January 2026 - Page 2 of 6 - History of Royal Women

Who would be Queen of Laos today?

Monday, 26 January 2026, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The Kingdom of Laos existed from 1946 to 1975. King Sisavangvong was its first King, and he was also the last ruler of the Lao Kingdom of Luang Prabang. Laos had had several Kingdoms over the centuries, but we are focusing on the most recent one. The Queens mentioned here are consorts. Any titles following [read more]

Book News Week 5

Saturday, 24 January 2026, 16:00 Moniek Bloks 0

*contains affiliate links* Book News Week 5 – 26 January – 1 February 2026 The Real Wallis Simpson Hardcover – 30 January 2026 (UK) Lost Heirs of the Tudor Crown Hardcover – 30 January 2026 (UK) The Wives of Henry VIII Hardcover – 30 January 2026 (UK) Mary of Modena: James II’s Dazzling Queen Hardcover [read more]

Grand Empress Dowager Lou Zhaojun – The Grand Empress Dowager who married the man she was smitten with at first sight

Saturday, 24 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Grand Empress Dowager Lou Zhaojun was the posthumous Empress of Emperor Gao Huan. She came from a wealthy family.[1] However, she became smitten at first sight with Gao Huan, who was originally a low-ranking military officer.[2] She married him against the wishes of her parents.[3] Gao Huan would eventually become one of the most powerful men [read more]

The Luxembourg Diamond Butterfly Tiara

Friday, 23 January 2026, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

This delicate Diamond Butterfly tiara could possibly have been a wedding gift to its wearer, Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg. She first wore the tiara during the 2014 National Day gala and again in 2016, and combined it with butterfly earrings. The set was made by Van Cleef & Arpels. They are quite delicate and [read more]

Empress Mao – Emperor Ming of Wei’s first Empress who was forced to commit suicide after asking the Emperor about his secret party

Thursday, 22 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Mao was the first Empress of Emperor Ming of the Wei Dynasty. She was of humble origins.[1] She was originally Emperor Ming’s favourite consort.[2] He elevated her to the Empress position.[3] Once she was Empress, Emperor Ming grew tired of her and forced her to commit suicide.[4] In circa 210 C.E., Empress Mao was born [read more]

Women who were passed over – Thailand

Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The Kingdom of Thailand operates on something similar to male-preference primogeniture. The King usually appoints a Crown Prince, but if he dies without appointing one, the first heir presumptive in the line of succession will be invited to be King. Since 1974, the Thai Constitution states that in the absence of a royal son, a [read more]