Monarchy as a form of government is dying out: today there are only thirty states left in the world where there are still kings and emperors: fourteen in Asia, twelve in Europe, three in Africa and one in Oceania.
Of course, in the modern, mostly democratic world, there is no place for individual rule of the state, but still, people are not yet ready to completely part with royal traditions. In Great Britain, Japan and other monarchical countries, subjects are proud of the ruling dynasties and treat members of royal families as real stars or even divine messengers. If in Arab countries kings and sheikhs actually rule states, and in Asia rulers are treated with great trepidation, then in Europe the period of monarchy with a human face has begun. Some European princes and princesses calmly walk the streets without security, work in ordinary offices and even take their children to kindergarten themselves. Today, anyone has a chance to run into a member of the royal family and, if not repeat the fate of Kate Middleton, then at least just take a photo with a member of the royal dynasty as a souvenir. Especially for those who dream of seeing a real blue-blooded person, we have compiled a list of places where they can be found especially often:
Photo: REUTERS
1. At the British Royal Horse Races
During the famous royal races in the town of Ascot, you can at least look at members of the royal families from afar, and if you’re lucky, you can see some of them closer. The concentration of representatives of the most noble dynasties of Europe at the races at Ascot is simply off the charts – presence at them is mandatory for all British aristocrats, and members of other European houses often come to the competition at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain
We warn you in advance that attending this event is an expensive pleasure, even the simplest standing tickets for the Ascot races cost more than 100 euros, and prices for seats in boxes reach several thousand.
2. In Monaco
In the famous nightclubs and yacht clubs of Monte Carlo, you can bump into not only representatives of the princely dynasty of Monaco, but also blue-blooded people from other countries. In particular, Middle Eastern princes, princesses and their relatives love to relax here, but, you know, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get closer to them, the security won’t let them in.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Charlene
Members of royal dynasties and world-class stars annually gather in Monaco for the charity Rose Ball. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that mere mortals will be able to attend the ball itself; they say that the list of guests is personally compiled by Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Charlene. But Monaco a few days before and a few days after the event is one of the best places for photo hunting for celebrities, including royalty.
Drottningholm Palace in Sweden
3. In Scandinavia
As you know, Scandinavians, even the richest, prefer a simple lifestyle and do not really like glamor, and members of royal families are no exception. Despite their high status and large incomes, the Scandinavian royals tend not to stand out from their fellow citizens, so here you can meet members of the royal families just on the street: they walk their dogs, take the crown princes to kindergarten and ride bicycles.
Queen Margaret of Denmark celebrates her 70th birthday with other members of European royal families
It is logical to look for representatives of Northern European royal families near their places of permanent residence: the Royal Palace of Stockholm and Drottningholm Palace in Sweden, the royal residence of Amalienborg in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as the royal palace in Oslo and the Skaugum residence in Norway.
Central Park in New York
4. In New York
Young members of European royal families often prefer the New World – and specifically the USA and especially New York – to the Old. They are attracted to life overseas not only by the opportunity to get rid of the close attention of onlookers and paparazzi pursuing them in their homeland, but also by the chance to make a career.
Prince Philippos of Greece
For example, the Greek Prince Philip lives in Manhattan and works in an American hedge fund, and the Belgian Prince Amedeo worked for several years in the office of Deloitte & Touche in New York. Eugenie, Princess of York, also lived in this city for some time, and the Swedish Princess Madeleine even married the famous financier Chris O’Neill and moved to the USA for good.
Author: Anastasia Zakharova
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