The Royal 2016 in a nutshell - Elizabeth reigned supreme
(photo BBC One still)
Saturday, 31 December 2016
10 royal reasons to remember 2016
The Royal A-Z...part three, Q to Z
The old year is almost done but as it prepares to take its final bow, there's one more chance to look back at the royal highlights of 2016. There are moments that will linger long in the memory and which have made their mark in regal history. To complete the Royal A-Z of 2016, here's Q to Z.
Happy New Year from Sweden's Royals
Sweden's Royal Family's New Year photo
(kungahuset.se)
It's definitely lucky thirteen for Sweden's royals. As they all cram into one photo to mark the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, they couldn't be happier. And that's no surprise. The year just ending has been very good to them with two new princes, a big birthday, a big wedding anniversary and a landmark jubilee for Queen Silvia.
Friday, 30 December 2016
The Royal A-Z of 2016...part two, I to P...
The old year is winding to an end, leaving memories of all that made 2016 what it was. There are plenty of regal highlights from the year just gone but some moments stand out above others. The Royal A-Z of 2016 looks back at the year just gone - if you missed part one, which covers A-H, you can read it here. Here's the next installment with plenty more memories, covering I to P...
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Queen Paola is in hospital
Queen Paola of Belgium has been taken to hospital
(photo via Wiki Commons)
Queen Paola of Belgium is in hospital after suffering a vertebral fracture. Paola, who is 79, is being treated at the Cliniques Universitare St Luc in Brussels after being hurt following a fall.
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
The Royal A-Z of 2016....part one, A to H
A whole royal year has been and is about to go. As 2016 says its final farewells and 2017 warms up round the corner, it's time to look back, reflect and remember. To sum up twelve months of royal fabulousness (April did a whole year's worth all by itself), here's the royal A-Z of 2016, starting with A-H...
Monday, 26 December 2016
The Queen tops the Christmas TV ratings
The Queen's Christmas Speech for 2016
(British Monarchy You Tube still)
Royal Christmas Photos 2016
The royals are just like the rest of us really. Christmas Day is all about family, food and Facebook photos. That modern moment of festive celebration that is a picture on social media to mark the season extends to the ruling houses of Europe. Here are the images they shared to say Happy Christmas, starting with a rather elegant portrait of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians with their children posted on Twitter.
Sunday, 25 December 2016
George and Charlotte's Christmas debut
The last time we saw the Cambridges altogether was at the end of their Canada tour in October
(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have made their first appearance at a Christmas Day church service but not at Sandringham. The future king took this important step while staying with his maternal grandparents for Christmas 2016.
The Queen misses church on Christmas Day
The Queen will miss Christmas Day service today for the first time in 30 years
(photo NASA press photo via Wiki Commons)
The Queen will not be attending church at Sandringham on Christmas Day as she continues to recover from a heavy cold. The official announcement came as the Royal Family made its way to the first service of the day.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Jacques and Gabriella, Christmas stars
Under the watchful eye of Grace - Albert and his family at Christmas
(photo Palais Princier Facebook)
It's about as pretty as a picture gets. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his family have shared a set of Christmas photos to celebrate the festive season and they're a portrait perfect. From photos of twins, Jacques and Gabriella, enjoying Christmas to a family portrait that includes an image of Princess Grace in the background, these are festive photos to remember.
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
Illness changes The Queen's Christmas plans
The Queen has delayed her departure to Norfolk for her annual Christmas break at Sandringham because of illness. Elizabeth II and her consort, the Duke of Edinburgh, have heavy colds and won't be making the trip as planned today.
Charlene's Christmas red wins it
The festive princess of Monaco celebrates Christmas with young fans
(photo Palais Princier Facebook)
Who doesn't love a bit of red at Christmas? The most wonderful time of the year needs a dash of scarlet and a pop of crimson to make it feel, well, Christmassy. And Princess Charlene's red coat, chosen for a Christmas party in Monaco, shows that red really is the colour for this time of the year as it topped the Royal Wardrobe poll for the week just gone.
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Royal response to Berlin
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands issued a statement following the Berlin attack
(photo koninklijkihuis.nl)
Royal houses across Europe have sent messages of sympathy and paid tribute following the attack in Berlin on Monday night which left twelve people dead at a Christmas market. The attack, at the Breitscheidplatz market, also left 49 people injured. Here are the tributes from Europe's royal houses.
The Queen's Christmas Lunch - first photos
The Queen's traditional Christmas lunch for her family is taking place at Buckingham Palace
The season of royal Christmas traditions is upon us and just before that moment that signifies the start of the festive break - the photo of the Queen getting off the train as she arrives at Sandringham - we had another annual staging post in the count down to the sparkliest day of the year. No photos of the Queen this time round as she and Prince Philip waited inside Buckingham Palace for their family to join them at the traditional pre Christmas lunch and plenty of photos of everyone else driving in, pretending they hadn't noticed the cameras. Scroll on for Kate, George, Harry and the royal who almost stole 2016, Lady Sarah Chatto. Christmas Day is on its way....
Monday, 19 December 2016
Happy Christmas from Estelle and Oscar
A happy family looking forward to a happy Christmas
(photo kungahuset.se)
Mum and dad might have helped organise it, but Estelle and Oscar stole the show. The Crown Princess of Sweden and her family shared a special festive message today but it was their daughter and son who took starring roles. From Estelle's enthusiasm to Oscar's giggling, this Christmas message was all about the littlest princess and prince at the Haga Palace.
Palaces in the Snow: Hampton Court
The trees of Hampton Court looking ready for Christmas
(photo Andrew Halliday via Flickr)
The scene of many a Tudor Christmas, Hampton Court is a picture perfect palace in the snow. Its red brick walls look particularly festive under a blanket of flakes. As Christmas week gets under way, here's a palace made for snow.
Sunday, 18 December 2016
The Royal 2016: King Carl XVI Gustaf at 70
The King and Queen of Sweden in a portrait marking Carl VXI Gustaf's 70th birthday
(photo kungahuset.se/ Peter Knutson)
Sweden's royals had quite a start to the year. After welcoming Prince Oscar at the start of March and Prince Alexander in the middle of April, they had a whole ten days to get the palace sorted before royals from across Europe arrived to celebrate the 70th birthday of King Carl XVI Gustaf.
The Royal Wardrobe: Christmas pick and mix
Kate's Christmas jumper on an evening in Norfolk
(photo Kensington Royal Twitter)
You can't beat sweets at Christmas and what could be sweeter than a spot of pick and mix. The traditional selection promises something for everyone - a bit like this week's Royal Wardrobe. From Christmas jumpers to party dresses, we've seen just about all that fashion has to offer and then some this week. As Christmas approaches, anything goes - here are five moments of festive fabulousness from the week just gone. Pick your favourite from this mix in the poll to the right.
The Queen at 90: mother and son
The Queen and the Prince of Wales in an official photo for her 90th birthday
(photo Nick Knight/ Clarence House Twitter)
In a year filled with portraits, this is one for the history books. The Queen and her heir, the Prince of Wales, in an image to mark her 90th birthday. The photo, taken by Nick Knight, crowns a year of events for a special birthday, marked with family and celebrated across the world. Millions have taken part in festivities to mark the 90th birthday of Elizabeth II and we have many images from those events. But this photo has all the air of majesty and all the weight of history on it. The Queen, with her rock solid throne, and the prince who has stood at her side throughout her reign preparing to one day continue her work. Mother and son, monarch and heir. Charles, with the Queen at 90.
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Victoria and Daniel in Italy, Day Three
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel get to play with machines on the last day of their visit to Italy
(photo Sveriges Kungahuset Instagram)
It's a visit focused on health, culture and business and on their final day in Italy, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel have managed to pack in a little bit of all three. The couple spent the day in Milan where they visited a ground breaking hospital, heard about the work of one of Sweden's biggest firms and took a stop for a bit of food therapy. A trio of delights on day three of Victoria and Daniel in Italy.
The Royal 2016: the royal great grandparents
The newest members of the royal great grandparents club
Friday, 16 December 2016
Victoria and Daniel in Italy, day two
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in Rome
(photo FAO via Flickr)
It's always good when a trip has a personal touch and as Crown Princess Victoria continued her visit to Italy, she came face to face with an historic organisation there set up by her great grandfather. Victoria, along with Prince Daniel, spent time at the Swedish Institute in Rome, established by King Gustav VI Adolf whose throne she will one day inherit. And there was another personal touch to this part of the official visit to Italy - Gustaf Adolf was Duke of Skane, the title given to Victoria and Daniel's son, Oscar, on his birth in March.
A royal debut at Christmas for Jacques and Gabriella
A happy Christmas from Monaco's royals as they welcome children to the Prince's Palace
(photo Palais Princier Facebook)
It's been a proper party season for Jacques and Gabriella of Monaco in the run up to their third Christmas. The royal twins have only just finished with their birthday celebrations (they turned two on December 10th) and now they've made their debut at the traditional children's Christmas party in Monaco.
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Cousins at Christmas
Estelle, Leonore and Nicolas of Sweden are caught on camera at Christmas
(photo Princess Madeleine Facebook)
Victoria and Daniel in Italy, Day One
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel at the start of their three days in Italy
(photo Sveriges Kungahuset Instagram)
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden have arrived in Italy for a three day tour. While Prince Oscar stayed in the hotel room and Princess Estelle stayed home to finish her school term, mum and dad began their trip, focused on promoting health, cultural and business issues, in Rome.
Christmas party royals
Queen Letizia of Spain is party ready as she and Felipe do the whole pre Christmas thing
(photo Casa Real Twitter)
(photo Casa Real Twitter)
You know what it's like. You spend all year bemoaning the lack of social events and then suddenly, for a week in December, you're in sequin mode. Pre Christmas means glitter, it means parties, it means black tie - well, to be fair, this is the royal version. December 10th to 14th is apparently the most popular time for office parties ahead of the festive season and the royals are no different from us in that regard. In the last few days, the ruling houses of Europe have had all kinds of work related festivities to get into and that's not counting the Nobel ceremonies which are like a mini Christmas all in themselves. Get ready to sparkle, this is how the royals are starting the pre Christmas party season.
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Royal Christmas Trees - Sweden
Two queens in waiting help bring in the Christmas trees at the Royal Palace, Stockholm
(photo kungahuset.se)
It's already a special moment in every royal Christmas season and just when we thought it couldn't get any more festive, Victoria and Estelle of Sweden proved us wrong. The Crown Princess and the second in line to the throne brought in the Christmas trees at the Royal Palace in Stockholm dressed in green and red. That's the way to do Christmas.
Royal Christmas Trees - Buckingham Palace
That's what you call a bauble - the Christmas Tree decorations at Buckingham Palace for 2016
(photo Royal Family Twitter)
They're trimming the tree at Buckingham Palace. And if Christopher Robin went there with Alice right now, he'd be pretty impressed. For the festive display this year is a right royal treat and it's finished with a crown. When you're the longest reigning monarch in British history, what else do you put on your tree?
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
The Royal 2016: Princess Martha Louise of Norway separates
Princess Martha Louise of Norway is separating from her husband. Ari Behn
(photo Royal Court of Norway/ Catherine Wessel)
Every year brings happiness and sadness, light and shade and in August. we learned that Princess Martha Louise of Norway had separated from her husband of fourteen years, Ari Behn. The couple's statement and their family's response to it were filled with all the sadness that comes with the end of a marriage. Here's a look back at how events unfolded this summer.
Royal Christmas wishes from Spain
The Christmas card of the King and Queen of Spain for 2016
(photo casareal Twitter)
It's rather stylish and very on trend but then, let's face it, it was Letizia's idea, what else do you expect? The Christmas card of the King and Queen of Spain has been shared on social media and the chic bar has been set rather high.
Monday, 12 December 2016
The Royal 2016: Kate in Vogue
The Duchess of Cambridge for the June Centenary Issue of British Vogue by Josh Olins
The Duchess of Cambridge cemented her place as a style star this year by appearing on the front cover of Vogue. Kate starred in the June edition in a set of photos that were instantly poured over and dissected. She joined a long list of royals who have appeared on the front cover of Vogue while later in the year, Princess Eugenie starred in Harper's Bazaar. And she later attended an exhibition of the photos - all as part of the magazine's centenary. Here's a look back at Kate, the Vogue cover star.
Nobel Tiaras 2016, part two
Take a deep breath and get ready for some serious tiara action with day two of the Nobel events
(photo kungahuset.se)
Because one set of tiaras in 24 hours is never enough. The Royal Family of Sweden like to up the sparkle ante in the weeks before Christmas by donning just about every diadem they own within the space of a day as the Nobel celebrations really get into full swing. After the solemnity of the official Nobel Prize ceremony comes the glamour of the King's Nobel Banquet. Always held the day after the ceremony at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, this is a chance for the tiaras left behind during the main event to take their moment in the moonlight. Get ready to sparkle, again. You can never have too much of it.
Palaces in the Snow: Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace beneath a blanket of snow
(photo Sandpiper via Wiki Commons)
Its walls are filled with famous royal tales, modern and historic, and Kensington Palace beneath the snow looks like the perfect backdrop for a story. Almost modest compared to other castles and palaces, it has the air of a country home placed in the heart of London. Maybe that's why it suits the snow so well.
Sunday, 11 December 2016
The Royal 2016: another prince for Sweden
Prince Alexander of Sweden
Born April 19th 2016
(photo kungahuset/ Kate Gabor)
Until 2015, Prince Carl Philip was the only man in the Swedish line of succession. This year his son became the fourth man entitled to inherit the throne to which he himself had briefly been heir. Alexander of Sweden was the third prince born to the Swedish Royal Family in ten months and his arrival was yet another highlight in a golden time for this ruling house.
The Nobel Tiaras of 2016 - part one
Princess Madeleine dazzles in diamonds at the Nobel Prize ceremonies for 2016
(photo kungahuset.se)
It's Nobel Prize time and that means tiaras. Two days of tiaras. And celebrating some of the biggest achievements in the world this year but let's start with the tiaras. The Nobel Prize giving ceremony in Stockholm is when the women of the royal house of Sweden get to bring out all the jewels and this time round they haven't disappointed. Sapphires, cameos and a whole load of diamonds and that's just day one. Welcome to the Nobel Tiaras of 2016.
Royal Palaces in the Snow: Drottningholm
Drottningholm Palace in the snow
(photo by Holger.Ellgaard - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link)
As all royal roads seem to lead to Sweden right now (they've had a pretty good year and they're ending in style with the usual Nobel celebrations adding enough glitter to get any Christmas started), today's Palace in the Snow is one of the most famous royal residences there. Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of several members of the current family and a familiar sight in recent times as celebrations have taken place within its walls. And guess what, it looks about as fabulous as palace get when covered in snow.
Saturday, 10 December 2016
The Royal 2016: Heads Together
Heads Together for William, Kate and Harry
(photo Kensington Palace video still)
William, Kate and Harry surprised us all by launching a new initiative as spring well and truly got under way. As the London Marathon made its way through the capital's streets, the royal trio announced their project, Heads Together. The umbrella for several charities, the initiative aims to change attitudes towards mental health issues. Since its launch in April 2016, the trio have taken part in many high profile events linked to it making it one of the royal stories of the year. Here's how Heads Together began.
The Nobel Prize Ceremony 2016
King Carl XVI Gustaf at the Nobel Prize Ceremony 2016
(photo kungahuset.se)
While King Harald and his family celebrated the presentation of the Peace Prize, King Carl XVI Gustaf and his royal house were marking the other Nobel Prizes. The awards are always handed out on December 10th, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, in Oslo and Stockholm and Sweden always wins on the glitz stakes. In a glittering ceremony, Carl XVI Gustaf presented the 2016 prizes for physics, medicine, chemistry and economic science as well as honouring literature laureate, Bob Dylan, who wasn't able to attend. All in front of the Swedish Royal Family on one of the most glittering days in its diary. Keep reading, there are tiaras.
The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony 2016
Norway's royals with this year's Nobel Peace Laureate, President Juan Manueal Santos of Colombia
(photo kongehuset.no)
The Norwegian Royal Family has taken part in the ceremony marking this year's Nobel Peace Prize. King Harald V led the congratulations for President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia, who was recognised for his efforts in bring to an end the civil war in his country. The main ceremony was the highlight of a day that celebrated peace in many ways.
Charles and Camilla's Happy Christmas
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall getting ready for their Christmas close up
(photo Clarence House video still)
It's about as colourful as a royal Christmas card gets and nothing says festive party better than dancing. Put the two together and what do you get? The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall's Christmas card for 2016, of course.
Jacques and Gabriella's second birthday party
Albert and Charlene celebrate the second birthday of their twins, Jacques and Gabriella
(photo Palace Princier Facebook)
The royal twins of Monaco have turned two. Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrate their second birthday today and to mark the occasion their proud mum and dad have shared photos of the party they held for their son and daughter earlier this week in Monaco.
Palaces in the Snow: Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle in the snow
(photo Craig via Flickr)
Castle, palace, palace, castle. Let's not split hairs. The royal residences of modern times might have the more romantic title of palace but they follow in the direct footsteps of the castles that kept rulers of yore safe and warm and told everyone for miles around who was in charge. Windsor Castle has a long history and many of its winters have seen it cloaked in snow.
Friday, 9 December 2016
The Duke of York marches into a media storm
The Duke of York has issued a rare statement denying reports about his intervention in his daughters' futures
(photo by By Northern Ireland Office - https://www.flickr.com/photos/niogovuk/14649728080/, CC BY 2.0, Link)
The Duke of York is not happy and he has made that very clear. The second son of the Queen has issued an unprecedented statement denying a rift with his brother and rumours that he had asked that the future husbands of his daughters be given titles. In a firm statement, published via his Twitter account, Prince Andrew said that he cannot continue to stand by and have the media speculate on the futures of Beatrice and Eugenie. Dads and daughters.
The Royal 2016: Charlotte turns one
Princess Charlotte in one of four photos released to mark her first birthday on May 2nd
What a difference a year makes. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge turned one on May 2nd and starred in some special photos taken by her mum to mark the occasion. All birthdays are special for the family involved but when you're a royal princess and fourth in line to the throne, your first big day is going to get lots of attention. That's just what happened to Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on May 2nd 2016 - here's a look back at the first birthday of a princess.
The Tiaras of Buckingham Palace (open here for diamonds)
Buckingham Palace's latest diamond secrets are inside
(photo By Diliff - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link)
The annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in the early days of December usually involves some photos of royals heading into the HQ of the House of Windsor in the backs of cars, hopefully heads held high enough for us to catch a glimpse of the tiaras chosen for this year's do. In 2016, we got an official photo. Settle back and read on, this is diamond-tastic.
Palaces in the Snow: Versailles
Versailles in the snow
(photo By MaitéLab (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)
It's about as famous as a royal palace gets, it's about as beautiful as architecture can be, it has oodles of royal romance attached to it - add snow for a fairytale. Versailles may no longer have a royal family to call its own but it is every inch the royal palace. Maybe it's the fact its royal residents are long gone that makes Versailles in the snow reminiscent of times past, eras gone and memories that linger. A palace in the snow that hides much beneath its icy depths.
Thursday, 8 December 2016
The Royal 2016: a special wedding anniversary
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg in a portrait marking their 35th wedding anniversary, February 14th 2016
(photo Grand Cour Ducale/ Carole Bellaiche)
It's been a special year for the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg. Not only have they just welcomed a fourth grandchild with the birth of Prince Liam of Nassau but they began the year by marking their 35th wedding anniversary. There were special photos, there was an interview, there was a chance to look back at the first big royal wedding of 1981. Here's how Henri and Maria Teresa of Luxembourg marked their milestone.
Royal Christmas Tree Trimming, part one
I'm the oldest an I'm having the ladder - Christian of Denmark leads the way as the royal children of Frederik VIII's Palace get ready for Christmas
(photo detdanksekongehus Facebook)
It's that time of the year when the royals of Europe dig out the ladders, the ancient and no doubt extremely valuable baubles and even, on occasion, the national costume (we're looking at you, Queen Sonja) and start trimming the tree. We'll no doubt be treated to several royal Christmas tree decorating sessions in the days to come but props to the Danish family for getting the festive party started with some special photos shared on social media.
Palaces in the Snow: Linlithgow
Linlithgow Palace, Scotland has a part in some of the most dramatic tales of royal history
(photo 4652 Paces via Flickr)
It's a palace steeped in history and linked to one of the most romantic and tragic queens of history as well as another whose name became forever linked to the cold of winter which brings the snow. Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian, Scotland is now a tourist attraction but for centuries the tumultuous royal history of Scotland played out within its walls. Linlithgow Palace has no need of help when it comes to drama and dusted in snow, it is a palace of dreams once more.
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