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Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Vintage Royals: Prince Alfred Pitches Woo

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A cartoon from a July 1873 issue of Punch, a satirical magazine, depicts the courtship of Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria, and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, daughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Alfred wears his naval uniform and fiddles from the prow of a boat named Galatea, the Royal Navy frigate he commanded. Maria watches from a window decorated with the imperial arms of the House of Romanov and two bears, animals often used by Westerners to represent Russia

Jewel Detective: Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna

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If you watched last night’s episode of Downton Abbey here in the States, you undoubtedly caught a reference to the 1874 wedding of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (and later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia. Can you identify the jewels worn by Maria here, ca. 1880?

Sunday Stories: January 18

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Sunday Stories: January 18, 2015

  • Kensington Palace joined Twitter this week! The new account will document the royal engagements of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
  • In the continuing saga of Andrew and Fergie, Sarah appeared on American television this week to promote a weight-loss product and defend her ex-husband. (Hello!)
  • Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has apologized after he was allowed to cross a bridge that was closed because of dangerous weather. (BBC News)
  • Yet more legal woes for the Spanish royals. After losing his immunity following the abdication, King Juan Carlos is set to face a paternity suit in court. (BBC News)
  • A glamorous tiara that was once owned by the late Duchess of Alba is for sale in New York. (Erik Schoonhoven)
  • A new portrait, complete with tiara and cat, has been released to celebrate Princess Michael’s 70th birthday. (RJWMB)
  • Heads up, San Franciscans: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, and Princess Estelle are heading your way. Victoria and Daniel will participate in an official visit from January 19-21. (Kungahuset)