Royal Blogger Spotlight: Sophie Ragas

Royal watchers live all around the world and speak dozens of languages. While many royal blogs are written in English, there are a lot written in other languages from French to Romanian.  In terms of overall coverage of royal topics outside of the English-speaking world, the German- and Dutch-speaking nations are definitely at the top of the lists. In these countries, royals from everywhere (not just England) are regularly covered in magazines and on television. There is even regular programming dedicated to royal life. 

So, it naturally follows that some of the best royal blogs out there are also based in these countries. One of the most comprehensive (and highest quality) blogs anywhere in the world is published in Dutch. Despite its English title, All Things Royal is written in Dutch, but Google Translate can certainly help speakers of other languages enjoy it. Originally publishing under the title Sophie's Royal Families, the mastermind behind this site is Sophie Ragas, who lives in Belgium, where both Dutch and French are official languages. All Things Royal covers contemporary and historic royalty, jewelry and palaces. It includes a blog, a section that provides a quick view of information about each modern monarchy and another section about each royal family's jewel collection. As an added bonus, there is also a forum where readers can ask and answer questions.

Our Questions for Sophie Ragas

What inspired you to create a web site about royal history?
It's one of my biggest interests, so when I wanted to learn how to make websites 15 years ago it was a bit of a no-brainer that the subject would be royalty!

What do you find most challenging about maintaining your blog or site?
Finding time to work on the website or to do research. To balance it with my other hobbies and interests is something I need to work at. It is also difficult sometimes to come up with interesting topics.

What do you find most rewarding about maintainging your blog or site?
It keeps me in the loop on the latest news and doing research lets me learn about new things or interesting facts. Sometimes I get compliments about the website, which I appreciate.

What is your first royal memory?
That would be when I was about six and the marital troubles of Charles and Diana began to become public. As a child you divide the world into good and bad, so I was firmly in team Diana.

Who are your personal favorites among royalty? Why?
The late Diana, Princess of Wales. Her connection with people, her charisma and style made me a big fan. Another favourite is Queen Máxima. With her warm and lively personality and love for jewelry it is impossible not to like her!

Sophie's Sites
Sophie also is a member on The Royal Forums, Nobiliana and The Royal Resource.

Where You Can Find Sophie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthingsroyal/
Twitter: @allthingsroyal