Two young kings: A 1909 photograph of King Alfonso XIII of Spain and King Manuel II of Portugal

You might think that this is an old picture of an early gay couple. However, the two elegantly dressed young gentlemen in the photograph from 1909 are King Alfonso XIII of Spain (1886 - 1941) and King Manuel II of Portugal (1889 - 1932).

The photo was published in the Swedish weekly Hvar 8 Dag in 1909 with the subtitle "Faithful Friends and Good Neighbours".  In the 19th century and the early 20th century it was not at all uncommon for men to show friendship and pose in this way.

Hvar 8 Dag also mentions that there were rumours about a planned revolutionary uprising in Portugal.

The rumours proved to be true. The reign of Manuel II ended with the dissolution of the monarchy with the 5 October 1910 revolution. Manuel lived in exile the rest of his life.

Alfonso's reign lasted longer - until 1931 - after which he fled the country as the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed.

The Art of Amália Rodrigues

Portuguese Fado music is nowadays known and loved all over the world. For this we have foremostly to thank Amália Rodrigues (1920-1999), the Qeen of Fado, who still is unsurpassed as a Fado performer and one of the best female singers in any genre.

If you still are not familiar with the art of the great Amália, listen to these interpretations, and I think also you will become a fan:

Fado Português

Tudo isto é fado

Fado do Ciúme

Com que voz


The fine CD "The Art of Amália" and many other of her recordings are available e.g. here.