Accession of King Baudouin of Belgium, 1951

The Accession of King Baudouin as King of the Belgians on this day in 1951, following the Abdication of his father, King Leopold III, due to his controversial role during the Second World War, surrendering to Germany and making an unpopular second marriage, which had put the future of the Monarchy at risk. King Baudouin was a popular King who reigned until 1993, when he was succeeded by his brother, King Albert II. Continue reading

Grand Duchess Maria-Ana’s Pearl Négligée Brooch

Today marks the 160th Anniversary of the Death of Grand Duchess Maria-Ana of Luxembourg, who was born on this in 1861! Born Infanta Maria-Ana of Portugal, daughter of the deposed King Miguel of Portugal, she grew up in the Austro-Hungarian Empire before marrying the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and having six daughters, two of whom became Grand Duchesses, among them Grand Duchess Charlotte. After serving as Regent of Luxembourg between 1908 to 1912, Grand Duchess Maria-Ana lived mainly at Schloss Hohenburg in Bavaria, before joining the Grand Ducal Family when they fled Europe into exile in the United States, where she passed away in 1942. To mark the anniversary, we are featuring one of Grand Duchess Maria-Ana’s most splendid heirlooms, her Pearl Négligée! Continue reading

Greek Royal Family’s Ball in London, 1986

King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece hosted a spectacular Ball for Royal Guests and Relatives from around Europe at Claridge’s Hotel in London on this day in 1986, to celebrate Queen Anne-Marie of Greece’s 40th Birthday, Princess Alexia’s 21st Birthday, and the Christening of Prince Philippos. Exactly 33 years earlier, King Constantine’s parents hosted a Return Banquet at Claridge’s Hotel at the end of their State Visit to Britain in 1963.

Continue reading