European RoyalsFeaturesHistorySpain

A King that dared to hope: how Alfonso XIII's trip changed Las Hurdes forever

The year was 1922 and Spain was under the rule of King Alfonso XIII. Las Hurdes was a small territory in the Extremadura province, that, aside from the name, shared little with the territory it is today.His Majesty decided to explore the area, but was strongly advised against it by many prominent voices at the time, who had conducted studies on the area and were less than…
Read more
Features

The ruler who has just been overtaken by The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II has just overtaken Johann II of Liechtenstein as the third-longest verified reigning monarch in history. But who exactly is Johann II?Born 5 October 1840 in Elsgrub, Margraviate of Moravia in the Austrian Empire, Johann II was the elder son of Aloys…
Spain

A look back at the 24-years history of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarín

It was officially announced via a release to EFE that Infanta Cristina of Spain and Iñaki Urdangarín have decided to “interrupt their marital relationship.”After 24 years of wedded life and the entire history of the last decade, it seemed impossible for this marriage to dissolve. However, over the past few days, it became clear that a separation was the only possible…
Read more
Belgium

Belgian royals celebrate King's Day

King Albert, Queen Paola and Prince Laurent took part in a Te Deum (or Thanksgiving Service) in St Michael and Gudule Cathedral in Brussels.The service is held every year on the 15th of November in the main church in Brussels to celebrate King’s Day.The holiday falls on St Leopold’s Day, Leopold being the name of three Belgian Kings, including the first two following the…
Read more
FeaturesHistoryHistoryInterests

Queen in all but name: the royal mistress who ruled a controversial king

Charles II, the Merry Monarch, had several different mistresses. However, one of these mistresses stands out from the rest for several reasons- Barbara Villiers. John Evelyn pronounced her the “curse of the nation”, and she would hold sway over the Restoration court for decades, exerting huge influence on the king. Barbara Villiers was born in St. Margaret’s, Westminster on 27 November…
Read more