Queens of England

Thursday, 4 August 2016

Royal Rio 2016: good luck from Kensington Palace

Prince Harry gets the party started in a good luck message for this year's Olympic Games

The Games are almost on us but while Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is owning Rio right now, other royals are starting to embrace the Olympic spirit. And straight out of the blocks with a gold medal winning performance are the Kensington Palace relay team of William, Kate and Harry.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

(photo Allan Warren via Wiki Commons)

Her birthday was a summer tradition for years, ending the news with happy photos of a family celebrating alongside its matriarch. When she turned 100, millions marked the moment with her. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother was born on this day in 1900.

The Swedish Line of Succession

It's been a busy year for Sweden's royals so as they settle down to a relaxing summer holiday, here's a look at how the changes in their family have affected the line of succession. With two new princes in the palace, the path to the throne looks very different from the start of the year. So here's how the Sweden's succession looks now.

Family first for Felipe

King Felipe of Spain with his daughters, Leonor and Sofia

(photo casareal.es)

This was an evening out all about family. King Felipe had barely arrived in Mallorca before he headed out for a spot of supper with many of his relations. Accompanied by his wife, children, parents and older sister as well as her children, this meal gave the King of Spain a chance to show the world that the royal house he now moves as one. It was a powerful show of togetherness.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway celebrates her birthday in August

August is traditionally quiet on the royal front. The summer holidays beckon and as the rest of us head off for a bit of a break, the royals do exactly the same leaving a great big gaping hole where the photos, smiles and appearances usually go. But that's not to say a royal fix will be hard in August because it's also a bumper month for birthdays. Get the cards ready, here are 12 royals who will be celebrating in August.