The pre-war year 1938 proved to be a defining moment for Queen Elizabeth in her role as consort to King George VI. Late 1930s Europe was clearly heading for war and the monarch needed to act as focal point for national unity. With public opinion strongly against intervention on the mainland, even in defence of allies, the need to strengthen political alliances had become vital. The royal visit to France was the occasion when Elizabeth’s natural charm combined with Norman Hartnell’s fashion to transform the public image of themonarchy. It was the perfect accompaniment to the King’s diplomatic efforts. The…
Author: Royalty
The christening of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark’s first child was always going to be a significant event and, given the royal couple’s high profile, attract a great deal of interest. The focus of attention was the choice of name for Denmark’s little ‘kingaroo’ and how to acknowledge his Danish-Australian parentage. All was revealed on a spectacular Scandinavian winter’s day. Members of the Danish royal family have four given names. For example, Crown Prince Frederik’s full name is Frederik André Henrik Christian. André comes from his paternal grandfather, Henrik from his father’s name and Christian from…
“I am very glad that the prince was born,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe – tipped to become Japan’s next prime minister when Junichiro Koizumi steps down sometime this year – “I truly feel relieved and happy to receive a report that both the princess and the prince are fine. It’s a refreshing feeling that reminds us of a clear autumn sky.” But will the immediate joy surrounding the birth of Prince Hisahito resolve Japan’s royal crisis? After several years of forlorn expectations waiting for Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako to produce a second male child, which…
King Bhumibol (Rama IX) is the longest serving head of state in the world, having come to the throne some six decades ago. Over the years his stature has steadily grown, as has his influence, and today his standing amongst the people of Thailand far exceeds any of its political leaders. King Bhumibol’s achievement reflects his personal qualities as well as the country’s need for a symbol of unity. Even in the 21st century, although Thailand is in some respects a reasonably successful development, its problems – political, social and economic – remain considerable and the King’s steady and undeniably…
The restoration of the Petit Trianon is a story set in motion by the relations between a French king and his mistresses and, most of all, the story of a French queen, a Swiss master watchmaker and the legendary timepiece he created for her. It all began in 1749, when King Louis XV of France decided to build himself a small private estate west of the Trianon Palace (today Grand Trianon), where he regularly resided, enjoying the change of atmosphere close to Versailles itself but without the Court’s cumbersome rituals. Urged on by his mistress Madame de Pompadour, the King…
A series of letters between the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and royal courtier Kenneth de Courcy, recently uncovered by royal historian Christopher Wilson in a Californian library, shed new light on how the ambitions of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor continued right up until the death of King George VI. The findings threaten to tarnish the controversial ex-monarch’s reputation further. An attractive and progressive figure in his youth, the Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson, gained a degree of notoriety for their flirtations with fascism in the 1930s. The Duke has often been portrayed as the monarch who…
With the United States boasting a new and highly attractive first lady, and former top model Carla Bruni adding a touch of joie de vivre to Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency, following the style and bearing of the world’s leading ladies has become a fashion follower’s dream. ‘Royalty’ pays tribute to the the newest additions as well as some old favourites. The newcomers (although Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy has long been a fashion icon) to the high profile world of international relations are not having it all their own way as royal consorts, from Europe to Arabia, have made their own marks. Conservatism can be chic…
The news that Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy have split up was a surprise, coming just after Chelsy’s job placement at law firm Farrer & Co with an option of a job at Allen & Overy following her graduation from Leeds University, writes Simona Rossi. The split was revealed through the tabloid ‘News of the World’ and confirmed by the lady herself via her profile on the social networking site ‘Facebook’ to read:‘Relationship: Not in one’ The end of the relationship was caused by the ongoing stress Chelsy found being a royal girlfriend, and also apparently the media scrutiny; but…
The wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly will be remembered by the Royal Family as a wonderful family celebration of the wedding of the Princess Royal’s only son. His bride was the image of loveliness and the day was one of the happiest royal events of recent years. Peter and Autumn are a very likeable couple and their joy was clearly shared by the three hundred guests, including most members of the Royal Family, writes Janette Aldace. It will, however, also be remembered for the media storm caused by Peter and Autumn’s decision to sell the rights to the…
The story of the Nepalese monarchy is a complex one and the fall of King Gyanendra has been its climax. Many factors were at play but the scale of Gyanendra’s failing is self-evident. In a few short years he took the monarchy to the depths of despised and failed despotism. The outcome of a disastrous reign is the downfall of the Shah dynasty, the demise of the two hundred and forty year-old monarchy. The coup de grace had been anticipated for some time and in real terms the end of the monarchy was inevitable following the decision of the Constituent…