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Showing posts with the label United Kingdom

Royal Highlights of September 2025

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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...

Royal Exhibition: The Edwardians: Age of Elegance at the King’s Gallery

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One of the places, I always love to visit when I’m in London is the King’s Gallery. In spring and summer, it becomes the stage for some of the most splendid royal exhibitions. This year’s display, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, was no exception, a true showcase of royal history at its very best. The exhibition tells the story not only of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, but of an entire dynasty finding its place in a rapidly changing world. Beginning with their marriage in 1863 and continuing through to the solemn aftermath of the First World War, the exhibition traces a remarkable journey of duty, devotion, and transformation. What impressed me most was the sheer breadth of the collection. With more than 300 objects on display, nearly half of them never before seen by the public, the show sparkled with treasures: magnificent gowns, portraits, jewels, and intimate photographs. Together they created a vivid and very human portrait of the Edwardian era. Like many visitors, I was da...

10 interesting facts about Anne, Princess Royal

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15 August 1950 marks the birth of Anne, Princess Royal. What are 10 interesting facts about her? 1 birth and family Anne, Princess Royal, was born on August 15, 1950, as the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As a young princess, she was said to be spirited, strong-willed, and deeply independent—traits she has carried throughout her royal life. 2 hobby From an early age, Anne showed a passion for horses. She became an accomplished equestrian and in 1976, made history by becoming the first British royal to compete in the Olympic Games. She rode the Queen’s horse, Goodwill, in the Montreal Olympics, representing the United Kingdom in eventing. 3 title The title of Princess Royal is not automatically given but is traditionally bestowed by the monarch to their eldest daughter. Anne received the title in June 1987, making her the seventh holder of this prestigious designation since its origin in 1642. 4  no-nonsense Though raised i...

The royal history of Westminster Abbey

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Westminster Abbey is more than just a historic church—it is a timeless symbol of British tradition, royal pageantry, and national identity. For over a thousand years, this iconic Gothic masterpiece has witnessed coronations, weddings, funerals, and moments of profound historical importance. Whether you're a fan of royal history, architecture, or sacred heritage, Westminster Abbey has stories to tell that are both grand and deeply human. As on May 8th. 2025, Westminster Abbey was the place to be to mark the VE 80 celebrations with members of the Royal Family it's time to take a closer look at 10 fascinating facts that make Westminster Abbey one of the most treasured royal landmarks in the world: 1. Coronation since 1066 Every English and later British monarch—starting with William the Conqueror—has been crowned at Westminster Abbey, with only a few exceptions. The Coronation Chair, made in 1300, is still used today. 2. Royal wedding favorite In 2011, Prince William and Catherine...

10 must knows about King Charles III

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On May 6th. 2023 the Coronation of King Charles III took place at Westminster Abbey in London in the United Kingdom. Here are 10 absolute must knows about King Charles III. A historic name for a historic role Born Charles Philip Arthur George on November 14, 1948, His Majesty became King Charles III following the passing of his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. He is now sovereign of the United Kingdom and several other nations within the Commonwealth Realm. The wait of a lifetime King Charles holds a unique record — he was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, preparing for over 70 years to take the throne. His patience and dedication to duty are now defining his early reign. A royal champion for nature Long before climate change was a global concern, Charles was already advocating for the planet. Since the 1970s, he has promoted organic farming, biodiversity, and sustainable architecture, often ahead of his time — a true eco-conscious royal. Th...

Royal Event: Remembrance Sunday in London 2024

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Remembrance Sunday is held in the United Kingdom as a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. It is held on the second Sunday in November (the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918). This Remembrance Sunday took place at the London Cenotaph. In 2024, royal  photographer and friend, Bjorn Hoex had a wonderful place in front of the London Cenotaph. And there he made some lovely pictures for us. King Charles III at the Remembrance Sunday own picture of the Cenotaph taken in London in July 2024 The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh   The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester Duke of Kent and Timothy Laurence, husband of The Princess Royal Thank you for your amazing photo report Bjorn! Source pictures: ...

Royal Events: Trooping the Colour 2024

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Bjorn Hoex, royal photographer and friend is in the United Kingdom and especially in London to attend some wonderful royal events such as Trooping the Colour. What is Trooping the Colour? In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour is also known as the "King's Birthday Parade" ("Queen's Birthday Parade" when the monarch is female).  First performed during the reign of King Charles II (1660–1685), in 1748 it was decided that the parade of Trooping the Colour should mark the official birthday of the Sovereign.  In 1760, after the accession of King George III, it became an annual event. Seamus, an Irish wolfhound, is the mascot of the Irish Guards.  Some history Edward VII kept Trooping the Colour in May or June, because of the vagaries of British weather (his actual birthday being in November). It coincides with publication of the Birthday Honours List, and usually takes place at Horse Guards Parade by St James's Park, London. It ...