Thelife- Royal Bridges is an exclusive society for artists from royal or noble households from around the world.
- The organization challenges the age-old belief that princesses and princes cannot be artists, something that was once considered "the same as being a prostitute" among royal circles, according to co-founder Henri Estramant.
- The organization's 25 members are from 18 different countries, and they regularly meet up to showcase their work and royal heritage at events hosted across the globe, from Dubai to London.
Tiaras, crowns, palaces, and jewels — these are likely on the list of things that come to mind when you think about the
Perhaps that's why Royal Bridges, the exclusive society for royals from around the world, has managed to stay off the grid for so long — or, at least, out of the tabloids.
There are 25 members from royal or noble households from 18 countries. Each member is either an artist or a supporter of the arts, and they share their work at different functions hosted by the organization.
It's something their ancestors would have been forbidden to do because art was previously considered too low-class for royals.
Royal Bridges defies the age-old belief that princes and princesses can't be artists
Royal Bridges co-founders Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Baron Henri Estramant launched the non-profit in 2016, with the ambition to "challenge the role typically assigned to royalty globally."
"In Europe, it was not acceptable before for royals and aristocrats to be artists," Estramant told Insider.
"So you had some of them who were very talented, who were never able to host exhibitions or show their art to the public because it was not okay.
"An artist was considered something low for a royal," he added. "Some people claimed being an artist was the same as being a prostitute."
Royal Bridges holds a personal significance for Shaikh Rashid, who is a member of Bahrain's ruling family, the House of Khalifa.
He knows better than anyone what it's like to balance royal life with an artistic career. Rashid co-founded the Bahrain Arts Society in the 1980s and showcased his paintings around the world while still remaining a prominent figure among the Khalifas.
Rashid, who has been "drawing, painting, and creating for as long as I can remember" said his royal status has little to do with the success he has found as a painter.
"I believe it has been accepted because of the work itself — not because of my status," Shaikh Rashid told Insider.
"At least, I hope it is. I paint for myself and by myself."
However, he also understands the challenges that other royals may face when it comes to showing their art.
"There can be a sense of judgment towards individuals of certain backgrounds as to whether or not they can be considered 'true' artists because they are perceived as being privileged," Rashid said.
"I disagree with this. We can't turn our attention away from talent, regardless of a person's upbringing."
'Royal Bridges is its own little cosmos'
The name Royal Bridges is rather fitting — the organization acts as a "bridge" between royal and artistic life, allowing its members to blend the two together.
For example, Prince Rostislav Romanov designed a watch using his own blood to commemorate the execution of his ancestors during the Russian Revolution.
Then there's Princess Miriam of Bulgaria, a gemologist and jewelry designer who married the late Prince Kardam. Royal fans can purchase $3,251 gold-plated tiaras from the princess' jewelry line.
One royal who understands the importance of blending identities is Princess Esther of Burundi.
Esther, who became France's first Black model after fleeing her home country when her father was assassinated, said Royal Bridges has helped to reinforce her royal identity.
"I was very proud to be the first African member of Royal Bridges," Esther told Insider.
"After the colonization, everybody forgot that we used to have kingdoms. So it was a very big honor for Africa, which I was representing," she added.
Esther has been involved with the organization from the beginning, having attended the society's inauguration in Dubai back in 2016. She said a highlight of the evening was getting to meet the other royals, including the Queen Mother Sangay of Bhutan.
"When I arrived there, I didn't know anybody. The next day, I knew everybody," she said. "It was beautiful to mix our knowledge and culture together."
Sheikha Sara Al Mualla of the United Arab Emirates also attended the inauguration, and several other Royal Bridges events in Dubai and London.
Although not a member, Sara is a longtime supporter of the organization.
"In just one evening I can meet people from my own regions but also from Europe, Africa, Asia, and America," Sheikha Sara told Insider.
"Royal Bridges is its own little cosmos."
Due to the current pandemic, its members haven't been meeting in person.
However, the society is still active online, hosting digital exhibitions on Google Arts and Culture and livestreams on Instagram.
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