Some monarchies have modernised to stay relevant but other dynasties have not been so successful
While the pomp and tradition of the British monarchy continue to fascinate people and media around the world, the Windsors are far from the only royal dynasty to have survived into the 21st century. Other European monarchies, from Spain to Belgium and from Norway to the Netherlands, have made similar efforts to adapt, modernise and stay relevant. Some have been more successful than others.
Spain’s royal family, once seen as a model of modest, modern monarchy, has endured a turbulent few years. Juan Carlos, long lauded for helping to steer the country back to democracy after the Franco dictatorship – and facing down an attempted coup in 1981 – has had a protracted fall from grace.
