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 ...

Some exhibitions tell you a story through paintings, documents or photographs. Others have the remarkable ability to bring a person back to mind through the things they once wore. In July 2026, during my visit to London, I had the opportunity to visit Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. For anyone who followed Queen Elizabeth II throughout the years, it is much more than an exhibition about royal fashion. It is a journey through a familiar life. Organised to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth in 1926, the exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive display of her fashion ever staged. More than 300 items take visitors through all ten decades of her life, from childhood and her years as a young princess to her long reign as Queen. Many of the pieces have never been displayed before. A royal life told through clothes What I particularly loved was the way the exhibition follows the different stages of Elizabeth’s life. Her clot...

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...

During my visit to Lobkowicz Palace in March 2026, I immediately understood why this palace is considered one of the hidden treasures of Prague. Nestled within the famous Prague Castle complex, the palace combines royal history, noble family traditions, art, music and centuries of European connections in a way that feels deeply personal rather than distant. Walking through its elegant halls almost feels like stepping into a living family storybook. What impressed me most was not only the beauty of the palace itself, but also the strong sense of history surrounding the Lobkowicz family . Portraits of European royals, Habsburg connections and noble alliances fill the rooms, offering a fascinating glimpse into the interconnected world of Europe’s aristocracy. As someone passionate about royal history, I loved discovering how closely the family was linked to important moments in European history. The palace dates back to the 16th century and was originally built by the noble Pernštejn fami...

On this day, 21 April 2026, we remember the birth of a sovereign whose life came to symbolise continuity, duty, and quiet strength. Born in 1926, Queen Elizabeth II would go on to shape the course of modern monarchy in a way few could ever have imagined. Here are ten carefully chosen facts that reveal the remarkable life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II; facts that, taken together, tell the story of duty, resilience, and history in motion. 1. A record-breaking reign Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the longest-reigning queen regnant the world has ever known. 2. She was never expected to be queen Born in 1926 in Mayfair, she was not destined for the throne. It was only after the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936 that her father became king and Elizabeth became heir presumptive. 3. “Lilibet” at home Within the family, she was affectionately called Lilibet, a childhood nickname that stayed with ...

April brings a beautiful blend of tradition, celebration and anticipation across Europe’s royal courts. From Easter reflections and historic anniversaries to state visits and springtime events, this month offers many moments to follow and enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at what April 2026 has in store for royal watchers around the world. Royal diary April 2nd: UK - The King and Queen will attend the Royal Maundy Service at St Asaph Cathedral in St Asaph, north Wales April 5th: Easter - Don't forget to write the Easter Cards - UK : King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family will attend the Easter Service. - DK: King Frederik, Queen Mary and other members of the royal family will attend the Easter Service at Frederik's Church in Copenhagen.  April 13th - April 15th.: NL-USA - King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will visit the United States of America. They will travel to Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Florida  April 16th: NL - King Will...

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...