Moniek Bloks, Author at History of Royal Women

Empress Elisabeth’s coronation as Queen of Hungary

Wednesday, 8 June 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

With the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary was created. Count Gyula Andrássy, who shared Empress Elisabeth’s devotion to Hungary, became its first Prime Minister and a coronation for the King and Queen of Hungary was arranged for 8 June 1867. During a prior visit to Hungary, Elisabeth had been a huge [read more]

Sisi & her sister-in-law Charlotte of Belgium – A “pretentious little Coburg” (Part one)

Tuesday, 7 June 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

Charlotte of Belgium was born on 7 June 1840 as the daughter of Leopold I of Belgium and Louise of Orléans. Though her childhood was considered to be happy, she had little contact with her parents. Charlotte was separated from her brothers and was given an entirely different education. She grew up fast, and Charlotte was just [read more]

Princess Astrid of Belgium – A working princess

Sunday, 5 June 2022, 0:00 Moniek Bloks 0

On 5 June 1962, a day before her father’s birthday, Princess Astrid was born as the daughter of the then Prince and Princess of Liège, later King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians – with a grand total of seven names – Astrid Josephine Charlotte Fabrizia Elisabeth Paola Maria – and weighing 3,3 [read more]

Book Review: The Queen: 70 Glorious Years

Saturday, 4 June 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

*contains affiliate links* The Queen: 70 Glorious Years is just one of many books being released to celebrate The Queen’s platinum jubilee, but this is the official souvenir publication from the Royal Collection Trust. The book highlights the memorable events during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in photographs. These photographs are accompanied by quotes and context [read more]

The Coronation Necklace

Friday, 3 June 2022, 5:55 Moniek Bloks 0

The coronation of 1937 saw Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) wear this beautiful piece. The necklace had been given to her by her husband to mark their coronation. It was created in the 1840s by Garrard on Queen Victoria’s order after a large amount of the family jewels were claimed by her [read more]

The common Habsburg ancestor of Queen Elizabeth II and Empress Elisabeth of Austria

Thursday, 2 June 2022, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

As the year 2022 both celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the 185th anniversary of the birth of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, we take a look at how the two women were related. One common ancestor is Maria of Austria, the daughter of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor and Anne of Bohemia [read more]