All About Royal Families

In Belgium, trains are such a familiar part of everyday life that we rarely stop to think about the history travelling with us. We take the train to work, to school, for a day out or perhaps to begin a journey abroad. Yet those railway tracks tell a story stretching back almost two centuries. And in 2026, there is an extra reason to look back. The National Railway Company of Belgium,better known as NMBS/SNCB, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. For me, this anniversary has a personal connection too. I am an avid train traveller myself and whenever possible, I love discovering places by rail. But there is another reason why this anniversary deserves a place on All About Royal Families: Belgian railway history also has a fascinating royal side. A century on the rails Belgium has always been a railway pioneer. As early as 1835, the first public railway on the European continent connected Brussels with Mechelen. The NMBS/SNCF itself was established in 1926, taking over the railway lines ...

August has always been a month of contrasts in the royal calendar. While many royal families enjoy a well deserved summer holiday away from the public eye, royal life never comes to a complete standstill. National celebrations, historic anniversaries and royal birthdays continue to offer fascinating moments for royal watchers around the world. This month's Royal Highlights bring together the most notable events and commemorations from across Europe's royal houses and beyond. Duke and Duchess of Gloucester Royal diary August 1st to August 7th: UK: Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight - The Princess Royal will visit some activities of this wonderful Regatta. ⛵ August 5th: UK: The Duchess of Edinburgh Patron, Hallé Concerts Society, will attend a Promenade Concert at The Royal Albert Hall. August 11th: NL: The Princess of Orange will attend the opening of the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen , Zara Tindall, Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Infanta Elena of Spain, will atted this...

After a wonderful journey, I am finally back home, with my camera full of memories and my notebook filled with stories waiting to be shared. As a travel blogger with a passion for royal history and royal families, there is nothing quite like visiting the places where history comes to life. This trip offered a unique opportunity to explore not one, but two remarkable royal working palaces: the Royal Palace of Brussels and Buckingham Palace in London. The Royal Palace of Brussels welcomed visitors once again this summer. However, I had already seen the fascinating exhibition dedicated to Queen Louise d'Orléans in Namur. The real treasure was the garden.Hidden in the heart of Brussels, the palace gardens offered a peaceful oasis away from the bustling city. Even the palace groundskeeper's lawn mower became an unexpected attraction, reminding me that these historic residences are not only monuments of the past but also living places that require daily care and attention. Buckingham...

Welcome to the July edition of the All About Royal Families Royal Diary, your monthly guide to the most important royal engagements, birthdays, exhibitions, and celebrations from royal families around the world. From Scotland's traditional Holyrood Week and Belgium's National Day to royal birthdays, summer palace openings, and international visits, July offers plenty for every royal enthusiast. Royal Diary June 29th - July 12th: UK: Wimbledon 2026 🎾.  June 30th - July 3rd: Holyrood Week in Scotland. July 1st: CAN: Happy Canada Day! July 2nd: NL: His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Máxima will attend the gala of the National Ballet, in honour of the farewell of director Ted Brandsen. July 4th: USA: Happy Independence day ! The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia has written a message to President Donald Trump on the occasion of the United States’ Independence Day. source picture: Wikipedia July 7th - July ...

The past week has been filled with royal celebrations, historic ceremonies and important international visits. From London to Stockholm and from Amsterdam to Brussels, royal watchers had plenty to follow. Trooping the Colour in London On 13 June, members of the British Royal Family gathered for the annual Trooping the Colour parade. Although King Charles III celebrated his actual birthday in November, the traditional birthday parade once again brought together senior working royals on Horse Guards Parade. The highlight for many royal fans was the appearance of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they watched the traditional Royal Air Force flypast. The event remains one of the most iconic royal traditions in the world. Sweden celebrates a double Jubilee Also on 13 June, Sweden celebrated two remarkable milestones. The festivities honoured King Carl XVI Gustaf's 80th birthday and the golden wedding anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Members...

June 2026 is shaping up to be another fascinating month in the royal world, filled with grand state visits, historic anniversaries, royal birthdays and celebrations across Europe and beyond. From the Netherlands welcoming both Germany and Japan for important state visits to Sweden’s joyful double celebration for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, royal watchers certainly have much to look forward to this month. Meanwhile, Trooping the Colour will once again bring royal pageantry to the streets of London, while Belgium prepares to welcome Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a highly anticipated visit. Alongside the current events, June also offers beautiful moments to reflect on royal history, remarkable exhibitions and special royal destinations. Royal diary June 1st: MON - Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene will make an official visit to Madrid on 1 and 2 June, marking a double anniversary: 150 years of Monegasque diplomatic representation in Spain, and the 10th annive...

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...