Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Sophia of Greece, who died on this day in 1932! The third daughter of Kaiser Friedrich III of Germany and Victoria, the Princess Royal, who become the much exiled Queen of the Hellenes, Queen Sophia had a splendid Jewellery Collection, and to mark the anniversary, we are featuring Empress Fredrick’s Pearl and Diamond Earrings! Continue reading
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the Death of Infanta María Cristina of Spain, who died on this day in 1996! The youngest daughter of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie, who become Countess of Marone after her morganatic marriage, so 5o mark this occasion, we are featuring Queen Ena’s Spanish Cartier Tiara!
Today marks the 170th anniversary of the birth of Infanta Isabel of Spain, Countess of Girgenti, popularly known as La Chata, who was born on this day in 1851! The eldest daughter of Queen Isabel II of Spain and King Francisco of Assis, the Infanta was considered the most popular and dear member of the Royal Family who died at age 79, in exile, in Paris, right after the fall of the monarchy in Spain. To mark the anniversary, we are featuring one of her favourite jewels, the Mellerio Emerald Tiara!
Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the Birth of Infanta María Cristina, Countess of Marone, who was born on this day in 1911! The Spanish Infanta, daughter of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie , who morganatically married Enrico Marone Cinzano, Italian businessman, industrialist and heir of the Cinzano Vermouth. ‘Crista’, as she was known by her close family and friends, possessed a splendid collection of jewels, full of heirlooms from her mother, grandmother and great-aunt, so to mark this Anniversary, we are featuring her Diamond Bow Brooch! Continue reading
Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the death of Infanta Maria de la Paz, Princess of Bavaria, who died on this day in 1946 after falling from the stairs! Infanta Paz was the third daughter and fourth surviving children of Queen Isabella II of Spain and King Consort Francisco de Asís. In 1883, she married her first cousin, Prince Ludwig Ferdinand of Bavaria. The couple lived a long and happy marriage that produced three children. They lived a quiet and simple life in Nymphenburg Palace, in Munich. The Infanta was a beloved member of both her Borbón and Wittelsbach family, about who everyone always spoke with affection. She dedicated her life to her family, to charitable work, and to the arts, writing books and poetry. To mark the anniversary, we are featuring her Fleur de Lys ‘Sunburst’ Tiara! Continue reading
Happy Birthday to Princess Léa of Belgium who turns 70 today! The twice-divorced who married Prince Alexander of Belgium, the first child and only son of King Leopold’s second marriage to Princess Lilian of Réthy. Princess Léa enjoys a good relationship with her late husband’s royal relatives and often attends royal events both in Belgium and abroad. In honour of the Princess’ birthday, we are featuring one of the few heirloom jewels at her disposal: Queen Elisabeth’s Pearl and Diamond Leaf Brooch! Continue reading
Happy Birthday to the Duchess of Braganza, who turns 55 today! The Portuguese aristocrat, who grew up between Portugal, Angola, and Brazil, married Dom Duarte Pio, the Duke of Braganza, pretender to the defunct Portuguese throne. The couple have three children, Prince Afonso, Infanta Maria Francisca and Infante Dinis, and enjoy a semi-official role in the Portuguese Republic, being invited for ceremonial events, including State Banquets, so in honour of the Duchess’ birthday, we are featuring one of her most splendid jewels: Queen Amélie’s ‘Dom Luis’ Tiara:
Happy Birthday to Queen Sofia of Spain, who turns 83 today! To mark her birthday, we are taking a look at another piece from the varied jewellery collection of the Greek Princess who became the very much respected first consort of the restored Spanish monarchy: the Montellano Diamond Earrings! Continue reading
Today marks the 70th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Amélie of Portugal, who died on this day in 1951! The eldest daughter of Prince Philippe, Count of Paris and Infanta Marie Isabelle of Spain, Amélie was born in London, where her family was living in exile. In 1886, she married Dom Carlos, Prince Royal of Portugal. The couple had three children, Prince Luís Filipe, Infanta Maria Ana (who died right after birth), and Infante Manuel, succeeding to the throne in 1889. In 1908, the King and his heir, Luis Filipe, were assassinated at Terreiro do Paço square, which led to the accession of her younger son as King. Manuel II reigned for two years before the monarchy was abolished. Amélie lived the rest of her life in exile in Versailles, France. She outlived her son, who had no descendants. To mark the day, we are taking a look at her Emerald Parure! Continue reading
Queen Beatrix and the Dutch Royal Family hosted King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain on their second State Visit to The Netherlands, on this day in 2001. The King and Queen were first received by Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard on a State Visit to The Netherlands in 1980, and welcomed Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus on a State Visit to Spain in 1985. Continue reading
The Royal Watcher 