All About Royal Families

On February 24th. 2026, I had the chance to go to Laken (near Brussels). On that day the annual Eucharistic celebration in memory of deceased members of the Belgian Royal Family took place. It is always a deeply reflective moment in the royal calendar, marked by dignity, silence, and remembrance. These members of the Royal Family attended the service: * King Philippe of the Belgians * Queen Mathilde of the Belgians * Prince Laurent of Belgium * Princess Claire of Belgium * Princess Léa of Belgium * Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Nicolaus of Liechtenstein * Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Sibylla of Luxembourg * Prince Paul-Louis of Nassau. Following the service, I experienced something I will never forget: a brief but heartfelt encounter with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, King Philippe of the Belgians, Princess Delphine of Belgium, and her husband Jim O'Hare. Princess Delphine is the daughter of King Albert II of Belgium and a  half sist...

December has always been a special month in the world of royalty. As the year draws to a close and winter lights begin to sparkle across palaces and capitals, royal families around the globe step into a season filled with tradition, ceremony and moments of connection. From state visits on distant shores to centuries-old constitutional celebrations, from festive concerts to the familiar Christmas broadcasts, December brings together history and present day in a way only monarchies can. Royal diary December 1st till December 3rd.:   King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands will travel to Suriname for an official State Visit.  In early December (often between 3 and 7 December) the Monaco Royal Family traditionally inaugurates the Christmas Village at Port Hercule. In recent years, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène (often with their twins) have taken part in the ceremony. The same period sees major philanthropic events organised under Princess Charlène’s...

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...

 A Royal July: celebrations and events across Europe July is a month filled with grandeur and tradition as royal families across Europe partake in an array of prestigious events and personal celebrations. Let's delve into some of the highlight events gracing the royal calendar this July. Hampton Court Garden Festival (UK) – July 1–6 Amidst the historic ambiance of Henry VIII’s former palace, the Hampton Court Garden Festival flourishes with vibrant displays of horticultural excellence. As one of the UK's largest flower shows, it garners royal interest and sometimes even a visit from a royal patron. This festival offers a unique blend of history, nature, and royal charm, making it a must-visit for garden lovers. Monte-Carlo Show Jumping (Monaco) – July 3–5 The glamour of Monaco is on full display at the Monte-Carlo Show Jumping event, held under the patronage of the royal family. Set against the stunning backdrop of Port Hercule near the royal palace, this elite equestrian compe...

I want to wish our friends from The Netherlands a very Happy King's day! Yes on April 26th. this year! Here is a small video about King's Day and about King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands. Enjoy your day!  pictures: Ilse Bongers, Bjorn Hoex, Cat Colnot, Canva and me

Each year, around 17 February, the Belgian Royal Family gathered together to remember the deceased relatives. In 2024 this mass took place on February 20th. in the St. Michael and St. Gudula kathedral in Brussels. This was due to the spring holiday. As always Geert Janssens and Bjorn Hoex were present to great the royals and to take amazing pictures. Following members of the Belgian Royal Family were present: - King Philippe of the Belgians; - Queen Mathilde of the Belgians; - King Albert and Queen Paola of Belgium; - Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium; - Princess Delphine of Belgium and her husband James O’Hare. However there were more royals present in the kathedral: - Princess Lea of Belgium; - Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria (born Princess of Luxembourg). After the memorial mass the Belgian Royal Family took their time to meet the public. These pictures were taken by Bjorn Hoex and Geert Janssens.