In 1580, Philip II of Spain (Castile and Aragon) inherited, conquered, and purchased Portugal. He was formally recognized at the Cortes of Tomar in 1581, and on that occasion, he gifted the imperial Convent of Christ—the former seat of the Order of the Templars—this extraordinary gold and enamel reliquary cross, which is said to contain a thorn from the Crown of Christ. The new king was the son of Isabella of Portugal and also descended from the Portuguese royal family through his Habsburg paternal line. There is a delightful genealogical irony here: among his ancestors, one finds more Portuguese (from the House of Aviz) than Castilians. The crowns remained separate, and the arrangement functioned reasonably well throughout his reign. Following the reigns of three Philips, this period ended with the expulsion of the House of Austria and the rise of the Most Serene House of Braganza (1640). The origin of the cross is uncertain—was it made in Spain or Portugal? Perhaps it came from Augsburg, Germany. This masterpiece serves both as an object of devotion and as an assertion of dynastic legitimacy. It is part of the treasury of the Lisbon Cathedral.

Original:

11 de junio de 1580, Badajoz, España.

El REY

Carta que su Majestad escriuió al Rey de la China,

“Don Phelippe por la graçia de Dios Rey de España, de Nápoles Siçilia Hierusalem, etc Indias yslas y tierra firme del mar oçéano Archiduque de Austria Duque de Borgoña de Brauante y Milán etc. Conde de Habspurg, de Flandes y de Tirol, etc, a uos el poderoso y muy estimado Rey de la China como aquél a quien deseamos el berdadero y entero bien salud y prosperidad con acreçentamyento de buenos deseos hauiendo entendido por auiso de mis gouernadores de las yslas Philipinas y relaçión de algunos religiosos que dellas han benido la prudençia y justiçia con que gouernáis ese gran reyno y el buen acogimiento y tratamyento que vuestros vasallos han hecho a los nuestros en los puertos y lugares donde han llegado y olgado mucho de lo vno y de lo otro os lo he querido sinificar y agradeçer por ésta y que me será muy agradable vuestra amistad y comunicaçión encaminándola prinçipalmente a la gloria y onrra del berdadero Dios criador del çielo y de la tierra y de todas las criaturas del mundo visibles e ynbisibles salua y glorificador de los hombres que con verdadero conoçimiento creen en él y obedezen su santa ley declarada por su palabra confirmada con sus diuinas señales al qual los christianos adoramos y reberençiamos y esperamos dél nuestra saluaçión y el llamamiento de todas las otras gentes a la luz de su Verdad como os lo darán a entender en particular los Religiosos de la orden de sant Augustín que ésta lleuan de quien seréis informado de la ley evangélica y cosas de nuestra santa fee católica, romana y del verdadero camino de la saluaçión de las almas, muy afectuosamente os ruego los oyáys y creáis en todo lo que cerca desto os dixeren. Que por sin dubda tengo que hauiendo vos resçiuido, de mano del mismo Dios tantos beneficios y mercedes y hauiéndoos dotado de tan buen juiçio y entendimiento conosçéreis que os enbío el bien y riqueza del çielo que por este medio ganaréis en cuyo respecto es nada toda la grandeza y monarchía de la tierra y seguir se a de aquí hazer estable nuestra amistad y la de nuestros subçesores y súbditos y creed que es en esta parte tan çinsero y piadoso mi deseo que estimaré en más ser instrumento de vuestra salbaçión y de la de vuestros basallos que ninguna otra cosa de las más preçiadas del mundo y assí os pido y ruego encareçidamente reçiváis y oyáis begninamente a estos religiosos que como ministros de Dios que es el que da y quita los reynos os instruyrán en lo que para yr a él hauéis de hazer y creáis lo que de mi parte os dixeren. Con la voluntad que os inuío algunas cosas de las que ay y se vsan en estos nuestros reynos por sinificaçión de la buena amistad que con uos tengo intención de conseruarla poderoso y muy amado Rey Dios nuestro Señor os alumbre con su graçia y con ella tenga vuestra persona y Real estado en su continua guarda de Badajoz a onze de Junio de mill y quinientos, y ochenta años, yo El Rey. Matheo Vázquez.”

Translation:

11 June 1580, Badajoz, Spain.

The KING

Letter that His Majesty wrote to the King of China,

“Don Philip, by the grace of God King of Spain, Naples, Sicily, Jerusalem, etc., of the Indies, islands, and mainland of the Ocean Sea; Archduke of Austria; Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, and Milan, etc.; Count of Habsburg, Flanders, and Tyrol, etc.: to you, the powerful and highly esteemed King of China—as one for whom we desire true and complete well-being, health, and prosperity, along with an increase in all good things—having learned through reports from my governors of the Philippine Islands and accounts from certain religious men who have come from there of the prudence and justice with which you govern that great kingdom, and of the warm welcome and treatment your subjects have extended to ours in the ports and places where they have arrived; and being greatly pleased by both matters, I wished to convey this to you and express my gratitude, and to let you know that your friendship and communication would be most welcome to me, directed primarily toward the glory and honor of the true God—Creator of heaven and earth and of all creatures in the world, visible and invisible, and the Savior and Glorifier of those who, with true understanding, believe in Him and obey His holy law, declared by His Word and confirmed by His divine signs whom we Christians adore and revere, and from whom we await our salvation and the calling of all other peoples to the light of His Truth—as the religious of the Order of Saint Augustine, who are bringing this message to you, will explain in detail. From them, you will learn of the Gospel law, the tenets of our holy Roman Catholic faith, and the true path to the salvation of souls; I most affectionately urge you to listen to them and believe all that they tell you regarding this matter. For I have no doubt that, having received so many benefits and graces from the hand of God Himself—and having been endowed by Him with such sound judgment and understanding—you will recognize that I am sending you the blessings and riches of Heaven, which you may gain through this means; compared to this, all earthly greatness and monarchy are as nothing. From this, a lasting friendship will be established between us, as well as between our successors and subjects. Believe that my desire in this regard is so sincere and devout that I would value being an instrument of your salvation—and that of your vassals—more than any other of the world's most precious treasures. Thus, I earnestly ask and beseech you to receive and listen kindly to these religious men; as ministers of God—who is the One that gives and takes away kingdoms—they will instruct you on what must be done to reach Him, and I ask that you believe what they convey on my behalf. I also send you, as a token of the good friendship I intend to maintain with you, certain items found and used in these realms of ours. May God our Lord enlighten you with His grace and keep you in His care, O mighty and dearly beloved King and Royal Estate, in its continuous guarding of Badajoz, on the eleventh of June, fifteen hundred and eighty; I, the King—Matheo Vázquez.”

The letter was part of the first Spanish royal embassy intended for China—which included Augustinian friars such as Jerónimo Marín, Francisco de Ortega, and Juan González de Mendoza, along with various gifts—but it never reached China; it was halted in New Spain due to opposition from the viceroy and theological-legal debates.

Bibliography:

.- General Archive of the Indies (AGI) in Seville: Patronato, 24, R. 51.

.- Carmen Y. Hsu, “Dos cartas de Felipe II al emperador de China,” eHumanista 4 (2004), pp. 194–209 (includes the transcription of both letters, from 1580 and 1581).

.- The “China en España” project at Pompeu Fabra University (transcription by Guillermo Martínez Taberner).

.- Chenguang Li, “Primera embajada regia de Felipe II con destino a la China de la dinastía Ming: Origen, preparación y abandono.” Autonomous University of Madrid. Estudios Humanísticos. Historia N° 15, 2016, pp. 241-266

Can someone help me add/correct my line of succession to the British throne? I’ve done it all my self and I just wanted a second opinion to correct my mistakes. Thanks

Context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%93present_Serbian_anti-corruption_protests

Honouring the enduring strength of the Aberfan community.
The King, The Queen and The Prince of Wales have joined survivors, bereaved families and members of the community in Aberfan to pay tribute to the 144 people who lost their lives in the disaster on 21st October 1966.

source: @theroyalfamily

With all the political unrest and dissatisfaction in France, I’ve found myself wondering whether a constitutional monarchy could offer something the modern French political system often struggles with: stability, continuity, and a symbol of national unity above party politics.

Now, I completely understand why the French are so firmly republican. Honestly, I don’t blame them! Their history with monarchy hasn’t exactly been a glowing endorsement.

From Louis XIV’s absolutism to Louis XVI’s disastrous reign, the French Crown became associated with privilege, inequality, financial mismanagement and rulers increasingly disconnected from ordinary people. The Revolution of 1789 was born from genuine grievances, and the monarchy ultimately paid the price. Even Napoleon, despite transforming French law and administration, became an Emperor who concentrated enormous power in his own hands.

The French have experienced monarchies, empires, republics, revolutions, and restorations. If anything, their history demonstrates just how difficult it has been to establish a political system that commands lasting public confidence.
But here’s my question: Do the failures of France’s historical monarchies mean monarchy itself could never work there again? I don’t think so.

I’m not advocating for an absolute King who dictates policy or governs without accountability. I’m talking about a constitutional monarchy where elected politicians govern, parliament holds power and the monarch serves as a largely ceremonial, politically neutral head of state.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that France’s recent unrest is inherently an argument for monarchy. Protests have specific causes, and changing the head of state wouldn’t magically solve economic problems, inequality, or public dissatisfaction. The issue is whether a different constitutional arrangement could offer something valuable in the long term.

I also recognize that republicanism is deeply embedded in French identity. For many French people, the Republic represents liberty, citizenship and the rejection of hereditary privilege. Any restoration would need genuine democratic legitimacy, and I certainly wouldn’t advocate imposing one on a population that didn’t want it.

Still, France’s royal history is part of its national heritage, whether modern republicans like it or not. And there are still competing royalist traditions today, including the Orléanists, Legitimists and Bonapartists. The existence of modern royal claimants makes me curious about whether constitutional monarchism has any realistic future in France.

I’ve even come across statements attributed to French royal claimants expressing a willingness to serve the country if circumstances ever called for it. I’d be interested to hear more from people familiar with these claims. I don’t believe France needs a King simply because its politicians are unpopular. No system is immune to corruption or incompetence. But I do wonder whether separating the symbolic head of state from the political head of government could help create a stronger sense of national continuity.

Realistically, I know a restoration is incredibly unlikely. The French aren’t exactly lining up outside Versailles demanding a coronation. However, I think it’s an interesting discussion worth having.

I’m wondering if there are any French members here who believe a constitutional monarchy could work in modern France? Or is republicanism simply too deeply rooted in French national identity? I’d genuinely love to hear from French monarchists and republicans alike. I’m not here to dismiss France’s history or pretend monarchy is a magic solution. I’m simply curious whether a modern constitutional monarchy could offer France something its current system cannot.

Historically it was very common but risky, especially in the 30s where anti-communist Royalists sided with or were sympathetic to fascists. In Germany this led to the Nazi dictatorship and then a permanent republic after it. In Italy it led to Mussolini and the abolition of the monarchy in a referendum after. In Spain it led to Franco who did restore the monarchy in the end, but only after decades of his dictatorship. So it often backfired because totalitarian ideologies want a control that they can't get from the more restrained monarchial system (even if there have been extremely authoritarian monarchies in the past, they are more loyal to their nation and dynasty than a modern ideology, and often prefer a gradual long-term plan than a extreme transformation).

Should monarchists then align with different ideologies or groups such as conservatives, environmentalists or Catholics? Is religion necessary to legitimize monarchy or are the Catholics too left-wing / republican / egalitarian? I personally have an aversion to the tech bros because I think they want to radically transform our society, so a monarchy / feudal system with them at the top is very dystopian, worse than historical feudalism. I also distrust Christian nationalists because they are too populist and see any aristocracy as part of the globalist lobby or are satanists. Historically Christian fanaticism led to many issues with the Crown, such as Cromwell vs Charles I.

HM The King hosted a state banquet held in honor of the Sultan of Oman's visit to the United Kingdom. The King was joined by HM The Queen, TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales, HRH The Princess Royaland Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

On a more personal note, I cannot help but highlight the elegance and my admiration for the Princess of Wales, who definitely took this ceremony to the next level—I believe we will all agree.

The King's speech, delivered to 160 guests in English with some quotes in Arabic, expressed his approval that his son Prince William had worked on an expedition project alongside the Sultan's son: "There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next," said the King.

MENU:

There was wine available at the banquet, but with Muslim guests of honour, the traditional banquet cocktail was replaced by a non-alcoholic spiced coffee drink.

-The state banquet, served in St George's Hall, offered guests:

-Croute of Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab with avocado, tomato consommé, and celery

-Pot roasted Windsor pheasant with spiced quince

-Stuffed cabbage and braised fondant potatoes in a Dijon mustard sauce

-Selection of assorted seasonal vegetables
Individual baked Alaska with Balmoral plum and Windsor estate honey ice cream

source: BBC, Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent

Hi all,
A while ago I posted about building one central place for monarchists around the world. I've made real progress since then, and I want to show you where it's going.

It will be free.

How it works
Instead of a normal website menu, the main page is a hall in the style of an ancient Greek temple. Each section is a place in that hall. You point at it, click, and the camera takes you there. If you prefer a plain menu, there is one.

The rooms
The Great Map (Directory). A world map with every country's borders and flag. Click a country to see the monarchist organisations based there, with their official website and social accounts. I'm starting with real, established societies from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Brazil. I took their links straight from each society's own website. Any organisation can apply to be listed. (would need your help on here)

The Forum. Discussion halls by region (Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Oceania) and by topic. (still deciding if by region or by topic)

The Senate (Debates). Structured debates between schools of thought, such as constitutional vs. executive monarchy. i see this as sharpening our self to be capable and able to expand monarchist ideals to new people, like a training ground for individuals.

The Library. Primary sources of monarchist thought, such as Filmer, Bodin, de Maistre and Bagehot, with translations by members. i was thinking of free files but have to see the legal stuff

The Workshop (Collaboration). Joint projects between societies and members: translations, events, volunteering. a place were we can work together globally to push the crowns.

The Astrolabe (Political Compass). A questionnaire that places you among the schools of monarchist thought. It covers power, faith and succession, similar to 12axes but only monarchist themed

If you run or belong to a monarchist organisation, would you want it on the map?
For the compass: which questions really separate monarchists from each other?
the work is through Claude, i wanted to provide some pictures but couldn’t, still the design is very basic.
Feedback is very welcome, harsh included.

Long live the Crowns.

Also, just last month, a street was renamed in Manhattan in her honour.

The Sultan of Oman has arrived at Windsor Castle, where he was welcomed by TM The King and Queen, and TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales. The state visit takes place from October 20 to 22, with a State Banquet being held this evening at Windsor Castle. The Sultan joined Their Majesties in a carriage procession through the town of Windsor before an inspection of the Guard of Honour at the castle, the Palace stated. This visit carries historical importance, as the last state visit by an Omani Sultan to the UK was in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Attention all monarchists! make svg of the first variant of CoA of Russian Empire of Nicholas I. Make wery good one, get respect. Bad SVG, not my respect. When you complete, send them in the comments, i will see how good you all made them

If there is one example of a person that may have had effective monarchical power without the ceremonial trappings and dress. It's him. How do you regard him? Was he King effectively speaking?

Personally I admire him for his capabilities and how he led Singapore to become what it is now.

Are there any monarchists from Slovakia on this sub, except me?

I am a very curious man.

It occurs to me that a head of state can often just be a symbolic representative of a group. As monarchists what’s to stop us all from affirming one emperor? Where all the other heads of state the Reguli still have their regional jurisdiction and powers, but ultimately we are represented in a ceremonial way by 1 Emperor.

Not determined by borders but rather by who he is. Much like how the holy Roman emperor was the monarch of a great many functionally sovereign princes and was owed nominal deference by the other kings.

Personally the best candidate for this would be HIRH Archduke Karl Von Habsburg. But I’m curious, who do other monarchists out there think would be a better universal head of state?

The King of Sweden invited the president of Singapore and his wife to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Starting this Monday and continuing for three days.

In this time when we witness yet another incompetence of the republic as a system and leadership in France, let us remember the glorious, Catholic, royal France, the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church. Let us remember the Bourbon dynasty and its kings, let us remember Joan of Arc, Louis IX, Charlemagne, and the martyrs of the revolution, Louis XVI and his family. In this time, a monarchy has never been more necessary for France.

La France se relèvera un jour avec l'aide de Dieu, vive le roi, vive la monarchie, vive la France !