There are several Royal and Noble Exhibitions opening this month! A major new exhibition has opened this week at Madrid’s Galería de las Colecciones Reales, shining an unprecedented spotlight on Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain. Titled “Victoria Eugenia,” the exhibition is the first monographic show ever dedicated to a Spanish queen, organized by Patrimonio Nacional, and will be on view from December 3rd until April 5th, 2026.
Royalty from Britain, Greece, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Morocco and the Middle East joined the extended Spanish Royal Family in Madrid on this day in 1975, 50 years ago, to celebrate the solemn Enthronement Mass of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who had been proclaimed king following the death of dictator Francisco Franco.
Happy Birthday to Queen Sofia of Spain, who celebrates her 87th birthday today! Hailing from an extraordinary lineage that unites most of Europe’s royal dynasties, Queen Sofia became the first Queen Consort of Spain’s restored monarchy and remains one of the most admired members of the Royal Family. Her jewelry collection is both rich in historic family heirlooms and contemporary treasures, including the Diamond Foliage Necklace, which we’re featuring today!
Around this time in 1935 — exactly 90 years ago — Princess María de las Mercedes of Borbón and Orléans married the Prince of Asturias at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs in Rome. Among the dozens of magnificent wedding gifts she received were many treasured family heirlooms, passed down to her by her uncle and father-in-law, King Alfonso XIII.
Today marks the 195th Anniversary of the birth of Queen Isabella II of Spain, who was born on this day in 1830! The eldest child of King Fernando VII and his wife and niece, Maria Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, she ascended the throne at the tender age of 3, her reign earning her the title of the “queen of sad fates” due to the political turmoil and challenges that ultimately led to her exile in Paris following the Glorious Revolution of 1868. To commemorate her birthday, we are highlighting one of her most important surviving heirlooms, the Joyas de Pasar Pearl Necklace!
Today marks the 160th Anniversary of the birth of Queen Amélie of Portugal, who born on this day in 1865! The exiled Orléans Princess who married the Portuguese King, witnessed the assassination of her husband and son, and was then exiled for the remaining four decades of her life, today, we are featuring Queen Amélie’s Diamond Fleur-de-Lys Brooch!
Happy Birthday to Queen Letizia of Spain, who turns 53 today! For the past 21 years, on special occasions, Doña Letizia has borrowed pieces of jewellery from the collection of her mother-in-law, Queen Sofía — including the striking Ruby Cascade Necklace, which we are featuring today in celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday!
Today marks the 135th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Augusta Victoria of Portugal, nee Princess of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, who was born on this day in 1890. A German princess by birth and de jure Queen Consort of Portugal through her marriage to the exiled King Manuel II, we are featuring one of her most iconic jewels — her magnificent Cartier Ruby Choker!
Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the Death of Princess Esperanza of Orléans-Braganza, née Princess of Borbón, who passed away on this day in 2005. A royal born into the Spanish Bourbons and later a prominent figure in the Brazilian Imperial Family through marriage, we are featuring her trademark Diamond Necklace!
Today marks the 60th birthday of Infanta Cristina of Spain, the second child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. Known for her discreet style, the Infanta has rarely been seen wearing big jewellery in public. Despite that, Doña Cristina retains in her private collection some contemporary pieces and family heirlooms — including a Diamond and Emerald Brooch which we are featuring again today!
