Category Archives: British Royals
← Older posts Newer posts →London 2012: A perfect round from Zara in cross-country
Zara Phillips continued her quest for an Olympic medal with a highly successful result in the difficult cross-country portion of eventing. The Queen’s eldest granddaughter finished well inside the time frame with a final result of 9 minutes and 55.11 seconds, to the delight of the cheering crowd. Zara was also one of the few riders to go through the 5.7-kilometer course dotted with 28 obstacles without a single penalty. … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Equestrian, Horses, London 2012, Olympic Games, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie, Sport, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of Cambridge, The Princess Royal, Zara Phillips | 1 CommentLondon 2012: Swimming Draws the Royals In
As it usually is, the Olympic swimming competition has been the place for royal spotting. Yesterday saw members of the Danish, Dutch, Luxembourgish, Norwegian and Greek royal families in the stands for the morning heats. Sitting together in the VIP section, it was a kin to a family reunion of sorts. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte of Denmark were on hand to cheer Jeanette … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Danish Royals, Dutch Royals, German Royals, Greek Royals, Luxembourg Royals, Monaco Royals, Norwegian Royals | Tagged Albert II of Monaco, Constantine II, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mary, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Elizabeth II, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Grand Duke Henri, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, King Willem-Alexander, London 2012, Margrethe II, Olympic Games, Prince Félix of Luxembourg, Prince Henrik the Prince Consort, Prince Louis, Prince Philippos, Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg, Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, Princess Ariane, Princess Benedikte, Princess Charlène, Princess Tessy, Queen Anne-Marie, Queen Máxima, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Sport, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess of Orange | 1 CommentLondon 2012: Zara Phillips Makes Olympics Debut
Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, made her Olympic debut today, competing in the second day of the individual dressage at Greenwich Park. Riding High Kingdom, she scored 46.1 penalty points during her dressage routine before lunchtime, which left her in twenty-fourth place following the conclusion of the day’s competition. In the team eventing, Great Britain – comprising of Phillips, Nicola Wilson, Mary King, Kristina Cook and William Fox-Pitt – … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Autumn Phillips, Captain Mark Phillips, Equestrian, Horses, London 2012, Olympic Games, Peter Phillips, Princess Benedikte, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Sport, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Timothy Laurence, Zara Phillips | Leave a commentJewel of the Day: King William IV Brooch
The Opening Ceremony of London Olympic Games was a dazzling and a magnificent event, and of course, Her Majesty had to wear jewellery to match. Her choices for the significant occasion included Queen Victoria’s Diamond Collet Necklace, Queen Mary’s Cluster Earrings, and the hero of this blog entry – King William IV Brooch. In 1830, shortly after William IV’s accession to the Throne, the new King took six large diamonds … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Historical Royals | Tagged Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, Elizabeth II, Jewellery, London 2012, Olympic Games, Queen Victoria, William IV | 3 CommentsThe Name’s Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth
The Opening Ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games was a spectacular affair certain to be remembered for years to come. From poignant tributes to Armed Forces, to British humour at its best, the ceremony was lauded all over the world. Arguably the most memorable event was, however, Queen Elizabeth’s acting début as a “Bond Girl”. As the film began, many expected the Queen to be portrayed by a double, yet … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Celebrities, Elizabeth II, London 2012, Olympic Games | 4 CommentsAnd They’re Off! London 2012 Begins
The London 2012 Olympic Games began last night, with the opening ceremony taking place at the Olympic Stadium. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Games at the end of the ceremony, which featured Sir Kenneth Branagh, David Beckham and Sir Steve Redgrave. Queen Elizabeth had previously hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for the heads of state and government in London for the Games, attended by a large number of … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Celebrities, Elizabeth II, London 2012, Olympic Games, Sport | 1 CommentRoyalty and the Olympics: Competitors
There is just over six hours to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXX Olympiad! Our third and final blog entry focusing on combined royal and Olympic history showcases royals who have themselves competed in an Olympic Games. Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia, Stockholm 1912 Prince Friedrich Karl competed for the German team in the team jumping event, winning a bronze medal for his efforts. Grand … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Danish Royals, German Royals, Greek Royals, Jordanian Royals, Monaco Royals, Norwegian Royals, Russian Royals, Spanish Royals, Thai Royals, UAE Royals | Tagged Constantine II, Dubai, Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich, Harald V, Infanta Cristina, Juan Carlos I, London 2012, Olav V, Olympic Games, Prince Bira, Prince Friedrich Karl, Princess Charlène, Princess Haya, Princess Nathalie, Princess Zeina, Prussia, Queen Sofia, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Sport, The Duke of Palma de Mallorca, The Prince of Asturias, The Princess Royal | 4 CommentsRoyalty and the Olympics: IOC Membership
Continuing with our look at Royals and the Olympics, today the TRF Blog focuses on royals – both reigning and non-reigning – who are members of the International Olympic Committee. There are a number of royals who have current IOC membership, listed here in alphabetical order of the country they represent, as well as three who were made Honorary Members following the end of their active membership. Many of these … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Danish Royals, Dutch Royals, Greek Royals, Jordanian Royals, Kuwaiti Royals, Liechtenstein Royals, Luxembourg Royals, Malaysian Royals, Monaco Royals, Qatar Royals, Saudi Royals, Spanish Royals, UAE Royals | Tagged Albert II of Monaco, Constantine II, Crown Prince Frederik, Dubai, Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke Jean, Infanta Pilar, International Olympic Committee, King Willem-Alexander, London 2012, Olympic Games, Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, Princess Haya, Princess Nora, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Sport, The Princess Royal | 1 CommentJewel of the Day: The Duchess of Cambridge Pearl Pendant
I guess we need to clarify one thing first: today’s jewel has nothing to do with the present Duchess of Cambridge. It was name so after Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel who married Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had three children together; the youngest of them was Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck – mother of Mary of Teck (George V’s Consort). Princes Augusta was known … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Historical Royals | Tagged Augusta of Hesse-Kassel, Elizabeth II, Jewellery, Mary of Teck | 2 CommentsThe Queen meets British Prime Ministers, Past and Present
Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha hosted a lunch on Tuesday to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Sir John Major were also there to pay respect to the woman who was the one constant throughout their times in the office. Baroness Thatcher was the only living Prime Minister absent; the Iron Lady has largely withdrawn from public life due to … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Elizabeth II, Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, Prime Minister Blair, Prime Minister Brown, Prime Minister Cameron, Sir John Major | 1 CommentRoyalty and the Olympics: Host Nations
With the Games of the XXX Olympiad kicking off on Friday in London, the TRF Blog will be looking at the connection between Royal Families and the Summer Olympic Games throughout history over the next few days. Our first blog entry focuses on royal nations which have hosted a Summer Olympic Games. Greece: Athens 1896 The first Games of the Modern Olympiad were held in the traditional home of the … Continue reading
Posted in Belgian Royals, British Royals, Dutch Royals, Greek Royals, Japanese Royals, Spanish Royals, Swedish Royals | Tagged Albert I, Alexandra of Denmark, Constantine I, Edward VII, Elizabeth II, Emperor Hirohito, George I of Greece, George VI, Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich, Gustaf V, Gustaf VI Adolf, Harald V, Hendrik of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Juan Carlos I, London 2012, Mary of Teck, Olav V, Olympic Games, Prince Carl, Prince Friedrich Karl, Queen Wilhemina, Sport, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Palma de Mallorca, The Prince of Asturias | 1 CommentJewel of the Day: Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch
Most of Her Majesty’s important jewels are currently being showcased in various Diamond Jubilee exhibitions, meaning we have been deprived of serious jewellery for quite some time now. Today, however, Queen Elizabeth made up for those unfortunate circumstances by wearing one of my personal favourite brooches – Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch. The brooch, also known as Queen Victoria’s Wedding Brooch, is not only absolutely stunning – it also has important … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Historical Royals | Tagged Elizabeth II, Jewellery, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Queen Victoria | 7 CommentsReception for Members of the IOC at Buckingham Palace
Queen Elizabeth hosted a reception for members of the International Olympic Committee today. The Monarch invited IOC representatives from around the world to Buckingham Palace to welcome them to London. During the reception, Count Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC, made a speech, then presented the Queen with a set of Olympic medals. Her Majesty also addressed her guests, welcoming them to London. The Queen said: “In the coming days … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Albert II of Monaco, Crown Prince Frederik, Elizabeth II, Grand Duke Henri, International Olympic Committee, King Willem-Alexander, London 2012, Olympic Games, Princess Alexandra Lady Ogilvy, Princess Charlène, The Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Gloucester, The Princess Royal | Leave a commentBritish Royal Family No Longer The Most “Expensive” In Europe
For many years, British Monarchy was considered to be the most expensive in Europe based on the amount the Head of State receives from the taxpayers. However, that distinction now belongs to the Dutch Royal Family, which overtook the British one this year. Professor Herman Matthijs of Ghent University has published a report on the costs of European Heads of State. In it, he notes that according to a very … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Elizabeth II, Finances, France, Princess Beatrix | 6 CommentsDay in History: Mary I becomes Queen Regnant of England
On July 19, 1553 Mary Tudor replaced Lady Jane Grey on the English Throne, becoming the first undisputed Queen Regnant of England. Mary was born on 18 February 1516 to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. She was a much loved child and, because she was their only surviving one, was doting upon by her parents. Once it became apparent Queen Catherine would not have more children, Mary was treated … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Historical Royals | Tagged Edward VI, Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, Philip II of Spain, Succession | 4 CommentsKate Opens National Portrait Gallery’s Olympic Exhibition
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the exhibition “Road To 2012: Aiming High” at London’s National Portrait Gallery today. The exhibition features images of famous athletes and newcomers all hoping for Olympic glory. Kate met the photographers, as well as some of their sitters. Among them was the London 2012 Olympic torch relay’s oldest bearer, Diana Gould. Mrs Gould, who turned 100 this year, is set to be a torch-bearer in … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Exhibition, Olympic Games, Patronage, Sport, The Duchess of Cambridge | Leave a commentPrince Charles Shows Off His Wall-Climbing Skills
It seems everyone is getting into the spirit of the London Olympics, even Prince Charles. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, on the first day of their tour to Channel Islands, went to Grainville Secondary School where they talked to teachers and students and popped into the school gym. That’s when the Prince saw a traversing wall – and immediately decided to climb it. To the surprise … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Education, Sport, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales | Leave a commentPrince Harry, Princess Eugenie Attend The Dark Knight Premiere
The première of the Dark Knight Rises in London was attended by not only Hollywood royalty, but also real-life British ones – Prince harry and Princess Eugenie. The royal cousins arrived at the Waterloo IMAX debut of the film separately; Harry arrived on his own, while the Princess was accompanied by her boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank. Harry smiled at photographers and fans as he arrived wearing a dark blue suit with … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged Films, Premiere, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie | Leave a commentDay In History: 95th “Birthday” of the House of Windsor
– It is not only Queen Elizabeth who celebrates a Jubilee this year, but also the very House she belongs to – the Royal House of Windsor. On July 17, 1917 George V issued Royal Proclamation, changing the name of his family and house, meaning that today is the 95th anniversary of the historic event. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, she personally continued to … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals, Historical Royals | Tagged George V, House of Windsor, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, World War I | 1 CommentFrench City Demands British Crown Jewels
A French city of Angers, once the capital of the House of Plantagenet which produced fourteen English Monarchs, is demanding a compensation for the murder of its last pretender to the Throne. Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick, was murdered in the Tower of London on orders of Henry VII Tudor; upon his death in 1499, the House of Plantagenet became extinct in the legitimate male line. A petition posted … Continue reading
Posted in British Royals | Tagged British Crown Jewels, Elizabeth II, France, House of Plantagenet, Jewellery | 5 Comments


