Seeing as we’re still isolating in lockdown for what seems like the 100th week, we need some frivolous entertainment to keep our minds distracted and our hearts happy. So, considering this week was the second anniversary of the (former) royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, we’ll delve into the glitz and glamour of the royal kingdoms worldwide. Here is a spritz of some fun facts about those living in gilded cages.
1. British monarchs keep it in the family
It was common for royal families to marry ‘in the family’ to keep the line pure so it’s not all that strange to note that Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Phillip, are in fact, third cousins through their great-great-grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, too, were first cousins.
2. The British are one of many royal families
Although media attention is generally captivated by the British royal family, they are not the only monarchy around. There are actually 26 monarchies reigning – in some form or another – over 43 countries worldwide.
3. World’s oldest hereditary monarchy
Japan’s imperial institution is believed to be the world’s oldest monarchy, dating back to the eighth century. This is when the sun goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, was said to have bequeathed her grandson a mirror, jewels and a sword, which he gave to the first emperor, Jimmu.
4. Japan got a new emperor in 2019
Japan’s Emperor Akihito declared his abdication in 2019 – the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years – and his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, took his place on the Chrysanthemum throne. Emperor Akihito, who was 85 at the time, chose to abdicate as he felt ill health and old age made him unable to fulfil his role.
5. The Dutch monarch doesn’t have a coronation
In fact, Dutch royalty do not have a royal crown at all. The current king, Willem-Alexander, ascended the throne when his mother, Queen Beatrix, signed abdication papers. The formal inauguration ceremony did, however, have a crown displayed on the table, although it was made from gold-plated silver.
6. South Africa’s royal connection
Although she was born in Zimbabwe, Charlene Wittstock’s family relocated to South Africa when she was a child and she represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She became Princess Charlene when she married Prince Albert II of Monaco, the reigning head of the princely house of Grimaldi in Monaco. Incidentally, she also lived in Richards Bay at one time!
7. Most powerful monarch today
King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia is head of the world’s most powerful absolute monarchy, with unimpeded control over his incredibly oil-rich kingdom. Salman became king in 2013 at age 79 when his 90-year-old brother died. Not quite as beloved as European monarchy, any of Salman’s dissenters who dare question his rule face lengthy prison terms, floggings, and even execution.
8. African monarch lives large
King Mswati III of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) has an estimated net worth of $50 million (according to Forbes) despite escalating poverty in the country. He is one of Africa’s wealthiest royals, earning a salary from government, as well as making money off his various state investments including Ubombo Sugar, Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation (RSSC), Parmalat Swaziland, Swaziland Beverages and Swazi Spa Holdings.
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