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Showing posts with the label United Kingdom

Royal Highlights of October 2025

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October promises to be a very busy month in the royal world, filled with historic moments, important ceremonies, birthdays, and anniversaries. The highlight will undoubtedly be the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and the accession of his son, Grand Duke Guillaume, marking a new chapter for the Grand Duchy. But across Europe and beyond, royal families will also take part in cultural celebrations, parliamentary traditions, and international visits, making this a month to follow closely. Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of the Belgians, Princess Astrid of Belgium - Taken in July 2025 by Bjorn Hoex royal diary October 1st - The Prince of Wales, will launch the Global Humanitarian Memorial for aid workers, Gunnersbury Park, London, W5 October 1st  — Queen Máxima and King Willem‑Alexander will embark on a work visit to the Occitanie region (France). King Willem Alexander of The Netherlans Bjorn Hoex October 3rd - Throne Chance in Luxembourg . T...

State visits from U.S.A Presidents to the United Kingdom

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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...

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...