All About Royal Families

Located along the banks of the River Meuse, in the charming Belgian town of Dinant, stands one of the most fascinating natural landmarks of Wallonia: the Rocher Bayard (Bayard Rock). This striking needle-shaped rock formation, reaching about 35 meters in height, has not only inspired legends but also attracted royal attention. We had the chance to visit this special royal destination on a very warm day in May 2025. A rock shaped by history and legend The Bayard Rock is closely tied to the old Ardennes version of the legend of the Four Sons of Aymon (De Vier Heemskinderen). According to the tale, the magical horse Bayard split the rock to allow the four brothers to escape. This mythical association still enchants visitors today. Historically, the rock served as a natural barrier at the southern entrance of Dinant. A first attempt to cut a passage through it failed in the 17th century, but during the Nine Years’ War, the French army of Louis XIV managed to create a three-meter opening s...

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania of the United States will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17th. till September 19th. 2025 ✨ I wondered how and when the previous state visits of American Presidents to the United Kingdom took place. So, I made a short overview from the most interesting visits.  Early encounters The first official visit of a sitting U.S.A President to the United Kingdom was by Woodrow Wilson in December 1918, just after the end of World War I. Though not a formal state visit hosted by the monarch, Wilson’s trip marked an important moment: the United States had emerged as a global power, and Britain welcomed its wartime ally with enthusiasm. Post-War diplomacy The first true State Visit of an American President to Britain took place in 1959, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. This visit came at a time when both nations were working closely in NATO and in the Cold War context. The pomp of Buc...

September brings with it a rich tapestry of royal engagements, birthdays, and historic milestones across Europe and beyond.The royal calendar is filled with traditions, celebrations and meaningful events. This month also offers moments of remembrance and reflection, with anniversaries marking the lives and legacies of monarchs who shaped history. Royal diary On September 2nd.: Queen Mathilde of Belgium will visit the "De Vijvers residential care centre as part of the ‘Te Gek!?’ campaign." On September 4th. and 5th. : Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be in Switzerland (Bad Ragaz, St. Gallen) on Thursday and Friday. On September 4th. : The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit the Natural History Museum in London.  Own picture of the Natural History Museum in London taken in 2016 September 4th - Passing of the Duchess of Kent. The funeral will take place at Westminster Cathedral on September 16. at 2pm.  On September 6th.: Queen Sonja of Norway will unv...