Think the royals are all pearls, protocols and scandals? Think again. A new generation of European royals is stepping into the spotlight and they’re doing it on their own terms.
Whether they’re training at military academies, studying neuroscience or casually selling ceramics on Instagram, these Gen Z royals are worth watching. Here’s who’s catching our eye here at Sky HISTORY.
1. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 23
Elisabeth is the ultimate ‘girl power’ princess. As the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, she’s heir to the Belgian throne. But it wasn’t always this way. A decade before she was born, the national policy was changed to allow for female succession.
Elisabeth will be the first monarch to benefit and will eventually ascend to the throne as Belgian’s first Queen Regnant. If it hadn’t been changed, Prince Gabriel, her younger brother, would have stepped up as King.
Much like Britain and the Princess of Wales who often turns heads in the Wimbledon Royal Box, Belgium is gripped by the ‘Elisabeth’ effect, with fans of the royal rushing to replicate her looks.
2. Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, 21
Described as warm and down-to-earth, Princess Catharina-Amalia has won over the Netherlands with her no-nonsense approach to royal life.
One of her biggest moves was declining her royal allowance until she’s officially working for the crown. Her reasoning? She hadn’t ‘earned it yet’ and it felt wrong during a cost-of-living crisis.
Finances aren’t the only thing on her radar, though. She’s an advocate for mental health and has spoken openly about her experiences. She also helped spearhead a new legislation allowing LGBTQIA+ royals to marry whoever they like, without losing their right to the crown.
3. Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 21
Ingrid Alexandra isn’t just about high teas, galas and state banquets. She pairs her royal duties with a love for outdoor sports. Over the years she’s been spotted surfing, skiing and hiking. She’s even conquered Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway. And back in 2016 she lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics in Lillehammer.
When she ascends to the throne she’ll become the country’s first Queen Regnant since the 15th century, when Queen Margaret ruled Norway and the War of the Roses was unfolding in England.
4. Princess Leonor of Spain, 19
Like Archie and Lilibet, Princess Leonor of Spain had a closely guarded childhood with limited public appearances. However following her 18th birthday, Spain was spellbound by ‘Leonormania’ after the princess stepped into the public eye.
Leonor is currently completing officer training at a military academy but make no mistake, her off-duty look is all European chic. Think cropped pants, poplin shirts, wedge espadrilles and lots of Chanel.
5. Prince Christian of Denmark, 19
The eldest son of King Frederik X and Crown Princess Mary (who met at a pub during the Sydney 2000 Olympics), Prince Christian is heir apparent to the Danish throne.
When he’s not sporting military attire (he recently graduated as a Guard Hussar) he’s known for his classic, preppy-inspired style and is often photographed in brands like Prada and Polo Ralph Lauren.
6. Samuel Chatto, 28
Though technically not a working royal, Sam Chatto (grandson of Princess Margaret and second cousin of Princes William and Harry) is a certified Gen Z heartthrob.
After studying History of Art at Edinburgh, he pursued a passion for ceramics, recently showcasing his latest works at an exhibition in Japan. He’s also a certified yoga teacher (he completed his training in India) so who knows, maybe he leads the occasional class for fellow royals over Christmas at Sandringham.
7. Count Nikolai of Denmark, 25
Nikolai is fashion royalty, literally. He’s the eldest grandchild of Queen Margrethe II and despite recently being stripped of his princely title after a restructuring of the royal family, he’s still very much on the royal radar. And arguably the best-dressed among them.
He’s modelled for luxury brands like Burberry and Dior, worked with iconic Danish designer Georg Jensen and recently attended Australian Fashion Week.
More than tiaras and titles
This new wave of royals aren’t just here for pomp and ceremony. They’re soldiers, students, entrepreneurs, models and social activists. And yes, most of them have huge followings on social media.
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