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Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by historical facts and archaeology. I think humans perceive the past as a series of events; something like a movie that we can’t really feel or touch. I believe the things that bring us closer to the past are those that truly humanize us - the bodies from Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Inca mummies, the personal objects of long-gone historical figures, and more.

I’ve always thought how incredible it would be to see historical events and the famous people the way they actually happened and the way they actually looked. I started Royalty Now in February of 2019, simply as a way for me to see my favorite historical figure, Anne Boleyn, as a woman of modern times. I wanted to know if she could come to life from the few pale, flat portraits we have of her. I started the account to satisfy my own curiosity about what those interesting people of the past would look like if they were standing right in front of me. I’m incredibly thankful for the support and interest the account has received, and can’t wait to see what happens next with other historical people.

More info: Instagram

#1

Nefertiti

Nefertiti

"This bust of Nefertiti (believed to have been sculpted during her lifetime) is famous for its grace and beauty. Nefertiti lived from approximately 1370 - 1330 BC. She was an Egyptian queen and the wife of Akhenaten, an Egyptian Pharaoh. Akhenaten is famous for his attempt to transition Egypt into a monotheistic society (worshipping only the sun god, Aten), instead of a polytheistic one."

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    #2

    Julius Ceasar

    Julius Ceasar

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    #3

    Queen Elizabeth I

    Queen Elizabeth I

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    #4

    Alexander The Great

    Alexander The Great

    "I did some research on his looks and it is recorded that he had curly golden hair and heterochromia (one eye blue and one eye brown or a combo of both), so he was definitely a striking figure."

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    TheGr81sComing
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lloks like a very wired version of Justin bieber

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    #5

    Agrippina The Younger

    Agrippina The Younger

    "Agrippina the Younger is someone I only recently learned more about but she had a crazy life. She was the sister of Emperor Caligula and the mother of Emperor Nero. I highly recommend giving her a search if you’re interested in that era of Roman history!"

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    ju Hel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her (I think 3rd) husband changed her birthplace, a small village, into a roman city in her name. The oppidum ubiorum became Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, CCAA. Today known as Cologne (Köln)

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    #6

    Jane Austen

    Jane Austen

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    #7

    Anne Boleyn

    Anne Boleyn

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    #8

    Mary, Queen Of Scots

    Mary, Queen Of Scots

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    Lauren Moss
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love that you can see the resemblence between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth I!

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    #9

    Madame De Pompadour

    Madame De Pompadour

    "Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour. She first caught the eye of Louis XV at a masked ball in 1745 (it was said that she was dressed as a domino, and he was dressed as a plant) and was his chief mistress thereafter until 1751. Even after she was no longer Louis' mistress, she was a trusted friend, confidante, and advisor, essentially becoming one of the most powerful women at the French court until her death in 1764."

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    #10

    Empress Elisabeth Of Austria

    Empress Elisabeth Of Austria

    "During her life, Elisabeth (known as Sisi), was known for being beautiful, smart, rebellious and passionate. Definitely worth some digging into if you are interested in late 1800s Europe."

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    #11

    Louis XIV, The Sun King

    Louis XIV, The Sun King

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    #12

    Katherine Of Aragon

    Katherine Of Aragon

    "This portrait of Katherine of Aragon, wife of King Henry VIII and Queen of England from 1509-1533, has always been my favorite. There are several portraits of her that all range in looks, so it’s hard to tell her true likeness. I think this one captures her piety, meekness, and obedience as documented by historians."

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    #13

    Louis XV

    Louis XV

    "Louis XV is lesser known than his predecessor the Sun King and his heir, Louis XVI, but he was the second-longest reigning monarch in French history. I have always known him by his famous mistresses, Madame De Pompadour and Madame du Barry."

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    Seabeast
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He loved working with his hands, apparently. He'd probably have been a mechanic, carpenter, or worked at some other trade in modern times. Maybe a mechanical engineer, if he did go white collar.

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    #14

    Catherine Parr

    Catherine Parr

    "She was the only wife to outlive the king, who was tyrannical in his last years."

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    Viviane
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anne of Cleves outlived him as well. She got the best deal: Henry VIII annulled the marriage within a year, gave her some nice properties, a title, and honorary membership to the family as "the King's Beloved Sister" (invitations to court without the hassle of being married to someone toxic).

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    #15

    Marie Antionette

    Marie Antionette

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    M.J.
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the actress Judy Greer

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    #16

    The Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov

    The Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov

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    #17

    Queen Isabella Of Castile

    Queen Isabella Of Castile

    "Queen Isabella of Castile, partner to Ferdinand II of Aragon and the queen who sent Columbus on his way to the “new world” in 1492. "

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    #18

    Emperor Augustus

    Emperor Augustus

    "Emperor Augustus (born Octavius, the great-nephew of Julius Caesar) was the first emperor of Rome, ending 500 years of republic. He’s an incredibly controversial figure, especially due to the smart and ruthless way he came to power, but he ruled over a time of relative peace in the Roman empire."

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    #19

    Abraham Lincoln

    Abraham Lincoln

    "Abe Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis. He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy."

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    Dl B
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He would look like Daniel Day Lewis

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    #20

    Christina Of Denmark

    Christina Of Denmark

    "Christina of Denmark, seen here in an original Hans Holbein portrait, lived from 1521 - 1590. Christina was considered as a possible bride for King Henry VIII of England. Christina was not fond of the English King's reputation, given that he had divorced his first wife and beheaded his second wife. The originator of one of the greatest quotes about King Henry in history, Christina famously said: "If I had two heads, one should be at the King of England's disposal." What an amazing denial to a marriage proposal."

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    #21

    Katherine Howard

    Katherine Howard

    "Katherine Howard (c. 1523 – 13 February 1542) was Queen of England for only 16 months as the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Katherine was actually the cousin of Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn. When they married, he was 49 and she only 16 or 17. Katherine was accused of adultery and executed by the King, ending her short reign as the Queen of England."

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    Jster
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So this is what started duck lips

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    #22

    Eleanor Of Toledo

    Eleanor Of Toledo

    "Eleanor of Toledo was an astonishing woman. Originally from Toledo, Spain, she was a bride to a famous member of the Medici Family, Cosimo I de Medici. Her husband regularly consulted with her on matters of politics, and she even served as consort during his time away from Florence."

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    #23

    Madame Du Barry

    Madame Du Barry

    "This is Madame du Barry - the official mistress of Louis XV after his first love, Madame de Pompadour’s death."

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    #24

    Caligula

    Caligula

    "Caligula, infamous brat and Roman Emperor."

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    Christoph Lindemann
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You could have just postet a picture of Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones). They look pretty much alike.

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    #25

    Napoleon

    Napoleon

    "Did you know that Napoleon was most likely 5'7"? That's taller than King Louis XIV. Some say his perceived smaller stature was due to him looking small in comparison to his huge accomplishments. Others say there was an error when translating his true height from French to English. Who do you think he looks like here?"

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    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would imagine that back then the artist would have idealized the subject.

    Pamela Cole
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me, he looks a bit like Alan Alda

    Julie Gates
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Jon S.
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have been led to believe the rumours of his small stature come from British cartoons that regularly mocked him as tiny angry clown. Similar to the way south park portrays Kim Jong Un.

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All his personal guard were 6'5" or taller. Of course he looked short, and of course the British cartoonists took advantage of that.

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    Helen Haley
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like that CEO no one wants to work for.

    David D'Arcy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was my first thought! And second. Definitely closer to Piers Morgan than Quentin Tarantino. Or David Cameron!!

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    Frank Biekart
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give him command of the US or Russia and tomorrow he'd be conquoring the world. Theres no military or political mind like his before or since. One tough Corsican

    Kade MacNeill
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The modern-day version looks like the director from night at the museum

    Murray Gewirtz
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why did you make Napoleon's ear altogether different than the one in the painting?!

    Jim Ellington
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, the troops he was usually surrounded by were exceptionally tall for their day.

    Cookie
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His neck is too thin and long in the second pic.

    Victoria Buckley
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a collection of his and his courts clothes at a gallery a few years ago. They were all tiny

    Kjorn
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    makes me think of Alan Alda in M.A.S.H.

    Jewels Julianna Johansson
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know what they say: big ears, big ____. Imparting a subtle hint to having a larger than average, hmm _appetite?

    Shelley Adams
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actor Tobey McGuire (“Spider-Man” and “Seabiscuit”) but Napoleon has a GREAT nose! Better than his. Appears to have been broken at some time in his life.

    Avery Games
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A legendary general. This guy was a total badass

    L Christison
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Grandpa Munster in his youth

    L Christison
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Grandpa from The Munsters in his youth

    nico viljoen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's Joaquin Phoenix, surely!

    nico viljoen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's Joaquin Phoenix, sure of it!

    Martin Roy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Today looks like Jared Kushner. SCARY!

    devin clary
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is also described as swarthy, a little darker. - as depicted on the left. He supposedly looked like a little chubby Italian man

    Bri Bee
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he's almost as tall as jojo siwa, so thats pretty cool

    Jessica Elizalde
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If reincarnated, Napoleon would be one of those 40 year olds still wearing an Adidas track suit and thinking they're a bogan

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was small compared to his personal guard, all of who were 6'5" or taller, and then they wore those ridiculous hats (kinda like the wooly things some British soldiers wear.)

    mande.b
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It˙s not wool at all! Those tall hats, that Britts Queen Guard are wearing are made from bears skin!

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    Tom Adam
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me, or does that modern rendering make him look like Ted Cruz?

    Tyrone Bunce
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any military megalomaniac you care to mention .... !!!

    Silard Antal
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Phil Collins close resemblance?

    Adrian Johnson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like Dominic Cummings in a wig. Dominic Cummings acts like him. They would have liked each other.

    Sarah Storm
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he looks like Dwight Schrute from the Office US. Might just be me though. I mean, the haircut is different, but the face structure is similar.

    Robby
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, who coincidentally is 5’7”. He the guy that price fixed life saving medication by jacking up the price.

    Nick McPherran
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His height, and body weight prob gave the illusion of shorter. His round face, and thick neck didn't translate well into newer photo.

    Marc Phlip
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was definitly not short at all, this is story created by his enemy to try to belittle him, I that time this is the only thing they could do against him

    Barbara Gilman
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lack of color translation throws me--the portraits are much healthier looking with their spray tan than the "modern" portraits. People were pretty short in those days.... diet . . . so 2" would be a biggie but short is short. That's why George Washington's height was such a huge shock in his time

    sam
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone else see Elon Musk?

    Barbara Gusset
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like the German comedian Hirschhausen.

    Mel S
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like John Delancie, back in his Q days, to me!

    Kristin Webb
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cross between a young Michael Douglas and Paul Newman, perhaps?

    Gingergirl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah same with Lincoln

    Nemanja Marić
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actualy, he was wery young when he became corporal, so they called him "little corporal". ;-)

    Helen Chappell
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought John Belushi could have been Bonaparte.

    Sunny Hernandez
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Today, he might be selling you an iPad. 😁

    gavin smith
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... he ate the ziggy-piggy

    Ray Johnson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they completely different ears.

    Dana Melody
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like he could have been cast in Downton Abbey.

    Russian Otaku
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The stupid as f**k him being short s**t is long lasting propaganda that idiots to this day don't stop spreading

    Stephen Matthews
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The point made about British propaganda, especially, is correct. Also, his Imperial Guard were all 6' plus without their tall bearskin hats. He was above average height.

    Joe Leong
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kinda resembles a young version of that abhorrent c**t George Osbourne

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    #26

    Benjamin Franklin

    Benjamin Franklin

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    Patrick O'Brien
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something of Anthony Hopkins in the expression of the likeness.

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    #27

    Henry VIII

    Henry VIII

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    #28

    King Henry VII

    King Henry VII

    "Here we are with Henry VII, the first tudor monarch, a frequent request from you all. Henry was the last king of England to attain the throne in battle after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485."

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    Sunny Hernandez
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank God for Princess Di and Kate Middleton. Inbreeding leads to so much ugliness. 😁

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    #29

    Mona Lisa

    Mona Lisa

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    Patrick O'Brien
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Close, but if I met the likeness, I'm not sure the first thing I would think of is Mona Lisa. The shape of the face is not quite right and her expression lacks the subtlety of the original.

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    #30

    Grace Kelly

    Grace Kelly

    "Grace Kelly, American film actress and Princess of Monaco."

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    Jim Kang
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look, she doesn't need you to "improve" her look. She was, and still is stunning.

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    #31

    Mary I

    Mary I

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    sh
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like Greta all grown up.

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    #32

    Anne Of Cleves

    Anne Of Cleves

    "Another of Henry VIII's wives (arguably the luckiest of the six), this portrait really shows the beauty of Anne of Cleves. The reputation she earned after being rejected by the King was completely unearned in my opinion."

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    #33

    Prince Albert

    Prince Albert

    "Prince Albert, shown here at age 21 and painted by John Partridge in 1840. Albert was the Prince Consort to Queen Victoria for 22 years, resulting in 9 children and a massive dynasty that would eventually extend to many of the royal houses in Europe."

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    Kristy P
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Do you have Prince Albert in a can?" lol

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    #34

    Ingrid Bergman

    Ingrid Bergman

    "Not exactly royalty....but definitely Hollywood royalty. Academy award-winning actress Ingrid Bergman."

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    Nisse Danielsson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just take a photo of Izabella Rossellino, het daughter, it looks exact like the photo on the right.

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    #35

    Jane Seymour

    Jane Seymour

    "Jane Seymour was the third wife of Henry VIII, and the only one to give him a living son and heir."

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    Jim Ellington
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looked much better in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

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    #36

    Wallis Simpson

    Wallis Simpson

    "Wallis Simpson was the American socialite and divorcée at the heart of the Abdication Crisis that caused King Edward VIII to give up the throne. This unlikely turn of events is the reason Queen Elizabeth II rules today, as her father (George VI) stepped in to take Edward’s place as king."

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    #37

    Young Queen Victoria

    Young Queen Victoria

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    #38

    Julie Andrews

    Julie Andrews

    "Julie Andrews is a Hollywood ICON and star of one of my favorites, the Sound of Music."

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    #39

    Elizabeth Taylor

    Elizabeth Taylor

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