The Royal Dispatch
Rarely-seen Monaco royals and the reappearance of a royal tiara
Happy Sunday, Royal Clubbers, it’s Millie in your inboxes once again with the newest edition of The Royal Dispatch. If you missed the last one, you can read it here.
You may have recognised the aquamarine and diamond tiara worn by Queen Camilla to a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace? The stunning headpiece was worn by Duchess Sophie to two royal weddings – in 2013 at the wedding of Sweden’s Princess Madeleine, and in 2012 at the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg’s nuptials.
Before we go into the royal pictures of the week, it’s time for some royal history.
On this day in royal history, 24 November 1221, The Battle of the Indus was fought between Shah Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu of the Khwarezmian Empire, and Genghis Khan, also called Chinggis, of the Mongol Empire.
It was a critical battle for the Mongol khan, as victory would mean the completion of his conquest of Central Asia.
For context, both the Mongol and Khwarezmian Empires rose to prominence at similar times and seemed poised to co-exist peacefully. This peace was shattered when Jalal ad-Din’s father, Muhammad II, executed a senior Mongol emissary.
Quick to deliver retribution, Genghis invaded, and both sides battled. The tide soon turned in favour of Genghis.
Muhammad II fled and died in exile, leaving his son Jalal ad-Din to step up to try and save his failing empire.
Jalal ad-Din quickly mobilised his forces and was able to defeat a Mongol general at the Battle of Parwan using expert strategy.
Unfortunately for Jalal, a large portion of his victorious army deserted after arguing over the spoils of battle. He knew he had little hope of defeating the Mongols, so began to retreat to India.
The Mongols caught up with Jalal ad-Din’s army, and the two forces faced off at dawn. Jalal ad-Din was an extremely capable strategist, and held his own against Genghis until the Mongol army began to break their flank.
Soon it was clear the battle was lost but the brave Jalal ad-Din continued fighting, breaking through the Mongol lines, breaking through them and riding his horse off a 30 foot cliff. Miraculously, he survived and Genghis spared his life.
He called his own sons to watch his rival and said: “Fortunate should be the father of such a son.” While Jalal ad-Din’s sons were killed and his possessions seized, he managed to gather up some of the army and establish a state in India.
Quite the tub-thumping tale! And if you love a spot of history, then don’t forget to read this month’s The Royal Archive, where I look at more royals who fought in wars.
Take a look at the highlights from the week below and scroll to the end for next week’s royal diary…