4 royal reasons to remember March 2017

Another month, another set of memories. Every part of the year leaves its mark and the royal story of March 2017 contains happiness, sadness and a bit of controversy. As the month comes to an end, here's a look back at four royal reasons to remember March 2017.

A fresh look to State Visits on day two of #BELDK2017

A royal quartet talks tourism on day two of the Belgian State Visit to Denmark

(photo MonarchieBe Twitter)

If the focus on the film industry and tourism hadn't given day two of the Belgian State Visit to Denmark a fresh feel, the the sight of a king and a crown prince going for a quick run before the gala event got started certainly shook things up. The second part of this picture perfect visit, a whole day of royal events on March 29th 2017. was all about State Visits in the 21st century, adding plenty of new to the traditional elements that make these events so much more than carriage rides, tiaras and hats.  Although there were also plenty of hats. Welcome to Day Two of #BELDK2017.

Sophie's style success

The Countess of Wessex in the cream mix outfit that topped the Royal Wardrobe poll this week

(photo Orbis International Facebook)

She's crept into the lead again. Sophie, Countess of Wessex topped this week's Royal Wardrobe poll in an outfit that barely made headlines when she wore it but which knocked everyone else out of the running in a head to head race. In the quest to find the outfit that best sums up royal dressing, the Countess of Wessex took on and took out looks that made front pages around the world. But then Sophie rarely gets the attention she deserves for her ongoing hard work. More of a spotlight on the Countess would be a good thing all round.

Kate's latest night at the museum

The Duchess of Cambridge at the National Portrait Gallery

(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

No wonder she's smiling. The Duchess of Cambridge was at the National Portrait Gallery in London for the 2017 Portrait Gala on March 28th. It's another arty engagement for Kate, whose made painting and photography her royal passions, and followed a pattern of museums and galleries on the duchess' visits list. Here's a look back at a night of culture and chic for the Duchess of Cambridge.

State Dinner Sparklers: Denmark welcomes Belgium

Queen Margrethe wore pearls for the State Dinner during the Belgian visit and no one was at all surprised

(photo Belgian Royal Palace Instagram)

State Dinner night in Copenhagen promised a lot of sparkle. We had three Danish royal ladies and the Queen of the Belgians on hand which meant a quarter of diadems. It also meant no surprises. If anyone had written down on the back of a cornflake packet what they expected to see twinkling on the heads of these four royals, they would have got it spot on. There's no vintage surprises a la Maxima here. But there is a lot of sparkle and enough diamonds to keep anyone happy. Here's the State Dinner Sparklers on the night Denmark welcomed Belgium.

March State Visits: smiles and hugs for #NLARG

The smiles say it all as the Argentinian State Visit to the Netherlands comes to an end

(photo koninklijkhuis Twitter)

There was a lot of attention on Queen Maxima and Argentinian First Lady, Juliana Awada, ahead of the two day State Visit to the Netherlands this week.  But in the end what we'll remember is King Willem-Alexander. The Dutch monarch stole the show by paying a love filled tribute to his wife during his State Dinner speech and not even Maxima's decision to roll with some vintage rocks last seen four decades ago could divert attention from that. The whole visit was marked by friendship (Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and his wife do seem to be able to put their hosts at ease, we saw the same in Spain just weeks ago) and happiness. Here's a look back at the highlights of the Argentinian State Visit to the Netherlands.

Spring in Copenhagen: the picture perfect start to #BELDK2017

The start to the Belgian State Visit to Denmark 
(photo MonarchieBe Twitter)

It was a picture perfect start to the latest State Visit in Europe this week. Just hours after we'd all recovered from the loved up King of the Netherlands and his queen in vintage diamonds, Denmark's royals welcomed the monarch of Belgium as the second State Visit in as many days got under way. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived on a spring morning in Copenhagen and everything, from the guard at the airport to a boat trip on the river, sparkled. And that's before we got to the diamonds of the State Dinner. Welcome to day one of #BELDK2017.

Aquamarines for March: Luxembourg

Embed from Getty Images

The birthstone of March is the pale and always interesting aquamarine. There is lots to love about this blue gem which is perhaps why you'll find it dotted so frequently among the modern royal jewel collections of Europe. There's its pretty colour, its sparkling clarity and its size. Yep, aquamarines aren't up there on the really precious scale with rubies and sapphires but they do come in chunks worth cherishing and that means they can add plenty of punch to a tiara or two. For the latest look at this month's birthstone in royal jewel boxes, we're off to Luxembourg where, unsurprisingly, a bandeau tiara features in Aquamarines for March.

State Dinner Sparklers: the Netherlands welcomes Argentina

Dazzling in diamonds - the Queen of the Netherlands at the State Dinner for the President of Argentina on March 27th 2017 in Amsterdam

(photo Twitter still)

In a week that will be dominated by sparkle, tonight was a dazzler. There are two State Visits going on over the coming days and that means State Dinners. On March 28th, Queen Margrethe will host Philippe and Mathilde of the Belgians on their State Visit to Denmark but the tiara curtain raiser this week came courtesy of the Dutch Royal Family as they welcomed the President of Argentina and his wife to Amsterdam. President Mauricio Macri and Juliana Awada are making a two day State Visit to the Netherlands and as the first half came to an end, there was a gala evening with plenty of glitter. Maxima did diamonds, Beatrix did pearls and a truly shimmering royal week got under way. Here's part one of this week's State Dinner Sparklers.

The Royal Wardrobe: spring has sprung

The Royal Wardrobe has suddenly got bright and cheerful as spring gets under way. There was a real buzz as the coats (all but) came off and winter faded to a memory. We got colour, we got print, we got clashes, we got surprises, it was a week springing with new style and chic. Five of the most memorable moments follow,  the poll is on the right and on the main page. The results will be here on Wednesday.

Five fun photos from the royal week

Five royals, five fun moments caught on camera....

Royalty has never been more photographed. Five hundred years ago, you might go a whole lifetime without even knowing what your country's monarch looked like. Today, you can't go five minutes without finding a royal, somewhere, being snapped. But while the images that grace the front pages and the social media accounts of the ruling houses are mostly picture perfect representations of modern royalty, there are plenty of off guard moments caught on camera that raise a smile or two. Here are five fun royal moments from the week just gone.

The Duchess of Cambridge on being a mum

The Duchess of Cambridge at the Best Beginnings event where she spoke about being a mum

(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

Kate likes to talk about her children - there have been several engagements in recent times where we've heard snippets of life with George and Charlotte - but on an engagement in London this week, the focus was on the other part of the parent/ kid dynamic. In a speech at an event supporting better mental health care for parents, Kate talked about the experience of being a mum. And it wasn't all sunshine and smiles.

State Sparklers: Swedish official dinner

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden sparkles at an official dinner on March 23rd 2017

(photo kungahuset.se)

OK, it's not really a State dinner but it's a dinner, it's official and there are tiaras. What's not to love? Plus, as Sweden's royals began their 2017 season of formal gatherings we got a baby bump debut. There's more sparkle here than a night out in a glitter factory. Settle back and enjoy the latest tiara triumphs of Sweden's royals.

A new royal baby for Sweden

We three to become four - there's a new royal baby on the way in Sweden

(photo kungahuset.se)

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are expecting their second baby. The couple announced that their family is growing in a short statement on March 23rd. Their new baby is due in September.

Royal Response to Westminster Attack (updated)

Queen Letizia speaks about the terror attack in London 

(photo casareal Twitter)

Royalty from across Europe have been offering their condolences and support following the terror attack in London on March 22nd in which four people and the attacker were killed. Another forty were injured and many remain in hospital, some in a critical condition. The Queen paid her own tributes in a statement this morning while the Duchess of Cambridge has also spoken about the attack. And royal families across the continent have also offered their wishes of support.

Kate's tribute after Westminster Attack

The Duchess of Cambridge has paid tribute to those affected by the Westminster attack

(photo British High Commission New Delhi via Flickr)

The Duchess of Cambridge has paid tribute to those affected by the terror attack in Westminster yesterday. Ahead of a speech at an engagement in London, Kate paused to remember those killed and injured in the attack.

The Queen's Message after Westminster Attack

The Queen has sent a message of sympathy and support to the Metropolitan Police following the terror attack in Westminster in which an officer was killed. The message was sent on March 23rd - the day the Queen was meant to be visiting New Scotland Yard for an official opening. Instead, condolences have been conveyed.

State Dinner Sparklers: Iceland to Norway

Norway's Royal Family with the President of Iceland and his wife, arriving for a State Dinner during the State Visit to Oslo on March 21st 2017

(photo NRK screengrab)

Norway's royals have been welcoming the President of Iceland and his wife to their country on a State Visit and you know what that means. Yes, here comes the State Dinner. There are no big tiara surprises here but there is a very spring like feel about the whole event from the diamond daisies to the pale pearls that are on show. Here are the State Dinner Sparklers from the evening that Norway welcomed Iceland.

Kate's glittering winner

The Duchess of Cambridge in the ice blue gown which topped this week's Royal Wardrobe poll

(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

In the end, it was all about evening. The Royal Wardrobe poll this week looked at the Duchess of Cambridge's five outfits from Paris and the evening styles came out on top. Finishing first in the weekly quest to find the week's outfit that best sums up royal dressing was an ice blue gala gown, seen for the first time in the city of light.  Here's Kate's latest glittering winner.

Aquamarines for March: the Netherlands

Embed from Getty Images

Aquamarines might not be the most valuable precious stone in the royal jewel collections of Europe but they are among the most prolific. The birth stone for March is found in several of the continent's coffers in a whole range of tiara styles. Maybe it's the paleness of its blue, maybe it's the fact that these stones come in hefty portions, but the aquamarine diadems of Europe's ruling houses include plenty of unusual designs. Before you get too excited, this isn't one of them. The latest look at this sparkling stone takes us to the Netherlands where the gem has been shaped into a bit of a favourite style. Here are more Aquamarines for March, Netherlands style.

The Royal Week, in 60 seconds

One royal week, summed up in sixty seconds. There was a lot of snow, quite a lot of controversy and plenty of headlines as well as some sad news, too. Here's the royal week just gone, in 60 seconds.

The Royal Wardrobe: a duchess in Paris

Kate and William in Paris

(photo credit: Kensington Royal Twitter, UK in France Twitter)

In a quiet week, the Royal Wardrobe is making like just about everyone and focusing on Kate and William's trip to Paris. For many different reasons, the last seven days have been mostly about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. William's ski-ing holiday at the start of the week took up acres of column inches while Royal Visit Paris did much the same at the end. So this week's Wardrobe, and poll, are about the style selections of Kate during her first official visit to the city that owns chic. Here's the Royal Wardrobe of a duchess in Paris.

Royal Visit Paris: day two photos

William and Kate in Paris, March 18th 2017

(photo Kensington Palace Instagram)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spent a second day in Paris. While the focus of day one was formal welcomes, day two was all about getting out and about. There were poignant moments, historic moments and sport face moments as the couple packed in plenty on their final day in the city of lights. Oh. and Kate wore Chanel. Here are the photos from Royal Visit Paris, day two.

Royal Visit Paris: first photos (updated)

Entente cordiale - the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace at the start of Royal Visit Paris

(photo Kensington Royal Twitter)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Paris for a two day visit, perhaps their biggest royal event so far this year. William and Kate have already met the President of France at the Elysee Palace and attended a reception for young leaders at the residence of the British Ambassador. And that's just for entrees. We've got a whole day of engagements on March 18th but as an aperitif for the tour, here are the first photos of Royal Visit Paris.

Royal Visit Paris: William and Kate's diary

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are heading to Paris for a two day visit
(photo Province of British Columbia via Flickr)

William and Kate arrive in Paris this afternoon for a two days visit. Details of the schedule have come through bit by bit since it was announced last month that they would visit the French capital at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. There's a big spotlight on this trip - French magazines and newspapers have been featuring it prominently with Le Point calling the royal couple 'the weapon of glamour against a hard Brexit' and William and Kate step onto French soil just a day after the Queen gave Royal Assent to the bill which will let Prime Minister, Theresa May, formally notify the EU that the UK is leaving. It's the first time that William has officially visited Paris since his mother, Diana, died in the city following a car accident in August 1997. But it also comes at the end of a week in which the Duke of Cambridge has faced criticism for heading off on holiday while his family marked Commonwealth Day. Royal Visit Paris will be everywhere this weekend - here's what we know so far.

Royal Visit Paris: President Hollande's regal photo album

The Queen with President Hollande of France during her State Visit in June 2014

(photo @Elysee Twitter)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travel to Paris today for a two day stop that will start when they meet the President of France, Francois Hollande. This could well be the last chance President Hollande has to welcome royalty to the Elysee Palace as he leaves office in just a few weeks' time after five years in the post. And during his tenure, he has welcomed plenty of European royal visitors. As William and Kate prepare to become perhaps the final chapter in his regal photo album, here's a look back at the times Francois Hollande welcomed royalty to Paris.

Royals in Paris: the White Wardrobe

William and Kate are due in Paris this weekend

(photo credit By Benh LIEU SONG - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link)

Many stylish royals have walked through Paris but one made their mark more than most. Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, made such a fashion splash on her State Visit to the capital of France in July 1938 that the clothes she wore then are still known by one phrase - the White Wardrobe. The White Wardrobe became one of the best known sets of clothes of the 20th century and it remains a landmark in style and royal dressing even now. As we get ready for another royal visit to Paris, this time by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, here's a look back at one of the most famous of them all where the White Wardrobe ruled.

William slopes into trouble

The Duke of Cambridge is facing more criticism after going ski-ing and missing the Commonwealth Day service in London

(photo By British Embassy Tokyo / Alfie GoodrichUK in Japan- FCO - Duke of Cambridge visits Japan | Flickr - Photo Sharing!, CC BY 2.0, Link)

Well, this is slightly awkward. William and Kate were probably hoping that their appearances on the front of this week's papers would involve big smiles, shamrocks and Paris. Instead, many of them this morning are filled with photos of the Duke of Cambridge ski-ing and questions about his sense of duty. That follows on from yesterday where several papers broke the story of William missing Commonwealth Day because of a winter holiday with his mates. After photos of the second in line to the throne drinking while his grandparents were working started the row, a video of dad dancing has done nothing to put a smile on anyone's faces. William sloped off for an ill judged winter break and has given himself a PR mountain to climb.

King for 1000 days

King Felipe VI of Spain marks the 1000th day of his reign on March 14th 2017

(photo casareal official photo)

King Felipe of Spain has reigned for 1000 days today. It's a minor milestone but in a reign that has seen more clouds than sunshine, one worth marking. The King of Spain reaches his 1000 days in a stronger position than he has known for a while. Felipe VI is looking to the future.

Death of Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg

Prince Richard, seen with his wife Princess Benedikte, has died

(photo credit Holger Motzkau 2010, Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons (cc-by-sa-3.0) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)

Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, husband of Princess Benedikte of Denmark and brother in law of Queen Margrethe II, has died. He was 82 years old. Prince Richard passed away at Berleburg Castle on the evening of March 13th 2017.

Sophie's style success

The Countess of Wessex has topped this week's Royal Wardrobe poll

(photo Royal Family Instagram)

One question, one clear answer. This week's Royal Wardrobe poll asked which outfit best summed up the idea of regal dressing in 2017 and the winner was the Countess of Wessex.

The Queen leads Commonwealth Day celebrations

The Queen with the choir of Westminster Abbey after the Commonwealth Day service

(photo @wabbey Twitter)

Commonwealth Day is all about celebrations and there could only ever be one person leading the way - the Queen. From baton relays to services of thanks, Elizabeth II was at the heart of events throughout the day. The Head of the Commonwealth put its values at the heart of the day that celebrates it.

Aquamarines for March: the UK

The Queen in the aquamarine tiara that she had made

(By Ricardo Stuckert/PR - Agência Brasil [1], CC BY 3.0 br, Link)

Aquamarines, the birth stone of March, might not be up there with sapphires and rubies in the call me royal and let me sparkle stakes but they certainly fight above their weight in the modern royal jewelery boxes. The pale blue stone, a form of beryl, is found in many a regal collection around Europe right now and Elizabeth II owns a substantial stash of the stone. It's time to head into the British royal jewel vaults to look for Aquamarines for March.

Victoria's special day is all about family

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden celebrates her name day at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on March 12th 2017

(photo kungahuset.se)

Last year, Crown Princess Victoria had to cancel her traditional name day celebrations as she got ready to welcome a new member of her family alongside husband, Prince Daniel and daughter, Princess Estelle. Now, a year on, the baby who put the festivities on hold in 2016 was on hand to party with his parents and sister in 2017. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden's name day was a real family affair.

The Royal Week, in 60 seconds

One royal week, summed up in 60 seconds - and it's sparkly, with State Visits popping into the regal diary as far all over the place.

The Royal Wardrobe: shoots of green

Ten royal outfits this week but which best sums up the idea of regal dressing in 2017?

Spring is here, or at least poking its flower filled, sunshine and showers head round the corner and the Royal Wardrobe has been feeling the effects with shoots of green popping up all over the place in the week. We've had green trousers, green pussy bows and floral embroidery and that's before we get to the spots and sparkle that missed the green vibe. There's lot to see in this week's installment and the poll at the side of the page let's you pick the outfit that best sums up royal dressing for you right now. Welcome to this week's Royal Wardrobe.

Willem-Alexander and Maxima get their hands dirty

The King and Queen of the Netherlands get all green fingered on a special day for volunteers

(photo @OranjeFonds Twitter)

At first glance, he was born for the job. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands really got into his annual day of volunteering as he and Queen Maxima headed to Garden Breda to plant, dig and make. The royal couple is keeping up the tradition of their family taking part in the yearly event which sees thousands of people across the Netherlands take part in voluntary work to help others. And this year, Willem-Alexander and Maxima really got their hands dirty.

Spanish State Visit to UK in June

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain's State Visit to the UK has been confirmed

(photo casareal)

The Spanish State Visit to the UK will take place in June. Buckingham Palace announced this morning that King Felipe and Queen Letizia have accepted the Queen's invitation to make the visit this summer.

Royal Wedding Dresses: Beatrix of the Netherlands

The wedding of Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg on March 10th 1966 (photo: by Anefo - Nationaal Archief, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wiki Commons)

All royal wedding gowns are spectacular in their own way but the dress of a queen in waiting has to have something really regal about it. So the wedding dress chosen by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands on this day in 1966 came with a lot of expectations and anticipation attached to it. And when the bride walked into the Westerkerk in Amsterdam, her gown didn't disappoint.

The Queen unveils the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial

The Queen unveils the memorial to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan

London, March 9th 2017

(photo UK MOD Crown Copyright/ Owen Cooban)

The Queen has led the Royal Family at a service to remember and give thanks for all those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Queen also unveiled a memorial to those involved in the two conflicts. Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were joined by other members of the Royal Family to stand alongside veterans and politicians for the services on March 9th 2017.

The Duke and the film star

Want to see Tom Cruise in Buckinghma Palace? Step this way please....

(photo credit: By Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link)

He's met more than his fair share of film stars so it was understandable that when Prince Philip bumped into Tom Cruise (as you do) at Buckingham Palace, it was the movie man who looked impressed. The Oscar nominated actor chatted with the Duke of Edinburgh at the most famous royal residence in the world as they gave their support to an organisation that means a huge amount to both of them, the Outward Bound Trust.

Europe's royals mark International Women's Day

The Duchess of Cornwall speaking on International Women's Day 2017

(photo Clarence House Twitter)

International Women's Day has been a power of nature this year and Europe's royals have been at the heart of it. There's been a huge coming together for the annual event and on the day itself, royal women across the continent have been adding their voice to the chorus celebrating female achievement and equality. Here's how Europe's royals marked International Women's Day 2017.

The lesson of royal history on International Women's Day

Britain's royal women are a force in the country's history

Royal history is peppered with stand out women. In the annals of all monarchies are queens and princesses who packed a punch and made a mark. But there is still a tendency to categorise the girls as the also rans, the second bests, the pretty and sometimes witty but when push comes to shove, they are always relegated to the role of background players. It only shows that men wrote history and, as is often the case with compliments and birthday presents, they got it wrong.

Aquamarines for March: Sweden

Princess Madeleine in one of the famous aquamarine tiaras belong to Sweden's royals

(photo kungauset.se)

Let's start with the star tiara of this month's birthstone. Right now, say royal and aquamarines in close proximity and someone will say Princess Madeleine. The Aquamarine Kokoshnik that the sixth in line to the throne of Sweden has made her go to is among the most photographed diadems of recent years. But the sparkler actually belongs to her auntie and is one of two aquamarine tiaras that call the Swedish royal jewellery box home. To start off Aquamarines for March, we're off to Sweden.

The Royal Wardrobe Poll: Kate glitters to the top

The Duchess of Cambridge topped the Royal Wardrobe poll for the third time in 2017 with this gold gown worn for the UK India reception at Buckingham Palace
(photo Royal Family Twitter)

All that glitters and all that. The Duchess of Cambridge has sparkled her way to the top of this week's Royal Wardrobe poll in a shimmering gown chosen for a regal reception. This week, there were five royal outfits in the spotlight with the question being which best summed up regal dressing in 2017 and the answer was Kate.

When The Queen meets Queens and Kings

Could Europe's newest monarch be about to walk through the doors of Buckingham Palace?

(photo Wiki Commons)

Stand by, there's State Visit news. The Express is reporting that work is going on to schedule in the postponed State Visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain to the UK and we could be getting their carriages and tiara moment very soon. The Express says that Felipe and Letizia could be heading this way in June, before the proposed State Visit by US President, Donald Trump which looks likely, now, to happen in October. Europress and La Vanguardia in Spain are also reporting ongoing talks to reschedule the Spanish State Visit soon - it was postponed last year because of the political situation in Spain following inconclusive general elections at the end of 2015. If King Felipe and Queen Letizia do visit this year, it will be the fourteenth time that the Queen has hosted a fellow European monarch in her record breaking reign. As rumours grow, here's a look back at the other times that the Queen has hosted queens and kings.

The Royal Wardrobe: Kate and Letizia

They get the most attention of all royal women for their style choices - Letizia and Kate star in this week's Royal Wardrobe

The Royal Wardrobe has been quiet this week with half term breaks and ski-ing sessions calling. But it does give a chance to return to that question of what we expect a royal to dress like in 2017. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen of Spain, of all the royal women making headlines right now, get the most attention for their sense of style. They were the busiest royals last week as well so the Royal Wardrobe is taking a snapshot of Kate and Letizia and asking, how does a passion for fashion work with a sense of what's royal in 2017? There are five outfits, three from Letizia and two from Kate, and the poll is asking which best fits your idea of modern royalty. Results on Wednesday.

The Royal Week, in 60 seconds

Royal Hearts in February 2017

Not even Kate and William on the red carpet at the BAFTAs could beat the month's best liked Instagram photo - read on to see where all the hearts went in February

Want to know what the royals really think? One way of getting an idea of how they want us to look at them is to check their social media. In this era of mass sharing and posting, what goes on social media platforms is a reflection of self image and what we want everyone else to see. And in this image led world, the image led medium of Instagram lets the pictures do the talking. But communication is a two way street and the most liked photos on official royal Instagram accounts can tell us just what most people think of royalty right now. Here's what got royal hearts in February 2017.

Two royal brides for March

A queen in waiting was a royal March bride in 1966 when Beatrix of the Netherlands married Claus von Amsberg

(photo Wiki Commons)

March brings the first sights of spring and what could say new beginnings better than a wedding. Sadly, it's not a top pick for the regal save the date cards of recent years and it can't match the sunnier months of April, May and June for royal brides. But that doesn't mean to say it's a royal wedding free zone. It's been the month of choice for two of the most famous royal weddings of the last fifty or so years. As the sunshine of spring starts to break through, here's a look back at two famous royal March brides.

Four historic royal March brides

Princess Martha of Sweden was a March bride
(photo kongehuset.no)

March royal brides are now rare but go back just a few decades and you'll find plenty of princes and princesses ready to say 'I do' in this blowy, showy month that bridges winter and spring. Future kings were particularly fond of finding queens in this month making these weddings some of the most regal going. Here are four historic royal brides for March.

Prince Oscar at one - new photos added

Prince Oscar of Sweden at one 

(photo Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden)

Here's Oscar. The birthday boy of Sweden has been caught in a special snap for his landmark event by his mum. The image of Oscar Carl Olof at one taken by Crown Princess Victoria was released today as her little boy celebrates his first birthday.

10 royal birthdays in March

Guess who's one this March?
(photo kungahuset.se/ Kate Gabor)

Get the cake and cards ready, it's royal birthday time. March has plenty of regal celebrations within its 31 days and this year we've got a real landmark as a certain prince from Sweden celebrates his first birthday. Turning one is a big deal and there will be plenty of attention for Oscar's big day but he's not the only one blowing out candles this month. Here are ten royal birthdays in March.

The Royal Wardrobe poll: Maxima and Letizia in the pink

Letizia and Maxima are in the pink in this week's Royal Wardrobe poll

(photo Elysee Palace Twitter still and koniklikjhuis.nl)

We have our first tie of the year. In this week's Royal Wardrobe poll, Queen Maxima and Queen Letizia got equal nods for their rosy regal ensembles. The neon pink and baby blush couldn't be more different and couldn't be separated - here's what royal dressing looks like at the end of February 2017.