Funeral of King Constantine II of Greece

Royal Guests from around the world joined the Greek Royal Family for the the Funeral of King Constantine II of Greece at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens at noon on January 16th, which will be followed by the Burial in the Royal Cemetery at Tatoi Palace. The former King Constantine II was an Olympic Gold Medalist before becoming the Sovereign for nine years and then being exiled for over 40 years, returning to Greece only a decade ago. Continue reading

Duchess of Braganza’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara 

Today marks the 55th Anniversary of the Death of Princess Maria Francisca of Orléans-Braganza, the Duchess of Braganza who passed away on this day in 1968. The daughter of Prince Pedro de Alcântara, the Heir Apparent to the Brazilian Imperial Throne, who renounced his succession rights to marry a Czech Countess, Elisabeth Dobrzensky of Dobrzenicz, Maria Francisca was a younger sister of the Countess of Paris and Prince Pedro Gastão. In 1942, she married Duarte Nuno of Braganza, a Pretender to the defunct Portuguese Throne, so to mark the occasion, we are featuring her versatile Diamond Bandeau!

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Portuguese Crown Jewels at the Royal Treasury Museum

In the month of June, the Portuguese Royal Treasure Museum finally opened its doors after years of waiting. The city of Lisbon now has a new cultural sight which is housed in one of the largest safes in the world, divided by 3 floors and equipped with a sophisticated security system. It gives permanent display to a unique collection of important heritage value, with over one thousand pieces, comprising jewellery, insignia, decorations, coins, and pieces of civil and religious gold-smithery, and so assistant editor, David Rato, has written about the splendid exhibition after his visit! Continue reading

Portuguese Crown Jewels at the Royal Treasury Museum

In the month of June, the Portuguese Royal Treasure Museum has finally opened its doors after years of waiting. The city of Lisbon now has a new cultural sight which is housed in one of the largest safes in the world, divided by 3 floors and equipped with a sophisticated security system. It gives permanent display to a unique collection of important heritage value, with over one thousand pieces, comprising jewellery, insignia, decorations, coins, and pieces of civil and religious gold-smithery, and so assistant editor, David Rato, has written about the splendid exhibition after his visit!
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Queen Amélie’s Diamond Tiara

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:

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Portuguese Emerald Tiara

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 Augusta Victoria’s Tiaras

Today marks the 55th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Augusta Victoria of Portugal, who died on this day in 1966! The eldest daughter of the Hohenzollern Furst and a Bourbon-Two Sicilies Princess who became the de jure Queen of Portugal, after marrying its last sovereign (and her second cousin), King Manuel II. The King and Queen lived a relatively calm and serene married life in exile, in Britain. They were unable to produce an heir to the Portuguese throne. In 1939, seven years after Manuel’s death, Augusta married Count Robert Douglas. To mark the day, we are taking a look at Queen Augusta Victoria’s Tiara Collection! Continue reading