All About Royal Families

Norway has one of the most fascinating royal histories in Europe. The death of King Harald V in August 2026 and the accession of his son, King Haakon VIII, made me curious to look beyond the events of today and discover more about the royal history behind Norway's modern monarchy. Long before Haakon VIII became King of Norway, the country was ruled by Viking kings, medieval dynasties and monarchs from Denmark and Sweden. Names such as Harald, Olav and Haakon have appeared throughout that history. And perhaps that is what makes the Norwegian monarchy so fascinating: behind the Royal Family we know today lies a royal story that stretches back more than a thousand years. So, let's travel back in time and discover how Norway went from Viking kings to the modern monarchy of King Haakon VIII. The Viking kings of Norway The traditional story of the Norwegian monarchy begins with Harald Fairhair. He is remembered as the first king to unite Norway, traditionally after the Battle of Hafr...

Dear royal enthusiasts, I’m delighted to announce the release of the All About Royal Families 2026 Calendar, available now for free as a PDF! This is a special moment: it’s the first royal calendar ever created exclusively by All About Royal Families and I’m thrilled to share it with you. As with all my work, it has been carefully curated (not every royal date is mentioned) for those who cherish royal families, significant dates, and timeless tradition. Each month features key anniversaries from royal houses across Europe, making it the perfect companion for any royal watcher throughout the year. What’s inside the 2026 Royal Calendar? 📅 Birth and death anniversaries of royal figures 💍 Royal weddings and coronation dates 🎨 A stylish, regal design: ideal for digital use or home printing Whether you're a long-time follower of royal families or just beginning to explore the fascinating world of monarchy, this calendar offers a unique journey through royal milestones that continue to...

On 13 April 1350, Margaret III, Countess of Flanders was born near Bruges as the daughter of Louis II, Count of Flanders and Margaret of Brabant.   She was the last surviving child and she became the last Countess of Flanders of the House of Dampierre. Weddings A good marriage was very important. So her father negotiated the future of his daughter well. As heir presumptive to her father's territories, Margaret was a highly coveted bride.  In 1355,Margaret of Flanders married Philip of Rouvres, grandson and heir of Odo IV, Duke of Burgundy.  Philip was Count of Burgundy and Artois (1347–1361), Duke of Burgundy (1350–1361), and became Count of Auvergne and Boulogne (1360–1361). We don't know if it was a happy marriage or not, but at least she married at a very young age! Following Philip's death from a riding accident in 1361, Margaret was widowed and had no issue by him.  King John II of France then claimed the Duchy of Burgundy for the kingdo...