Welcome to the Royal Universe
The Royal Universe is an online reference about contemporary and historical royalty. It consists of a website, a blog, and a collection of articles. The information on royal families and houses is divided into sections on current monarchies, former monarchies (monarchies and royal houses of existing republics that used to be monarchies), and historical monarchies (monarchies of countries and empires that no longer exist); there is also a section on the traditions and trappings of monarchy such as ceremonies, protocol, jewellery, and royal residences. Last but not least is The Royal Universe Forum, a comprehensive discussion forum with topics divided into the same categories as the website; we hope to see you there!
This website is a work in progress, and we welcome feedback and suggestions for new topics. You can contact us by clicking Contact at the bottom of the page.
Our page of information about the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton is here.
Queen Margrethe II Celebrates Ruby Jubilee
The Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II isn’t the only jubilee being celebrated this year. On 14 January, Queen Margrethe celebrated 40 years on the Danish throne, giving Denmark its own Ruby Jubilee.
The Order of the Golden Fleece
The Order of the Golden Fleece is one of the oldest orders in Europe. It was originally a chivalric order, founded by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1430, to celebrate the Duke’s marriage to Isabella of Portugal, his third wife.
Review – “Behind Closed Doors” by Hugo Vickers
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have been showing up all over the media recently, in the Academy Award-winning movie The King’s Speech and Madonna’s upcoming movie W.E., in auctions of jewellery and letters, and in a couple of new biographies of the Duchess. One of the most unusual contributions to the Windsor story is the biography Behind Closed Doors by Hugo Vickers, author of several books on royalty including a highly acclaimed biography of the Duchess of Windsor’s nemesis, the Queen Mother.
Creepy Royal Jewels for Halloween
The image that generally comes to mind when we think of our royals usually includes impressive and (mostly) attractive jewels. However, there are some jewels that don’t fit that category but are decidedly eccentric, not to say downright creepy.