Moniek Bloks, Author at History of Royal Women

The Baguette and Brilliant Bracelet

Friday, 6 January 2023, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The Baguette and Brilliant Bracelet is “composed of a band of baguettes and two rows of brilliant with a central cross-over.” The bracelet dates from the late 1920s or early 1930s and was purchased by Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI, from Garrard in 1949. It was a gift for her. Embed from Getty [read more]

A Princely Crypt in Siegen

Monday, 2 January 2023, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The Furstengruft, or Princely Crypt in Siegen, was founded by John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen, whose grandfather was a younger brother of William I (the Silent), Prince of Orange. Nassau-Siegen was a principality within the Holy Roman Empire. John Maurice had been trying to decide between Cleves and Siegen for a burial place and finally [read more]

The South Africa Necklace and Bracelet

Friday, 30 December 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The then Princess Elizabeth received the necklace as a gift from the Government of the Union of South Africa for her 21st birthday. The necklace originally consisted of a long chain of 21 graduated brilliants, each separated by a baguette and two small brilliants. The necklace was presented to her in this state by Field [read more]

Review: The Majestic Life of Queen Elizabeth II

Wednesday, 28 December 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

Netflix has its fair share of royal documentaries, and The Majestic Life of Queen Elizabeth II is just one of them. It is also known as Queen Elizabeth II – The Diamond Celebration. The future Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926 as the eldest daughter of the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. [read more]

Sudeley Castle – The last home of Catherine Parr

Monday, 26 December 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 1

Although a residence existed on the site from around the 11th century, the building of the current Sudeley Castle was begun in the 15th century by Ralph Boteler. However, he was compelled to sell Sudeley to the Crown after he fell out of favour, and the castle was then granted to Richard, Duke of Gloucester [read more]

Book News January 2023

Saturday, 24 December 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

*contains affiliate links* The Beauforts: Lineage, Ambition and Obligation 1373-1510 Hardcover – 15 September 2022 (UK) & 15 January 2023 (US) Four bastard children of John of Gaunt and his mistress Katherine Swynford vigorously made their way in the world despite their questionable origin, and when all four were retrospectively declared legitimate they were each [read more]