Few can claim to possess the inner beauty of Princess Elizabeth Feodorovna. Strong of spirit, with a deep belief in her convictions and a penchant for kindness, Feodorovna touched the hearts of all who knew her. Despite the jaw-dropping tragedies that life threw her way, Feodorovna remained strong, even in the face of her horrific and grisly end.
Fanny Murray was the 18th century courtesan who had London’s most powerful men worshiping at her feet. The mere mention of her name was enough to bring the rich and powerful to ruin.
Rainier III was the Prince of Monaco who swept the American actress Grace Kelly off her feet. But lurking beneath the surface of his idyllic, princely life was a family full of connivers, liars, and thieves.
Ella Harper bravely turned her unique legs into a moneymaker—but life continued to serve up horrible sorrows until she finally met her tragic end.
Catherine Howard reigned for barely a year-and-a-half. She seemingly left behind no children or legacies—except for one huge tragedy. She was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, and only the second English queen to ever be executed for adultery and treason. The first, Anne Boleyn, has gone down in infamy. But Catherine's history is even darker.
Brooke Astor lived the kind of life that many people dream of. She had multiple homes, cars with drivers, and servants who catered to her every need. Brooke, however, made one mistake that would lead her to a life of squalor, fear, and danger. What was her mistake? She neglected to give her only son "enough" attention. When this spurned child reached adulthood, nothing could stop him from wreaking his brutal revenge.
Anne Boleyn is one of the most infamous and tragic queens in history—and for good reason. Her courtship of King Henry VIII turned into the scandal of the century, with English law changing literally under her well-shod feet. But once Anne actually succeeded in becoming consort, her naughty fairy tale transformed into a vicious nightmare. One she would never make out alive.
Mary Vetsera was a noblewoman from an ambitious family that had grand intentions of climbing the Austro-Hungarian social ladder. A hopeless romantic, Mary herself would embrace her family’s dreams as her own. Only, instead of a happily ever after, she met a tragic and grisly end.
It was a twist of fate that made Charles IX the child king of France, but it was his own horrible decision that caused it all to come tumbling down around him.
Clowns can be delightful, hilarious, and sometimes even terrifying. Emmett Kelly took his Weary Willie in an entirely different direction and entertained with sadness.
The Russian Empire saw a long line of extravagant, deranged, and scandalous Tsars, yet believe me when I say that Empress Elizabeth of Russia puts them all to shame.
Princess Ka’iulani’s story is unlike any other royal tale. Even though this Hawaiian beauty lost her life at a tragically young age, Princess Ka'iulani certainly made her time on earth count. Amidst her incredibly tumultuous personal life and health struggles, she fiercely fought for Hawaii and for her people. So, put on a lei and join us in paying tribute to Hawaii’s “Island Rose.”
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