All About Royal Families

Bjorn Hoex, royal photographer and friend is in the United Kingdom and especially in London to attend some wonderful royal events such as Trooping the Colour. What is Trooping the Colour? In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour is also known as the "King's Birthday Parade" ("Queen's Birthday Parade" when the monarch is female).  First performed during the reign of King Charles II (1660–1685), in 1748 it was decided that the parade of Trooping the Colour should mark the official birthday of the Sovereign.  In 1760, after the accession of King George III, it became an annual event. Seamus, an Irish wolfhound, is the mascot of the Irish Guards.  Some history Edward VII kept Trooping the Colour in May or June, because of the vagaries of British weather (his actual birthday being in November). It coincides with publication of the Birthday Honours List, and usually takes place at Horse Guards Parade by St James's Park, London. It is followed by a 41-gun sal...

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 service had to be printed in gigantic ty...

The State Opening of Parliament formally marks the beginning of a session of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.  Queen Victoria at the State Opening of Parliament Source picture: Wikipedia It includes a speech from the throne known as the Queen's Speech (or King's Speech). The event takes place in the House of Lords chamber on the first day of a new session, which is usually in May or June, and traditionally in November, but can occur at any time of year depending on the timing of General Elections and parliamentary session start dates.  It takes place in front of both Houses of Parliament. The monarch, wearing the Imperial State Crown , reads a speech that has been prepared by his or her government outlining its plans for that parliamentary year. In 1974, when two general elections were held, there were two State Openings. Queen Elizabeth II has opened every session of Parliament since her accession in 1952, except in 1959, 1963, and 2022. In 1959 and 1963,  she was p...

The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official B-day of the British Sovereign  for 260 years.  Source picture: Book cover Source picture: Wikipedia Who is participating? 1400 soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians come together each June in a display of military precision. All to mark the Queen's official B-Day.  What will happen?  It closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from the Balcony of Buckingham Palace. Once The Queen has arrived at the Horse Guard's Parade at Whitehall, she's greeted by a Royal Salute and carries out an inspection of the troops.  The Queen used to attend the Trooping of the Colour on horseback herself, but in recent years she travelled by carriage. source picture: Wikipedia Of course, this event is broadcasted by BBC.  Due to Covid-19, the edition of 2021 takes place at Windsor Castle.

Monaco Princely Palace- own picture taken in 2013 During the reign of Prince Albert II of Monaco, November 19th. was declared as the National Day of Monaco. Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene The National Day, also called the Sovereign Prince's Day traditionally is determined by the ruling prince. The previous rulers often chose their name day as the National Day. It was Prince Rainier III, who chose 19 November as the National Day. Prince Albert II wanted to continue the celebrations on this day. Monaco Princely Palace - own picture taken in 2013 Of course the main celebrations take place in front of the Princely Palace in Monaco (see pictures). However there also will be a mass in the St. Nicolas Cathedral. St. Nicolas Cathedral In the evening before the National Day of Monaco there are huge fireworks in the harbor of Monaco. One of Monaco's Harbors - taken in 2013 Happy National Day Monaco!

January 27th. is the feast day of Saint Devota (in French Sainte Dévote), patron of Corsica and Monaco. The legend ... Devota was a woman born around 283 in Mariana, Corsica.  A young virgin, she decided to devote herself fully to the service of God. She was taken captive by the order of Barbarus. She was tortured for her faith.  Devota died around 303. The governor ordered to burn her body although  fishermen could prevent that.  They put the body on a boat to Africa. However the storm overtook the boot. A dove flew out of the month of the saint. The dove led the boat to Les Gaumates (now part of Monaco). On this place there was already a chapel dedicated to Saint George. Saint Devote Church in Monaco - own picture Sainte Dévote Chapel in Monaco The Sainte Dévote chapel first was mentioned around 1070. In 1536 it was  acquired by Honoré I, Lord of Monaco. Louis II of Monaco introduced the tradition of setti...