The arrival of the youngest of six children, born to Nicholaas and Kitty de Wet on the farm "Erdzak" (Bag of Earth) in the old Transvaal town of Standerton, coincided to the day with the arrival of the British Royal family in South Africa in 1947 - hence the name Royalene.
After matriculating from Pretoria High School for Girls in 1964, she undertook a career in graphic design, which she followed until her marriage. Commencing in 1965, her early work was in brush and acrylic, covering a wide range of subject matter. Later her professional work developed, using palette-knife and oils, and her flowers took on a bold and distinctive style.
In South Africa specifically, her work forms part of the private collections of amongst others, Sandy Ngema, the Chris Hani-family and the Spillhaus private homestead. The writer, Alec Natas's fascination with her work, prompted the following response: "It seems as if her emotions and her logical mind have come to terms, thus creating a tranquillity and harmony of colour, resulting in works of great poetic beauty."
Corporate companies, amongst others BMW, have invested in her art for the embellishment of their offices.
Royalene exquisitely captures the very essence of floral beauty and splendour in incredible saturated colour. Her very large pieces portray the strength and vibrance of her unique and authentic style. The latter is a result of her accepting the advice of Lesley Giblett (a custodian of hand-lettering) who cautioned her "never to take an art lesson in your life" because he said: "Royalene, you have an individuality that you must retain at all costs."
