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Royal Gardens: Plantentuin Meise

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Just north of Brussels, Plantentuin Meise unfolds across 92 hectares of breathtaking landscape, surrounding the elegant Bouchout Castle. The castle once served as the secluded residence of Princess Charlotte of Belgium , later Empress of Mexico, sister-in-law of Sisi and sister to King Leopold II . But Plantentuin Meise is not only a place of royal memory. It is also a living archive of botanical science. One of the garden’s remarkable achievements was the relocation of the Balat Greenhouse in the 1930s. Originally designed by royal architect Alphonse Balat , mentor to the great Victor Horta, the structure once stood near the Royal Palace in Brussels. Its careful reconstruction in Meise stands as a tribute to Belgium’s botanical heritage and architectural legacy. The Greenhouse Alphonse Balat Today, the garden is home to over 18,000 plant species, an extensive herbarium with more than 4 million specimens, and the spectacular Plant Palace, where 13 interconnected glasshouses allow visit...
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Royal Highlights of August 2025

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As summer reaches its peak, August brings a mix of tradition, elegance, and renewal across Europe's royal households. From serene summer retreats and national celebrations to poignant anniversaries and modern royal engagements, monarchies around the globe continue to capture attention with their enduring presence and evolving roles. In this edition of Royal Highlights, we take you through the most memorable royal moments of August 2025. Prince Gabriel of Belgium and his brother Prince Emmanuel Picture: Bjorn Hoex Sail Amsterdam 20-24 August This year, Amsterdam (The Netherlands) celebrates its 750th. B-day and the 10th. edition of Sail Amsterdam. Reason enough to visit the capital of The Netherlands. More about this event on this link .   Pictures of Amsterdam Sail made by Cat Colnot In the Dutch Magazine Vorsten, this time, there is a very nice Interview with Prince Maurits of Orange-Nassau, who is the patron of Sail Amsterdam. Before King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands ...
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Location: Brussels, Belgium
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10 royal must knows about Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden

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Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is one of Europe's most beloved royal figures. Known for her warm smile, strong sense of duty, and elegant presence, she has captivated royal watchers around the world for decades. Here are ten fascinating facts about the future queen of Sweden! 1. She was born to be Queen – eventually Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée was born on 14 July 1977 at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm. However, at the time of her birth, Sweden still practiced male-preference primogeniture, meaning her younger brother Carl Philip was originally Crown Prince. In 1980, the law was changed to absolute primogeniture, making Victoria the rightful heir to the throne. 2. A historic heir With this change, Victoria became Sweden’s first female heir apparent in modern history. When she eventually ascends the throne, she will be the country’s fourth queen regnant, following Queen Ulrika Eleonora in the 18th century. 3. An international education Victoria studied extensively abroad....
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Location: Stockholm, Sweden
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