All About Royal Families

Browsing through summer photos, in the winter, is always a lot of fun. It makes you dream away, about what has passed and what will come next year. This time my eye fell on the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, not only for the building but also for its surroundings. So, let's take a quick look and  discover why the Palazzo Vecchio certainly is a royal destination in Florence, Italy! Palazzo Vecchio: A Symbol of Florence’s Heritage The Palazzo Vecchio, located in the heart of Piazza della Signoria, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Originally constructed between 1299 and 1314, it served as the town hall and later as the residence of the ruling Medici family. With its formidable, fortress-like appearance, crenelated tower, and impressive historical significance, the building embodies both Florentine civic pride and Renaissance artistry. Architectural Design The structure was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, who incorporated elements of defense and grandeur, reflecting t...

On Sunday 21 July 2024, a splendid National Day took place in Belgium. In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, most of the events happened.The weather was great and there was an amazing atmosphere to meet the royal family of Belgium. History The National day marks the taking of the oath of King Leopold I of Belgium on his arrival in 1831 in Brussels. Events The National Day in Brussels started early with a Te Deum in the St. Michael and the St. Gudula Kathedral. King Philippe, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians and their children, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore were present. After the mass they took time to meet and greet the public. As always Bjorn Hoex was present where he made some lovely pictures of the Royals. In the afternoon a défilé took place in front of the Royal Palace in Brussels. This was viewed by, King Philippe of the Belgians, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess ...

As a Belgian I'm very proud to introduce you Princess Eléonore of Belgium, the youngest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians. Princess Eléonore of Belgium full name: Eléonore Fabiola Victoria Anne Marie of Belgium was born 16 April 2008.  Princess Eléonore, picture: Bjorn Hoex Family She is the younger daughter and the youngest of four children of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. She is currently fourth in line to the throne of Belgium after her older siblings Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Emmanuel. She is the twelfth and youngest grandchild of King Albert II and Queen Paola. Place of Birth   The princess was born in 16 April 2008 at 4:50 at the Erasmus Hospital the teaching hospital of Université libre de Bruxelles in Anderlecht. Baptism She was baptised on 14 June 2008 in the chapel of Ciergnon Castle in the Belgian Ardennes, by Cardinal Godfried Danneels, the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels.  Her god...

From 3 December 2023 till 7 December 2023, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians made an official State Visit to their neighbours Germany. The royals were invited by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This was the program: Day 1 Berlin: welcome ceremony by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender at the Bellevue Palace. Later they went to the Brandenburger Tor, the symbol of German division during the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate is now a national symbol of peace and unity. Finally that day the German President organised a state banquet.  At the banquet Queen Mathilde wore the tiara, yes bling!, of the 9 Provinces. There were several famous guests too:  * Hubertus, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and his wife Kelly.  * Domenico Tedesco, German-Italian football manager who is currently the head coach of the Belgium national team. * Belgian actor Filip Peeters, who has been expanding his career in Germany since 2000. Da...

One of the main historic castles in London is the Tower of London located on the north bank of the River Thames.  It is not only a tourist vistor place but the Tower of London also has a great royal history. Royal History Between 1066 and 1087, William the Conqueror established 36 castles, although references in the Domesday Book indicate that many more were founded by his subordinates. The Normans undertook what has been described as "the most extensive and concentrated programme of castle-building in the whole history of feudal Europe". William sent an advance party to prepare the city for his entrance, to celebrate his victory and found a castle; in the words of William's biographer, William of Poitiers, "certain fortifications were completed in the city against the restlessness of the huge and brutal populace.  At the time, London was the largest town in England; the foundation of Westminster Abbey and the old Palace of Westminster under Edward the Confessor had...