Imperial Fabergé Eggs

Happy Easter to all of our readers and followers who celebrate the holiday! In honour of the occasion, we are taking a look at the stunning Imperial Fabergé Eggs, given by the Tsars of Russia to their Tsarinas on Easter between 1885 and 1917. Made under the supervision of celebrated Russian jeweller, Peter Carl Fabergé, these jeweled eggs are one of the finest examples of Imperial wealth and design, famous for their surprises. Of the 50 Imperial Eggs that were created, 43 are still extant. Take a look below at some of them-

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Princess Eléonore’s Birthday Surprise for King Philippe

Princess Eléonore of Belgium gave a birthday surprise to her father, King Philippe on his 57th birthday today, as she played two songs on the violin. The Princess will celebrate her 9th Birthday tomorrow. Click HERE to learn about King Philippe of Belgium. There is one French version of the surprise, and one Dutch version. Both have different endings. Enjoy the videos below-  Continue reading

Royal Maundy Service 2017

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the Royal Maundy Service at Leicester Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, April 13th, in Leicester. Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The Queen commemorates Maundy by offering ‘alms’ to senior citizens in recognition of service to the church and to the local community. Continue reading

Royal Maundy Service, 1952

Later today, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Royal Maundy Service at Leicester Cathedral, where she will distribute ceremonial Maundy money to 91 men and 91 women from the local community. Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The Queen commemorates Maundy by offering ‘alms’ to senior citizens in recognition of service to the church and to the local community. take a look below at the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at the Maundy Thursday Service 65 years ago, on April 10, 1952,  at Westminster Abbey, which was also the Queen’s first public engagement since her accession that February.  Continue reading

Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace, 1991

While last year’s group picture from the Annual Diplomatic Reception was a first, it wasn’t the first time cameras had been at Buckingham Palace during the event. In 1991, the BBC were given special access to the Queen, when they filmed her for a whole year for a Special documentary released in honour of her 40th Jubilee in 1992. Among the many events they covered was the Reception. Take a look at some of the scenes (and Tiaras) below- Continue reading

Wedding of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan

Happy Wedding Anniversary to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, who got married in traditional and western ceremonies on this day in 1959. The Crown Prince of Japan and the daughter of a Japanese Industrialist, the couple received a lot of opposition from the Imperial Household Agency but won the love and support of the Japanese people. They have three children and acceded to the Throne in 1989. Despite the continued pressures of the Imperial Household Agency, Empress Michiko is very popular among the people of Japan, and is said to be the embodiment of traditional values such as modesty and purity. Take a look below at some scenes from the wedding- Continue reading

Battle of Vimy Ridge Centenary

The Prince of Wales, attending on behalf of the Queen, was accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France on April 9th. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General David Johnston were also present, as was President Hollande of France. The Battle took place between 9th – 12th April 1917, and was part of the opening phase of the Battle of Arras.  The four divisions of the Canadian Corps, as well as other Allies, faced off against three divisions of the German Sixth Army.  It is seen as Canada’s most notable military victory and a symbol of the birth of Canadian National pride.  The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is the largest Canadian Memorial to the First World War in Europe.
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Wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium

Today marks the Wedding Anniversary of Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium, who got married on this day in 1953! A match arranged by the bride’s grandmother, Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, and the groom’s mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, both were reportedly in love with other people, but eventually the marriage was very happy. The couple had five children and succeeded to the Grand Duchy in 1964. Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte reigned until 2000, when he abdicated in favour of their son, and the couple had a 52-year marriage. Continue reading