All About Royal Families

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...

During our stay in Florence (Firenze) in Italy we saw the coat of arms of the de Medici family regularly. The House of Medici was an Italian banking family and political dynasty that first consolidated power in the Republic of Florence under Cosimo de' Medici during the first half of the 15th century.  The family originated in the Mugello region of Tuscany, and prospered gradually until it was able to fund the Medici Bank. This bank was the largest in Europe during the 15th century and facilitated the Medicis' rise to political power in Florence, although they officially remained citizens rather than monarchs until the 16th century. However they had the official title Grand Duke from 1569. However in this post we will not talk about the family members, but about their interesting and beautiful coat of arms, which you will see almost everywhere in Florence. The blazon of the de' Medici family is a golden shield with five red balls,...

In view of the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, it is interesting to look at the coronations in the past.  This blog post is about the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. A change of date The coronation of Edward VII and his wife, Alexandra, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Emperor and Empress of India took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 9 August 1902. Originally scheduled for 26 June of that year, the ceremony had been postponed at very short notice, because the King had been taken ill with an abdominal abscess that required immediate surgery.  Coronation of Edward VII The service was conducted by the elderly and infirm Archbishop of Canterbury, Frederick Temple, who died before the end of the year. He steadfastly refused to delegate any part of his duties and had to be supported throughout by two other bishops. Because of his failing eyesight, the text of the ...

Alfred Ernest Albert was born on August 6th. 1844 at Windsor Castle in Berkshire (England). Family His parents were Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. As a son of the monarch, he received the title: His Royal Highness the Prince Alfred. In his family he was known as Affie. Love and Marriage On January 23rd. 1874 he married Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia. She was a daughter of Emperor Alexander II of Russia and his wife Marie of Hesse. Prince Alfred and Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna would have 5 children. Duty In 1856 Prince Alfred entered the Royal Navy. On February 24th. 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant. On February 22rd. 1866 Prince Albert became captain. On May 24th. 1866 Prince Alfred received the title Duke of Edinburgh with an annuity of 15.000 pounds granted by the parliament. He also became a member of the House of Lords. In 1866 Prince Alf...

August 17th.1887 marks the birth of Charles (in German: Karl) of Austria. His parents were Archduke Otto Franz of Austria and Princess Maria Josepha of Saxony. This event took place at the Castle of Persenbeug. Charles was privately educated but he attended the gymnasium for the sake of demonstrations in scientific subjects. Later he entered the army. From 1906 until 1908 Charles was an officer chiefly in Prague. Meanwhile he studied law and political science. Source picture: Wikipedia On October 21st.  1911 Charles married Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma. The two met each other as children, but then they did not see another for almost 10 years.However in 1909 Charles visited her family and it was then that he met her again. Their wedding was attended by the 81 year old emperor Franz Joseph. The couple would have 8 children. They would became the grandparents of inter alia Prince Lorenz of Belgium. On this Youtube lin...