All About Royal Families

On December 31st. 335, Pope Sylvester I died in Rome (Italy). Sylvester I became pope in 314. Pope Sylvester I and Emperor Constantine  Source painting: Wikipedia Pope Sylvester & History Emperor Constantine didn't like the Pope. The Emperor wanted more Power but the Pope prevented this.  According to a legend, Emperor Constantine once had leprosy. He only could survive by bathing in blood of Children. But in a night two Apostles (Petrus & Paulus) appeared before Emperor Constantine. They dictated that he would survive if the Pope would come to his palace. When the Pope came, Emperor Constantine healed immediately. As thanks he offered the Pope a Palace.  Pope Sylvester I Source picture: Wikipedia Pope Sylvester & New Year's Eve Due to his death in 335 on December 31st., New Year's Eve sometimes is called Sylvester. I remember something from my childhood. At home at the last day of the year there was...

Thermae Palace Hotel can be listed as Historical Hotel but it also is a Royal Destination on its own. Thermae Palace Hotel Ostend  Thermae Palace Hotel Ostend, Belgium Royal Galeries in Ostend, Belgium King Leopold II of Belgium wanted a lot for Ostend. He wished a Thermal Center. In 1856, Mineral Water was discovered in the Leopold Park in Ostend. King Leopold II of Belgium Source picture: Wikipedia Not until 1933, his plans were achieved. On June 28th. 1933 the opening of the Thermae Palace Hotel was celebrated. King Albert I of Belgium and his wife Queen Elisabeth were present at the opening. From 1940 till 1980, the hotel and the thermale source were not exploited. In 2002, the hotel was listed as 'Protected Monument' and 'Cultural Heritage'. Nowadays it is still a hotel after a strong renovation process. There are 10 suites and 149 other rooms.There also are a lot of conference rooms. The conference rooms are all named...

On December 30th. 1662, Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria died in Kaltern. Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria Source picture: Wikipedia Ferdinand Charles was born on May 17th. 1628. His parents were Archduke Leopold V and Claudia de' Medici. In 1632, Ferdinand Charles became Archduke after his father's death. Ferdinand Charles married his first cousin Anna de' Medici (born in 1616). Painting of the Marriage of Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria and Anna de'Medici Source: Wikipedia She became a patron of art. He loved music. The Italian Opera was performed on his court.

The title 'Queen' has no specific job description. Queens in past and present fulfill their own duties. Queen Silvia of Sweden - Royal Monogram Source picture: Wikipedia Queen Silvia of Sweden is involved in numerous charity organizations, especially in the area of Children. She made several public statements about human rights and the sexually exploitation of children.  Silvia of sweden Source picture: Wikipedia In 1999, Queen Silvia of Sweden was the co-founder of the World Childhood Foundation . Queen Silvia also is member of the Mentor Foundation International . Besides Queen Silvia, Queen Noor of Jordan, Henri Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Talal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and Turki bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The last two, are members of the Saudi Royal Family.   On Queen Silvia's initiative the Silviahemmet was founded in Stockholm.  The Silviahemmet is an organization to train nurses especially in the field of ...

Elizabeth, also known as Elizaveta Petrovna, was born on December 29th. 1709 in Moscow (Russia). Elizabeth of Russia Source picture: Wikipedia Her parents were Peter I and Catherine I of Russia.  On December 6th. 1741 she became Empress of Russia.  On January 5th. 1762, Empress Elizabeth died in Saint Petersburg. Empress Elizabeth of Russia Source picture: Wikipedia

Margaret of Parma was born on 5 July 1522 in Oudenaarde (now Belgium). Margaret of Parma Source picture: Wikipedia She was the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Charles V and Johanna Maria van der Gheynst. In 1529, Margaret was acknowledged by her father, Charles V. She recieved the title Margaret of Austria. The young woman grew up with her great-aunt Margaret of Austria and Mary of Austria. They were both governors of The Netherlands. Later she grew up in Italy. In 1536, she married Alesandro de' Medici, Duke of Florence. He was murdered in 1537. Allesandro de' Medici Source picture: Wikipedia In 1538, Margaret married Ottavio Farnesse, Duke of Parma. Ottavio Farnesse Source picture: Wikipedia In 1555, she left Italy. Margaret was appointed by her (half) brother Philips II of Spain, as governor of the Netherlands (like her aunts). In 1583, she returned to Italy. Margaret died in 1586 in Ortona.

On December 27th. 537 the Hagia Sophia was inaugurated by Patriarch Menas and Emperor Justinian I. Hagia Sophia Source picture: Wikipedia The Hagia Sophia first was an Orthodox Church, then it became a Mosque and now it is a famous and beautiful museum. Justinian I Byzantine Emperor - Source picture: Wikipedia The Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul (Turkey). Hagia Sophia means the 'holy wisdom'.

On December 26th. 1737, Prince Frederick Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld was born in Ehrenburg Palace in Coburg (Germany). Prince Frederick Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were Duke Francis Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and Anne-Sophie, Princess of Schwartzburg-Rudolstadt.  He became a military general in Austrian Service. Prince Josisias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld was the great-uncle of King Leopold I of Belgium. The Prince retired in Coburg where he died later in 1815. Own picture taken in Coburg (Germany)

On December 25th. 1584, Margaret of Austria was born in Graz. Margaret of Austria Source picture: Wikipedia Her parents were Charles II (son of Ferdinand I) of Austria and Maria Anna of Bavaria. Her elder brother was Archduke Ferdinand who became in 1619 Emperor of Austria. Two of her sisters became Queen of Poland. Margaret married her first cousin Philip (III & II), King of Spain and Portugal. Philip, King of Spain and Portugal Source picture: Wikipedia They had a close relationship and she became an influential figure at her  husband's Court. Margaret was an important patron of the arts.

Silent Night is a popular Christmas Carol composed (in German) in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber. Franz Xaver Gruber Source picture: Wikipedia Its first performance was in Oberndorf bei Salzburg (Austria). Lyrics of Silent Night in German: Stille Nacht Source picture: Wikipedia The first English Silent Night was in 1859. Trivia In 1914 French, English and German troops sung Silent Night during the Christmas Truce (World War I). It was the only song they all knew.

On December 23rd. 1777,  Alexander I of Russia was born in Saint Petersburg (Russia). Alexander I of Russia Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were Paul I of Russia and Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg. Alexander I of Russia married Louise of Baden. She took the name: Elizabeth Alexeievna. They had 2 daughters. Alexander I of Russia was well known for his wars against Napoleon of France. He died on December 1st. 1825 (O.S. = November 19th.) What does O.S. & N.S. mean? This means the use of the Julian calendar or the Gregorian Calendar. Catholic Countries like, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Italy were the first countries to change to the Gregorian Calendar (N.S.). Other countries like Imperial Russia used the Julian Calendar (O.S).

On December 21st./22nd. 1603, Mehmed III, sultan of the Ottoman Empire died. He was born on May 26th. 1566 at the Manisa Palace (now located in Turkey). Mehmed III Source picture: Wikipedia He was a member of the House of Osman. Coat of Arms: House of Osman Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were Murad III, Emperor of Ottoman and Safiye Sultan, a Venetian noblewoman.

Amalia of Oldenburg was born on December 21st. 1818. Amalia of Oldenburg Source picture: Wikipedia Her parents were Augustus, Grand Duke of Oldenburg and Princess Adelheid of Anhalt- Bernburg-Schaumburg - Hoym. In 1836, Amalia of Oldenburg married Prince Otto of Bavaria (son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria). Prince Otto of Bavaria was appointed as King of Greece. So, Amalia of Oldenburg became Queen Consort of Greece. King Otto and Queen Consort Amalia in Athens Source painting: Wikipedia Amalia of Oldenburg and her husband were unable to produce an heir. That caused political tensions. Besides that, she stayed protestant in an Orthodox country. Amalia of Oldenburg had influence on fashion in Greece. She created a romantic folk dress, which became the traditional Greek Costume or the Amalia dress. Amalia of Oldenburg Source picture: Wikipedia In 1862, there was a new coup in Greece. Otto I and Amalia of Oldenburg returned to Bavaria. Amali...

John III of Sweden was born on December 20th. 1537. Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were Gustav I of Sweden and Margaret Leijonhufvud. In 1568, John became King of Sweden. He reigned till his death in 1592.

On December 19th. 1916, King Thibaw Min died in Ratnagiri, India. Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were King Mindon and the Princess of Laungshe. In 1878 Thibaw Min became the last King of Burma (now Myanmar).  In 1885 he abdicated. He and his family exiled to India.  Source painting: Wikipedia

On December 18th. 1878, the foundation of the state Qatar took place. Today it is the National Day of Qatar. Qatar is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Penisula and it is  bordered by Saudi Arabia (South) and the Persian Gulf. The Persian Gulf separates Qatar from Bahrain. After the Ottoman rule, Qatar became a British Protectorate until 1971.However Qatar is ruled by members of the House of Thani since the 19th. century. Nowadays Qatar is a hereditary constitutional monarchy and the head of state is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He has the title 'Emir'. Happy National Day, Qatar! Flag of Qatar: picture: Wikipedia

King Alfonso II of Naples died on December 18th. 1495 in Messina (Sicily). He was born on November 4th. 1448 in Naples (Italy). King Alfonso II of Naples Source picture: Wikipedia His parents were Ferdinand I of Naples and Isabella of Taranto. Alfonso II married Ippolita Maria Sforza (member of a powerful family in Milan). Together they had 3 children.  In 1494 he became King of Naples. He also was a Duke of Calabria. 

Well, Hotel Adlon in Berlin (Germany) certainly is a hotel that can be listed as 'Historical Hotel'. The back of Hotel Adlon and the Holocaust Memorial Berlin - Own picture On its opening on October 23rd. 1907, the Kaiser, Wilhelm (William) II of Germany and his wife were present. The Kaiser was proud of Hotel Adlon. He invited important guests like Tsar Nicholas II of Russia who stayed at the hotel. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany Source picture: Wikipedia During the 'roaring twenties', Hotel Adlon stayed the place-to-be. It hosted a lot of important guests like Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, Josephine Baker,  Marlene Dietrich and Franklin Roosevelt.  During World War II, hotel Adlon continued to operate 'normally'. It even made a bomb shelter for its guests. Parts of the hotel were transformed to an hospital at the end of the War.  In 1945, the hotel was hit by a fire.  In 1984, the old building of Hotel Adlon wa...

Readers of this blog know that I like Austria and its Royal History of the House of Habsburg very much. If you are interested into this Royal family, check the page  House of Habsburg on top of my blog or on this link .  Besides its History, Austria offers an amazing landscape of mountains, waterfalls, lakes and trees. Krimml Waterfalls Austria The Krimml Waterfalls have an height of 380 meters, they are the highest in Austria. It is a glacial stream and it joins the Salzach, then it flow into the Inn, the Danube and finally in the Black Sea. The Krimml Waterfalls really fascinated me and I hope to discover more  of this nice places. 

On December 17th. 1267, Emperor Go-Uda of Japan was born. Emperor Go-Uda Source picture: Wikipedia Go-Uda became the 91st. Emperor of Japan in 1274. He reigned till 1287.  He died in 1324.

On December 16th. 1485, Catherine of Aragon was born in Madrid (Spain). Catherine of Aragon Source picture: Wikipedia On June 11th. 1509, Catherine of Aragon married Henry VIII of England. On June 23rd 1509, Catherine's coronation was in the Westminster Abbey. The coronation banquet was in Westminster Hall. In 1516, Catherine became pregnant of a girl called Mary. Source picture: Wikipedia Henry VIII wanted a son. In 1525 he became in love with Anne Boleyn. Henry asked the pope to agree with a divorce. The pope refused. Henry VIII started his own religion. In 1533, Henry VIII divorced from Catherine. She lost her title as Queen. She moved to a castle far from the court. In 1536, Catherine died from a kind of cancer.

On January 5th. 1589, Catherine de' Medici died in Château de Blois (France). Catherine de' Medici Source picture: Wikipedia Her reign and the reign of her three sons were marked by Religious Wars between the Catholics and the Protestants. Catherine tried to find a solution but she failed. But without her it was uncertain that her sons remained their power. She was one of the most powerful women in Europe in the 16th. century and has done a lot for the arts in France. With this post, I'll end my Weekend Special. I hope you liked it. I wish you all a happy Sunday and a good start of the week!

As a de' Medici, Catherine supported architecture and arts. One of the new art forms was ballet. Painting of a Ballet dancer source picture: Wikipedia Ballet quickly spread to the French Court of Catherine de' Medici, although the creation of classical ballet (as it is known today) was under Louis XIV. In 1581, there was the production of the Ballet Comique de la Reine .  This is regarded by scholars as the first authentic ballet.  Ballet Dancer Source picture: Wikipedia Ballet Comique de la Reine Source picture: Wikipedia

On December 15th. 37, Nero was born in Antium near Rome (Italy). Statue of Nero Source picture: Wikipedia From 54 til 68 he became emperor of the Roman Empire. In 64, the Great Fire of Rome took place. It was uncertain who or what caused the fire. Some sources accused the Christians to start the fire, others accused Nero himself. Painting of the Great Fire of Rome Source picture:Wikipedia Nero died on June 9th. 68. He committed suicide.  

On October 28th. 1533, Catherina de' Medici married Henry II (then Prince) of France in the Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins in Marseille. The marriage was blessed by Pope Clement VII. Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins in Marseille  Source: Wikipedia Catherine didn't see her husband very much in their first year of marriage.  King Henry (then Prince) showed no interest in Catherine as a wife.  He openly took mistresses. For the first ten years of the marriage, Catherine failed to produce any children.  Painting of Catherine and Henry Source: Wikipedia In 1537, one of Henry's mistresses gave birth to a daughter.  This proved that Henry was fertile.  The pressure to become pregnant was high by Catherine.  Finally, in 1544, she gave birth to a son, named after King Francis. Although Catherine proved that she could bear children, their marriage failed. In 1538, Henry took a mistress called Diane De Poitiers...

On December 14th. 1787,  Maria Ludovika of Austria was born as a daughter of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este and Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d'Este. They were members of the House of Austria-Este, a branch of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. Maria Ludovika of Austria - Source picture: Wikipedia She was the third wife of Emperor Francis of Austria. Emperor Francis of Austria Source picture:  Wikipedia In 1816, she died from tuberculosis. Maria Ludovika of Austria was only 28 years old. She is buried in the Royal Crypt in Vienna.