All About Royal Families

King Umberto II of Italy remains one of the most fascinating figures in modern royal history. Born on 15 September 1904 as Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia, he was the last King of Italy and the final sovereign of the House of Savoy. His reign was famously brief, lasting only 34 days from 9 May to 12 June 1946, which earned him the nickname the May King. Royal Family As the only son of King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena of Montenegro, Umberto was raised to become monarch from birth. He received a traditional military education and followed a military path, although much of his public life was shaped by the turbulent years of Fascist Italy and the Second World War. During the war, he gradually turned against the conflict and quietly supported the removal of Benito Mussolini after Italy’s disastrous defeats. On 8 January 1930, Umberto married Princess Marie José of Belgium, the daughter of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians. This marriage created an im...

Just outside Brussels, in the village of Groot-Bijgaarden (Dilbeek), stands the beautiful Castle of Groot -Bijgaarden, a historic estate surrounded by water and gardens. Royal history The origins of the castle date back to the early 12th century. The domain was granted by the Abbey of Saint Bavo to the Lords of Bijgaarden, with the first known lord, Amelricus, appearing in records in 1110. A later lord likely built the first fortified motte castle to protect the surrounding lands. Over the centuries the estate passed through several noble families. In the 17th century Ferdinand of Booischot transformed the castle into the elegant residence we see today, built in Flemish Renaissance style with brick walls and slate roofs. In the 18th century, after the marriage of Helena of Booischot to Count Charles Ferdinand of Königsegg Rothenfels, Empress Maria Theresa elevated the lordship to a marquisate. Royal garden The castle is surrounded by a moat and reached by a bridge with five arches. It...

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...