All About Royal Families

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 On September 6th.: Queen Sonja of Norway will unveil the “Fjordafolket” monument at the Norwegian Fjord Centre (Geiranger) and she will attend a Gala Dinner the same evening. On Sep...

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 daz...

Last Thursday, I had the chance to visit the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and was utterly enchanted by the Cartier exhibition—an extraordinary journey through the storied evolution of this legendary jewellery house. Cartier at the V&A: A legacy in shine Running until 16 November 2025, this exhibition is the first major Cartier showcase in the UK in over three decades, presenting more than 350 pieces—from dazzling jewels and historic gemstones to decorative watches and clocks—tracing Cartier’s artistry from the early 20th century onward.  Curated by Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, the show reveals how the founders—Louis, Pierre, and Jacques Cartier—crafted a brand defined by creativity, technical finesse, and global reach.  Royal treasures that took my breath away Two pieces, in particular, left me in awe: The Cartier Bandeau of Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians : This diamond-laden, leaf-motif bandeau-style tiara was originally designed in 1912. Queen Elisabe...

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...

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...

 As we are with the royal destination blogposts in Florence with the de' Medicis, we can't go on,  without some family history.  The founder of the de Medici bank and thus the one who laid the fa'mily's wealth and influence in Florence was: Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici. Who was Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici? Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was born in Florence, Italy. He was the son of Averardo de' Medici and Jacopa Spini. His father, Averardo died in 1363 with a respectable amount of wealth. This inheritance was divided among Giovanni and his four brothers, leaving Giovanni with very little. However, his uncle, Vieri de' Medici, was still a prominent banker in Florence. Vieri helped Giovanni begin his career in the Florentine banking system. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a junior partner in the branch located in Rome. Vieri de' Medici retired in 1393 leaving the...

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: ...