Spruce up your knowledge of royals around the world.
Spruce up your knowledge of royals around the world.
Born in California, the 42-year-old Saudi princess is a fashion week veteran and the co-founder and director of D'NA, an exclusive Saudi Arabian-based boutique that has made waves across the Middle East and beyond. In 2016, Abdulaziz was named the first-ever editor-in-chief of Vogue Arabia, which debuted its print edition in March 2017 with Gigi Hadid wearing a hijab on the cover. One month later, with only two editions under her belt, Abdulaziz was fired from the publication. "I refused to compromise when I felt the publisher's approach conflicted with the values which underpin our readers and the role of the editor-in-chief in meeting those values in a truly authentic way," she told BoF.
Born in California, the 42-year-old Saudi princess is a fashion week veteran and the co-founder and director of D'NA, an exclusive Saudi Arabian-based boutique that has made waves across the Middle East and beyond. In 2016, Abdulaziz was named the first-ever editor-in-chief of Vogue Arabia, which debuted its print edition in March 2017 with Gigi Hadid wearing a hijab on the cover. One month later, with only two editions under her belt, Abdulaziz was fired from the publication. "I refused to compromise when I felt the publisher's approach conflicted with the values which underpin our readers and the role of the editor-in-chief in meeting those values in a truly authentic way," she told BoF.
"A mum and a wife with a really cool day job," Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has some 3.9 million followers on Instagram, 14 million on Facebook, and 8.8 million on Twitter, which have served as great platforms for her longtime advocacy work in areas including education, health, and the youth. Rania has been married to King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein since 1993. They have four children together, including 23-year-old Crown Prince Hussein.
"A mum and a wife with a really cool day job," Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has some 3.9 million followers on Instagram, 14 million on Facebook, and 8.8 million on Twitter, which have served as great platforms for her longtime advocacy work in areas including education, health, and the youth. Rania has been married to King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein since 1993. They have four children together, including 23-year-old Crown Prince Hussein.
A former journalist and news anchor, Letizia met her future husband on the Galician coast of Spain while she was covering the sinking of an oil ship. In 2004, the pair tied the knot after Felipe, the then-Prince of Asturias, proposed with a 16-baguette diamond ring. Letizia officially became the Queen of Spain 10 years later, after Felipe ascended the throne from his father. She is the first Spanish queen to have commoner roots, though she is also a descendent of medieval nobility.
A former journalist and news anchor, Letizia met her future husband on the Galician coast of Spain while she was covering the sinking of an oil ship. In 2004, the pair tied the knot after Felipe, the then-Prince of Asturias, proposed with a 16-baguette diamond ring. Letizia officially became the Queen of Spain 10 years later, after Felipe ascended the throne from his father. She is the first Spanish queen to have commoner roots, though she is also a descendent of medieval nobility.
Queen Letizia and King Felipe have two daughters, 12-year-old Leonor and 10-year-old Sofia, who are first and second in line, respectively, to the throne. In November 2017, Princess Leonor sat for her first official solo portrait ahead of her birthday. When she ascends the throne after the father, Leonor will become Spain's first queen regent since Isabella II in 1833. Here are Leonor, Sofia, and their parents vacationing in Mallorca in August 2017. Don't they look like they just finished shooting a J. Crew commercial?
Queen Letizia and King Felipe have two daughters, 12-year-old Leonor and 10-year-old Sofia, who are first and second in line, respectively, to the throne. In November 2017, Princess Leonor sat for her first official solo portrait ahead of her birthday. When she ascends the throne after the father, Leonor will become Spain's first queen regent since Isabella II in 1833. Here are Leonor, Sofia, and their parents vacationing in Mallorca in August 2017. Don't they look like they just finished shooting a J. Crew commercial?
Dubbed the "Kate Middleton of the Himalayas," Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan is currently the youngest Queen in the world at age 27. In May 2011, Jetsun became the "Dragon Queen of Bhutan" when she married "Dragon King" Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is 10 years her senior. (Yes, their lavish wedding took place one month after Kate Middleton and Prince William's.) Here's Queen Jetsun Pema showing Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, around during Kate and Will's royal visit to India and Bhutan in April 2016.
Dubbed the "Kate Middleton of the Himalayas," Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan is currently the youngest Queen in the world at age 27. In May 2011, Jetsun became the "Dragon Queen of Bhutan" when she married "Dragon King" Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is 10 years her senior. (Yes, their lavish wedding took place one month after Kate Middleton and Prince William's.) Here's Queen Jetsun Pema showing Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, around during Kate and Will's royal visit to India and Bhutan in April 2016.
After meeting Jetsun Pema, the University of Oxford-educated "Dragon King" of Bhutan ended some 100 years of tradition when he renounced his right to marry more than one wife. The couple reportedly dated and lived together for three years before getting engaged in 2011. On the day of their wedding, which took place in a 17th century fortress, the King told the media of his new wife, "She is a wonderful human being. Intelligent… It doesn't matter when you get married as long as it is the right person. I am certain I have married the right person."
After meeting Jetsun Pema, the University of Oxford-educated "Dragon King" of Bhutan ended some 100 years of tradition when he renounced his right to marry more than one wife. The couple reportedly dated and lived together for three years before getting engaged in 2011. On the day of their wedding, which took place in a 17th century fortress, the King told the media of his new wife, "She is a wonderful human being. Intelligent… It doesn't matter when you get married as long as it is the right person. I am certain I have married the right person."
On Feb. 5, 2016, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck officially replaced his uncle, Prince Jigyel Ugyen, as the first in line to the Bhutanese royal throne when he arrived to proud parents, the Dragon King and Dragon Queen of Bhutan. On the day of the baby prince's birth, 108,000 trees were planted in the country in his honor. Not too bad for a birthday present. Here he is meeting Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in November 2017.
On Feb. 5, 2016, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck officially replaced his uncle, Prince Jigyel Ugyen, as the first in line to the Bhutanese royal throne when he arrived to proud parents, the Dragon King and Dragon Queen of Bhutan. On the day of the baby prince's birth, 108,000 trees were planted in the country in his honor. Not too bad for a birthday present. Here he is meeting Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in November 2017.
Grace Kelly's grandson is currently the seventh in line to the Monegasque throne. In 2015, Pierre tied the knot with journalist Beatrice Borromeo, who gave birth to the couple's first child, a son named Stefano (after Pierre's late father), in early 2017.
Grace Kelly's grandson is currently the seventh in line to the Monegasque throne. In 2015, Pierre tied the knot with journalist Beatrice Borromeo, who gave birth to the couple's first child, a son named Stefano (after Pierre's late father), in early 2017.
Prince Pierre's 31-year-old sister Charlotte made Hollywood headlines in November 2017 when she was romantically linked to Brad Pitt after the two were spotted talking at a LACMA event. As of press time, the rumor is just that: a rumor.
Prince Pierre's 31-year-old sister Charlotte made Hollywood headlines in November 2017 when she was romantically linked to Brad Pitt after the two were spotted talking at a LACMA event. As of press time, the rumor is just that: a rumor.
Before marrying Prince Albert of Monaco in 2010, Charlene was a competitive swimmer, even going as far as representing South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2014, Charlene gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, the latter of whom is the first in line to take over the Monegasque throne after Albert. The adorable twins are regularly featured on Princess Charlene's official Instagram account. In fact, Charlene marked the siblings' first-ever haircut with a gram on Nov. 13, 2017.
Before marrying Prince Albert of Monaco in 2010, Charlene was a competitive swimmer, even going as far as representing South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2014, Charlene gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, the latter of whom is the first in line to take over the Monegasque throne after Albert. The adorable twins are regularly featured on Princess Charlene's official Instagram account. In fact, Charlene marked the siblings' first-ever haircut with a gram on Nov. 13, 2017.
For her 21st birthday in July 2017, Princess Maria-Olympia held an over-the-top and Instagram-worthy party where guests that included Paris Hilton, sister Nicky, and Poppy Delevingne were asked to "revolutionize" the black tie look. According to The Daily Mail, the party was a joint celebration with Olympia's father Pavlos, the Crown Prince of Greece, who had turned 50 two months prior. Other things you need to know about Olympia: she was born in New York City; she's currently studying photography at Parsons School of Design; she's cousins with Talita von Furstenberg, granddaughter of Diane von Furstenberg.
For her 21st birthday in July 2017, Princess Maria-Olympia held an over-the-top and Instagram-worthy party where guests that included Paris Hilton, sister Nicky, and Poppy Delevingne were asked to "revolutionize" the black tie look. According to The Daily Mail, the party was a joint celebration with Olympia's father Pavlos, the Crown Prince of Greece, who had turned 50 two months prior. Other things you need to know about Olympia: she was born in New York City; she's currently studying photography at Parsons School of Design; she's cousins with Talita von Furstenberg, granddaughter of Diane von Furstenberg.
Born in 1986, Philippos is the youngest son of Greece's last monarch, Constantine II, whose reign ended in 1973. Yes, this means Philippos' title is just a title, but he's still on the market if you want to get to know a prince, ask him about hedge funds (he works as an analyst in Manhattan), or want to talk about the weather in D.C. (he studied at Georgetown). Here he is with sister Theodora at the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Born in 1986, Philippos is the youngest son of Greece's last monarch, Constantine II, whose reign ended in 1973. Yes, this means Philippos' title is just a title, but he's still on the market if you want to get to know a prince, ask him about hedge funds (he works as an analyst in Manhattan), or want to talk about the weather in D.C. (he studied at Georgetown). Here he is with sister Theodora at the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Like her brother, Theodora was educated in the U.S., studying theater at Brown University. In 2010, Theodora moved to L.A. to pursue a career in acting and in 2011, made her TV debut in The Bold and The Beautiful, where she would play secretary Alison Montgomery until 2016.
Like her brother, Theodora was educated in the U.S., studying theater at Brown University. In 2010, Theodora moved to L.A. to pursue a career in acting and in 2011, made her TV debut in The Bold and The Beautiful, where she would play secretary Alison Montgomery until 2016.
Before meeting Prince Carl, Sofia held jobs in modeling, TV, and at one point, moved to New York City to study business development while teaching yoga and waitressing on the side. The couple's 2015 wedding took place at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where more than 500 guests were in attendance, including several royals from around the world, of course. In August 2017, Sofia gave birth to her second child, Prince Gabriel, Duke of Dalarna. Sofia and Carl are also parents to Prince Alexander, Duke of Södermanland, who was born in April 2016.
Before meeting Prince Carl, Sofia held jobs in modeling, TV, and at one point, moved to New York City to study business development while teaching yoga and waitressing on the side. The couple's 2015 wedding took place at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where more than 500 guests were in attendance, including several royals from around the world, of course. In August 2017, Sofia gave birth to her second child, Prince Gabriel, Duke of Dalarna. Sofia and Carl are also parents to Prince Alexander, Duke of Södermanland, who was born in April 2016.
In a 2017 documentary made in honor of her 40th birthday, Victoria opened up in a rare interview about battling an eating disorder as a teenager, her years living in the U.S., and meeting her husband Daniel Westling, a personal trainer at her gym. "I needed time to sort things out and get my balance back again," she said in the doc. "I needed to get to know myself, discover where my limits were, not constantly push myself too much." Victoria and Daniel are proud parents to daughter Princess Estelle, the second-in-line to the Swedish throne, and Prince Oscar, third-in-line. Princess Victoria will become Sweden's first queen regnant since 1720 if she ascends to the throne following her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf.
In a 2017 documentary made in honor of her 40th birthday, Victoria opened up in a rare interview about battling an eating disorder as a teenager, her years living in the U.S., and meeting her husband Daniel Westling, a personal trainer at her gym. "I needed time to sort things out and get my balance back again," she said in the doc. "I needed to get to know myself, discover where my limits were, not constantly push myself too much." Victoria and Daniel are proud parents to daughter Princess Estelle, the second-in-line to the Swedish throne, and Prince Oscar, third-in-line. Princess Victoria will become Sweden's first queen regnant since 1720 if she ascends to the throne following her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf.
If you've ever been to a party thrown by Prince Azim, chances are you've also rubbed shoulders with Mariah Carey, Scarlett Johansson, or Aaron Paul. In 2014, Paul described one of these experiences, a "very long weekend with Michael Jackson," on Jimmy Kimmel Live: "My buddy got invited to the Prince of Brunei's birthday party outside of London at this castle and I was his plus one." According to Paul, the prince took such a liking to him that he was invited to a VIP gathering later that night. "So I go down to this giant library and the prince is inside with Michael Jackson. It was just Michael, the prince, and I talking for about an hour."
If you've ever been to a party thrown by Prince Azim, chances are you've also rubbed shoulders with Mariah Carey, Scarlett Johansson, or Aaron Paul. In 2014, Paul described one of these experiences, a "very long weekend with Michael Jackson," on Jimmy Kimmel Live: "My buddy got invited to the Prince of Brunei's birthday party outside of London at this castle and I was his plus one." According to Paul, the prince took such a liking to him that he was invited to a VIP gathering later that night. "So I go down to this giant library and the prince is inside with Michael Jackson. It was just Michael, the prince, and I talking for about an hour."
"When I had my tenth-birthday party, the hot topic among my friends was not how much candy we'd eaten but how many rooms the castle had ('Really? 500?') and the racy contemporary art my mother hung everywhere," Princess Elisabeth wrote in 2015 for Vogue, where she's been a style editor-at-large since 2012. With "TNT" for a nickname, Elisabeth's life has been anything but predictable, unless it's normal for you to fight with your sister over your mother's couture collection. Read more about TNT's life, here.
"When I had my tenth-birthday party, the hot topic among my friends was not how much candy we'd eaten but how many rooms the castle had ('Really? 500?') and the racy contemporary art my mother hung everywhere," Princess Elisabeth wrote in 2015 for Vogue, where she's been a style editor-at-large since 2012. With "TNT" for a nickname, Elisabeth's life has been anything but predictable, unless it's normal for you to fight with your sister over your mother's couture collection. Read more about TNT's life, here.
Elisabeth's younger brother, Prince Albert, first appeared on the annual Forbes billionaire list when he was just 8. He's in his 30s now, and he's still a billionaire who lives in a castle, but a lot has happened since: He's developed a love of racing cars, he completed a Masters degree in economics and theology, and he's been on that Forbes list a handful more times. Here is Albert celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich in September 2017.
Elisabeth's younger brother, Prince Albert, first appeared on the annual Forbes billionaire list when he was just 8. He's in his 30s now, and he's still a billionaire who lives in a castle, but a lot has happened since: He's developed a love of racing cars, he completed a Masters degree in economics and theology, and he's been on that Forbes list a handful more times. Here is Albert celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich in September 2017.
In 2011, Princess Alexandra officially took her place as the fifth in line to the royal throne of Luxembourg when the country adopted absolute primogeniture. Royal engagements aside, Alexandra's passions include traveling, outdoor sports, and international relations. Following a bachelor's degree in psychology and social sciences in the U.S., along with an internship at the United Nations Security Council, Alexandra is currently completing a Master's in conflict resolution in Dublin. Here she is celebrating National Day in 2016.
In 2011, Princess Alexandra officially took her place as the fifth in line to the royal throne of Luxembourg when the country adopted absolute primogeniture. Royal engagements aside, Alexandra's passions include traveling, outdoor sports, and international relations. Following a bachelor's degree in psychology and social sciences in the U.S., along with an internship at the United Nations Security Council, Alexandra is currently completing a Master's in conflict resolution in Dublin. Here she is celebrating National Day in 2016.
As one of the few tiara-wearing royals in the world, Queen Mathilde has been a style icon since stepping into the spotlight in the late-90s with her marriage to Philippe of Belgium, who ascended the throne from his father in 2013. Mathilde, a former speech therapist, dated Philippe under the radar for three years before the couple announced their engagement. Together, they have four children, including Princess Elisabeth, the first in line to the royal throne.
As one of the few tiara-wearing royals in the world, Queen Mathilde has been a style icon since stepping into the spotlight in the late-90s with her marriage to Philippe of Belgium, who ascended the throne from his father in 2013. Mathilde, a former speech therapist, dated Philippe under the radar for three years before the couple announced their engagement. Together, they have four children, including Princess Elisabeth, the first in line to the royal throne.
The Crown Princess has long championed HIV-AIDS-related causes since assuming her royal duties in 2001, when she married Crown Prince Haakon, the first-in-line to the royal throne of Norway. At the time of their marriage, Mette-Marit was described by The New York Times as "no ordinary commoner," given her background as a former waitress with a history of heavy partying. Mette-Marit also raised eyebrows when she entered the marriage with a 4-year-old son named Marius from a previous relationship. (See next entry.)
The Crown Princess has long championed HIV-AIDS-related causes since assuming her royal duties in 2001, when she married Crown Prince Haakon, the first-in-line to the royal throne of Norway. At the time of their marriage, Mette-Marit was described by The New York Times as "no ordinary commoner," given her background as a former waitress with a history of heavy partying. Mette-Marit also raised eyebrows when she entered the marriage with a 4-year-old son named Marius from a previous relationship. (See next entry.)
In January 2017, Norway's Royal Palace announced that 20-year-old Marius would be leaving public life ahead of his studies in California. His official pages were subsequently removed from the family's royal website. Though he has been a member Norway's royal family since his mother's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Marius has never had an official royal title. In a letter accompanying the royal palace's announcement, the Crown Princess wrote of her son, "Marius is, and will continue to be, a vital member of our family. He has always had a public role that has been very difficult to define."
In January 2017, Norway's Royal Palace announced that 20-year-old Marius would be leaving public life ahead of his studies in California. His official pages were subsequently removed from the family's royal website. Though he has been a member Norway's royal family since his mother's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Marius has never had an official royal title. In a letter accompanying the royal palace's announcement, the Crown Princess wrote of her son, "Marius is, and will continue to be, a vital member of our family. He has always had a public role that has been very difficult to define."
When she's not arriving by horse-drawn carriage or wearing a crown, Queen Maxima can be found rubbing shoulders with world leaders at the United Nations while promoting universal access to credit, attending an LGBT rights conference, or having a conversation in English, Spanish, Dutch, or French. She also loves a good hat.
When she's not arriving by horse-drawn carriage or wearing a crown, Queen Maxima can be found rubbing shoulders with world leaders at the United Nations while promoting universal access to credit, attending an LGBT rights conference, or having a conversation in English, Spanish, Dutch, or French. She also loves a good hat.
In 1992, the Harvard-educated Masako gave up a promising career in diplomacy to marry Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, after he proposed three times over several years. She later told the media she finally agreed to marry when her future husband said, "You might have fears and worries about joining the imperial household, but I will protect you for my entire life."
In 1992, the Harvard-educated Masako gave up a promising career in diplomacy to marry Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, after he proposed three times over several years. She later told the media she finally agreed to marry when her future husband said, "You might have fears and worries about joining the imperial household, but I will protect you for my entire life."
Prince William and Prince Harry's cousin is currently 16th in line to the British throne, but for most of her life, she's focused on something just as exciting as the royal throne: a career in equestrianism, which has taken her as far as 2012 Olympic Games in London, where she won silver in a team event.
Prince William and Prince Harry's cousin is currently 16th in line to the British throne, but for most of her life, she's focused on something just as exciting as the royal throne: a career in equestrianism, which has taken her as far as 2012 Olympic Games in London, where she won silver in a team event.
Much like Kate Middleton, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has been a longtime favorite of British designers including Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, and Bruce Oldfield. She's turned royal engagements into her personal runway since 1999, when she married Prince Edward, Prince Charles's brother. Together, Sophie and Edward have two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Much like Kate Middleton, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has been a longtime favorite of British designers including Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, and Bruce Oldfield. She's turned royal engagements into her personal runway since 1999, when she married Prince Edward, Prince Charles's brother. Together, Sophie and Edward have two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
In 2016, Lady Amelia became Tatler magazine's first royal cover girl since Princess Eugenie was featured eight years prior. The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Amelia is currently 36th in line to the British throne. Her Instagram account looks exactly what you'd expect any 22-year-old royal's Instagram account to look like: her photos include trips to museum, New York City, selfies, and stunning views of Paris. If you dig deep enough, you'll run into Amelia's gram of her great uncle Charles, aka the "best great-uncle ever."
In 2016, Lady Amelia became Tatler magazine's first royal cover girl since Princess Eugenie was featured eight years prior. The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Amelia is currently 36th in line to the British throne. Her Instagram account looks exactly what you'd expect any 22-year-old royal's Instagram account to look like: her photos include trips to museum, New York City, selfies, and stunning views of Paris. If you dig deep enough, you'll run into Amelia's gram of her great uncle Charles, aka the "best great-uncle ever."