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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
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lloks like a very wired version of Justin bieber

    Ananas
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    anyone else think Bill Preston esq. ??

    🐼NaeNae🐼
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like someone who would be popular on TikTok

    Steven Hansmann
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He supposedly killed his first man at age 12.

    Risen Aboven
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    his neck definitely would not be that effeminate what are you trying to do here ?

    Doug Swicegood
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh I see! I apologize you're doing them as if they lived today! My bad!

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

    Shame he died so young, would've turned into a very handsome middle aged man

    Rabbit Carrot
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God he looks like a Paul brother. All the nopes.

    Kiahna
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is no one thinking that he looks like Hercules?

    Tim Coffman
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the one dude from Bill and Ted's excellent adventure

    Carly Kirn
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The base reference is model Ryan Taylor, for those wondering.

    Mehlinda Heartt
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a mere child that conquered most of the then world, wow

    Paul Sulkowski
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a young Anthony Michael Hall to me.

    Tarryn Louise
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Disney's Hercules cross with some surfer dude.

    Kristine Cua
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He needs a new barber. Alexander is cuter than this.

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

    he had I think a colored eye but its pretty good just a little less wavy hair and maybe slightly longer just dont make it too much like the sun god.

    Jeff Verkouille
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You've missed a bit of necessary further reading however: Caesar is also recorded as going bald early in his life. The hair on the sculpture used her was purposely styled to recall Alexander the Great's tousled locks. It was a propaganda device common to Roman political sculptures of prominent leaders of his time, and can be seen in similar busts of Caesar's rival Pompey and his adopted son Augustus.

    Claudia Glover
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    who needs a chin when you've got an empire

    Jesse McCann
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like Bill, or maybe Ted.

    Jeremy Whitley
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Justin Bieber and Jake Paul had a baby.

    Chris East
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    David Bowie also had heterochromia!

    Deku
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he would be a popular tiktoker

    Richard Catto
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yo, dude let's thrash it on Battlefield V xbox - bring doritos

    Richard Catto
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    dude, lets get some doritos and thrash it out in Battlefield V on xbox

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

    No. The human only generally fits the bust. The human head's too oblong. The bust's head is more egg-shaped, for want of a better word. They were too busy trying to match the eyes and hair color.

    Doug Swicegood
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His hair should be longer He looks like a 21st Century 20 year old! Otherwise your job is pure perfection. Handsomely executed!

    Linda Quinteros
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is going to sound way weird, but this looks like Noah Mac. He was on the Voice. You can find his current work on you tube. Gives me the chills...

    Ellen Turner
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep thinking of the NILHS statue

    jenjie.newt
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the bully in Encino Man

    Angela Vergara
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of a young, blonde Sylvester Stallone.

    Angela Vergara
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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

    Never heard he had heterochromia before

    Jasmine Walker
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a He's a singer or influencer

    Stan Zorin
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is a better Hellenistic portrait of Alexander. Why wasn't that used instead of this weird one ?

    Fatimah LeNora McGlown
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No offense, but he honestly looks creepy as heck. I would be a bit weirded out it I saw that today.

    nala simba
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was he really crosseyed? I prefer the original?!

    Dawn Hemming
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The hair looks wrong - too modern cut, when it looks like the bust has more hair at the sides and not just the top.

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

    Alexander looks quite the ponce.

    Chamara Lasantha
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But this new image looks like very young and someone as that powerful can't look like this. His cheeks are bit different also the eyes.

    Christopher Lee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure he didn't look that good after years of campaigning, hard-drinking, battle injuries, blows to the head and massacring his way across the middle east.

    Emmanuel Lenain-Bernier
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Alexander was very temperate with alcool and everything and it's said he's never been injured in the face or on the back in his life.

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

    Not many blonde Greeks....

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

    In one account Alexander is described as fair haired. In another, that he made his hair golden with saffron. And there are a surprising number of ancient Greeks mythological figures described as blonde, including Helen, Achilles and Athena. It is certainly a colour they associated with beauty at the time.

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    LSR
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a f*****g douche.

    Ragnar Vagmörnasson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aye, I pposted above, but it seems to have disapeared. It looks like a bloody queer boy to me. Must be from California.

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    Ragnar Vagmörnasson
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Looks like a bloody queer boy to me.

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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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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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    #26

    Benjamin Franklin

    Benjamin Franklin

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    Patrick O'Brien
    Community Member
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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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