Since antiquity, royals have also been a source of wonderment and fascination; even though their life is quite public their personal lives are still smoke and mirrors. Many countries still have monarchies integrated with the concurrent democracy, and their prominence relies on a glimpse of regal practices, traditions and conduct, which is like stepping back in the pages of history. Here are some of the most famous royal families in the world who have been firmly placed in the spotlight.
British Royal Family
Probably the most recognised royal family in the world, the British royal family can be seen making headlines with their every move or outing. Queen Elizabeth II was a very revered monarch of the House of Windsor and remained on the throne for over 70 years till she passed away at the age of 96. Her and her descendant’s lives have been subjected to many documentaries, movies and TV shows, which makes their popularity solidify. The most beloved of the family was King Charles III’s former wife, Princess Diana, who met a tragic demise in 1996.
Monaco Royal Family
Monaco itself has become a symbol of luxury, opulence and regality with Albert II, the sovereign prince. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and the former American actress Grace Kelly. Since his ascend to the throne, he has been vocal about the importance of education, community welfare, and environmental practices such as sustainability and ocean conservation. The Monaco royal family sought much of the worldwide spotlight when Prince Rainier III got married to Grace Kelly, who was the reigning box office queen of Hollywood, and their marriage became a source of much fanfare.
Japanese Imperial Family
Dating back to the 6th century B.C., the Japanese royal family, which is known as the House of Yamato, is the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy with 126 recognised monarchs where the current Emperor Naruhito has the highest monarchical title of Emperor. However, like many monarchies, his role is largely symbolic in nature, and the family follows male primogeniture, which makes Emperor Naruhito’s daughter eligible for the throne. With the birth of his nephew, he has become third in line to the throne.
Swedish Royal Family
Also known as the House of Bernadotte, the current rulers are King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife, Queen Silvia, who have ceremonial duties under the constitutional monarchy. He is known for his role as the annual presenter of the Nobel Prizes and for his involvement in the realm of environment, technology, and agriculture. He has three children, and his first-born daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, is the heir apparent to the Swedish throne with the effect of absolute primogeniture applied by Sweden’s 1979 Act of Succession.
Royal Family of Bhutan
Considered the only carbon-neutral country in the world, Bhutan is also home to their monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is also known as the Dragon King. After the abdication of his father in 2008, he became the King at the age of 28 and has become the ‘People King’ with his charm, wit and nonchalant attitude. The Himalayan nation was overjoyed when he got married in a public ceremonial marriage to Jetsun Pema in 2011, and she later got the title of the Queen of the Kingdom of Bhutan. They are blessed with three children, with the oldest next in line to the throne.
Royal Family of Jordan
Recently, the Royal Family of Jordan was in the limelight when the Crown Prince Hussein got married in a lavish ceremony at the Zahran Palace. His father is King Abdullah II Al Hussein, who belongs to the Hashemite dynasty which has been in power since 1921. He is known for his work in Jordan, and his wife, Queen Rania Al-Yassin, is considered one of the most fashionable royals.