All About Royal Families

March is a month of quiet transformation. Winter slowly loosens its grip, the first blossoms appear in palace gardens, and royal calendars begin to fill with spring engagements, state visits, and meaningful anniversaries. It is also a reflective month in royal history. From historic accessions and important birthdays to moments of remembrance that shaped European monarchies, March reminds us how closely tradition and renewal are intertwined. As always on All About Royal Families, we will explore the stories behind the dates: royal milestones, lesser-known historical connections, and the places where history still whispers through palace corridors and city streets. Let March 2026 be a month of discovery, elegance, and historical depth. Follow along for carefully curated royal highlights throughout the month. Royal diary March 1st.: St. David's Day, the patron saint of Wales March 5 - 6th: LUX: At the invitation of King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia of Spain, Grand Duke Guillaume ...

On February 24th. 2026, I had the chance to go to Laken (near Brussels). On that day the annual Eucharistic celebration in memory of deceased members of the Belgian Royal Family took place. It is always a deeply reflective moment in the royal calendar, marked by dignity, silence, and remembrance. These members of the Royal Family attended the service: * King Philippe of the Belgians * Queen Mathilde of the Belgians * Prince Laurent of Belgium * Princess Claire of Belgium * Princess Léa of Belgium * Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Nicolaus of Liechtenstein * Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Sibylla of Luxembourg * Prince Paul-Louis of Nassau. Following the service, I experienced something I will never forget: a brief but heartfelt encounter with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, King Philippe of the Belgians, Princess Delphine of Belgium, and her husband Jim O'Hare. Princess Delphine is the daughter of King Albert II of Belgium and a  half sist...

On 18 February 1516, at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, a daughter was born to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. She would grow up to become one of the most controversial monarchs in British history: Mary I of England. For royal historians, Mary’s life is a powerful study in legitimacy, faith and female authority in a male-dominated political world. Family Mary was the only surviving child of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Highly educated, fluent in Latin and Spanish, and musically gifted, she was once the pride of her father’s court. When Henry annulled his marriage to Catherine and married Anne Boleyn, Mary was declared illegitimate. She lost her title of Princess and was forced to serve in the household of her half-sister, the future Elizabeth I. The emotional and political trauma of these years shaped her deeply rooted Catholic convictions. The first crowned queen regnant of England After the death of her half-brother Edward VI in 1553, an attempt was made to place Lad...

2026 promises to be a year filled with memorable royal moments, meaningful anniversaries, and stories that connect past and present. From official milestones to personal chapters in royal lifes. In this February 2026 overview brings together the highlights you won’t want to miss. picture of last year Church Service in Brussels Royal diary January 31st. - February 4th: UK: His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the UAE to attend the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai.   February 1st: NL: King Willem-Alexander will attend the Men's Cyclocross World Championships in Hulst on Sunday afternoon.  Annette Van Dongen - King Willem Alexander in Hulst February 3rd: UK:  The Princess of Wales will visit textile manufacturers in west Wales, 'to celebrate the heritage, creativity and craftsmanship of Welsh textile manufacturers' February 4th: NL: Princess Beatrix, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien will attend the opening of the Hollan...

Faith, legend and a deeply rooted Monegasque tradition Hidden between the harbour and the steep rock of Monaco, the Church of Sainte Dévote is one of the Principality’s most meaningful spiritual landmarks. Small in scale yet immense in symbolism, this sanctuary tells a story that has shaped Monaco’s identity for centuries. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Church of Sainte Dévote myself. Stepping inside, away from the movement of the port and the surrounding city, the atmosphere immediately invites calm and reflection. It is a place where time seems to slow, allowing history, faith, and tradition to speak softly but clearly. Who was Sainte Dévote? Sainte Dévote, also known as Saint Devota, is the patron saint of Monaco and the Patron Saint of the Princely Family of Monaco . According to tradition, she was a young Christian from Corsica who was martyred around the year 303 during Roman persecutions. After her death, her body was placed on a boat, destined for burial elsewhe...

Catherine de’ Medici (1519–1589) remains one of the most fascinating women in French royal history. Born in Florence into the powerful Medici family, she later became Queen of France, wife of King Henry II, and mother of three French kings. Her life story combines royal splendour, political strategy, and enduring tales of mystery that continue to intrigue royal enthusiasts worldwide. Key dates • 13 April 1519 – born in Florence • 1533 – marries Henry, Duke of Orléans • 1547 – becomes Queen Consort of France • 1559 – death of Henry II, Catherine becomes Queen Mother • 24 August 1572 – St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre • 5 January 1589 – death of Catherine de’ Medici in Blois From Florence to the French court Raised in the cultured world of the Italian Renaissance, Catherine married into the Valois dynasty in 1533. When Henry II became king in 1547, she stepped fully into the world of French royalty. After his sudden death in 1559, Catherine emerged as a central political figure, guiding he...

January may seem quiet, but in the world of royalty it marks an important moment of renewal and continuity. As the new year begins, royal families return to duty, reopening diaries and setting priorities for the months ahead. King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset © Royal diary January 1st:. King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark will host their New Years Party. They will be accompanied by Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie and Princess Benedikte.  January 1st.: Prince Hisahito of Japan will attend New Year Receptions. January 6th.: The Pascua Militar is a military ceremony that takes place every 6 January in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Madrid. January 8th.: The Prince and Princess of Wales, Joint Patrons, NHS Charities Together, this morning visited Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6. January 11th.:  January 12th: King Carl Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria will sta...

December has always been a special month in the world of royalty. As the year draws to a close and winter lights begin to sparkle across palaces and capitals, royal families around the globe step into a season filled with tradition, ceremony and moments of connection. From state visits on distant shores to centuries-old constitutional celebrations, from festive concerts to the familiar Christmas broadcasts, December brings together history and present day in a way only monarchies can. Royal diary December 1st till December 3rd.:   King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands will travel to Suriname for an official State Visit.  In early December (often between 3 and 7 December) the Monaco Royal Family traditionally inaugurates the Christmas Village at Port Hercule. In recent years, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène (often with their twins) have taken part in the ceremony. The same period sees major philanthropic events organised under Princess Charlène’s...