySpain

The Royal 2010s: looking back at the accession of King Felipe VI of Spain

The past decade has been filled with some major royal moments including the ending of one era in Spain and the start of another. The decision by King Juan Carlos I to stand aside in favour of his son surprised many but the reign of King Felipe VI, which began on June 19th 2014, has been seen as a boost to the country’s royal family which has faced a difficult decade. As the 2010s come to an…
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Norway

That time Crown Prince Haakon was almost kidnapped

Being kidnapped is perhaps a royal’s biggest nightmare. Fortunately, this has not happened in recent times. Still, many have made plans to kidnap royals, but they have fortunately failed. A rather unknown story of a kidnapping attempt was aimed at the then 26-year-old…
Norway

Norway's Royal Family thanks public for the support after Ari Behn's suicide

The suicide of Princess Märtha Louise’s former husband, Ari Behn, was as a huge shock to the entire Norwegian population. Nearly all liked Ari Behn very well, and he had a special place in the heart of the Norwegian people. The family was open from the beginning about this being a suicide. Something that has increased the focus on mental health in Norway in recent days. Now, Ari…
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European RoyalsFeaturesHistory

The Royal 2010s: a decade of abdications

The old decade is making its final bows and in days, the 2010s will be part of history. For Europe’s ruling houses, it’s been a momentous ten years and among the most striking and significant moments of that decade have been the abdications that swept in a new, younger set of monarchs. From the expected change of ruler in the Netherlands to the surprises in Belgium and Spain, the…
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