Long before there was Princess Henry of Wales, Meghan Markle, there were other newsworthy princesses: Marguerite de Navarre, Canada's princess who wrote a collection of short stories; Princess Mirabai who resided in 16-century India and became a highly feminist poetess and later, a literal saint. And there were countless other bad-ass princesses too. Over the ages, real-life princesses have managed to enthrall laypeople through their memorable tales of female heroism, monarchy mayhem and lively lifestyles that make the Palace of Versailles appear minuscule in scope and size.
The reasons for the public's lasting obsession with any princess's historical reign vary: some people idolize the princess herself; others wish to celebrate her lifestyle that revels in royal rituals and riches; a select few yearn to unveil what's behind closed, chamber doors.
And palace doors inevitably do lead to the most alluring part of any legend: those grandiose castles with expansive ballrooms that serve to showcase gem-encrusted tiaras and sprawling gowns, and to keep gossip whisperings in check, occasionally entertaining even the court jesters themselves. A palace is the only place where over-the-top opulence collides with happily ever after, enabling royalty to endure well into and past the 21st century. Take a look at some of these palaces and enjoy imagining yourself as today’s royalty living in palace luxury.
Canada
It's not all snow and no play in Ontario, Canada. This castle is synonymous with Canadian royalty, glitz and wealth.
It's a world-class palace that offers nothing less than the most enchanted lifestyle.
It's where tradition and modernity meet to bring you, as modern-day royalty, a most celebratory feast.
Italy
Ireland
This architectural feat demonstrates the steady, onward progress of Ireland, and of the world. It always takes an illustrious past to beget a first-class future, and this palace provides proof of that sentiment.
In the heart of the tranquil Irish countryside bounded by green pastures, the salty ocean air and beguiling forestry, lies this historic and luxurious estate. Dating back centuries, this estate has a noble history and provides one of the finest examples of traditional Irish estates.
Recognizably, Ireland is one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world and this palace is one of the reasons as to why. In this castle, The Luck of the Irish is surely on royal display.
Despite the hoopla for contemporary and tech-savvy homes, there obviously still remains a strong desire for the traditional castle. With the above tours de force, every nanoscale detail, micro brushstroke and miniature engraving had as much creative effort and mastery put into it, as the massive pillars, cathedral ceilings, statues and marble fountains. These world-class palaces were created to inspire with their grandiosity; a reminder that the world is gilded for your delight, as a prince/ss by proxy.
All images courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
