The Royal Correspondent

On November 24, 2011, T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias visited the Paranal Observatory of ESO (European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere) in Cerro Paranal, Chile.

Once inside the facility speeches were made, including one regarding the construction of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), and soon the royal couple toured the amazing observatory.  Afterward, the prince and princess attended a lunch held at the residence of the astronomers who work at the ESO.

When asked what he thought about his visit to the facility Prince Felipe replied, “I can not express my enthusiasm for what we have seen and heard: I admit that astronomy is a hobby for me very dear…”  The prince also noted “…the importance of the E-ELT: ‘Spain has, of course, a great interest in the E-ELT … Our industries are very active in the design and manufacture of prototypes for the E-ELT telescope, are fully prepared and excited regarding this project.’ ”

To view photos please click here.

Source: La Tercera.com

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters

On November 24, 2011, H.R.H. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg was at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg to participate in the Développement et Promotion de l’Economie Solidaire au Service du Développement Durable à Luxembourg conference (whew! Long title.)

Any way, during the event the lovely grand duchess gave a speech as part of the

…submission of a development plan in Luxembourg to support the Solidarity Economy in the context of a discussion conducted in consultation with various industry representatives, with experts and academics.

To view photos from the conference please click here. 

Source: Cour Grand-Ducale de Luxembourg

On November 23, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was at the Musée Océanographique to attend the unveiling of well-known free diver, Mr.Pierre Frolla, new book entitled, Pirate des Abysses (Pirates of the Abyss).

To learn more about Mr. Frolla’s book click here. 

Source and photo courtesy of: Monaco Matin

On November 24, 2011, H.R.H. Princess Maxima of the Netherlands attended a conference organized and held at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in Breukelen.

As the Secretary-General’s United Nations Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and Honorary Patron of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion of the G20,  the princess spoke at the conference regarding inclusive finance. This year’s theme, “Sustainability in the Financial sector, Are We Ready?”, brought in other guest speakers including the chairman of the SER, Alexander Rinnooy Kan, and the head of the Principles of Responsible Investment, Rob Lake.  The conference concluded with a panel discussion on sustainability in the financial sector.

To view photos please click here.

Source: Nyenrode Business Universiteit and Het Koninklijk Huis

Photo courtesy of: Het Koninklijk Huis

On November 24, 2011, H.R.H. Princess Mathilde of Belgium was in Liege where she participated in a meeting regarding human trafficking.  According to the official site for the royal house of Belgium, the meeting was jointly organized by SÜRYA, PAYOKE and PAG-ASA, all three groups are deeply involved in the fight against the problem of modern slavery/human trafficking.

Meanwhile, in Brussels, H.R.H. Princess Astrid attended a medical and scientific research awards ceremony managed by the King Baudouin Foundation.

Source: Monarchie de Belge

The royal house of Sweden’s press officer, Bertil Ternert, confirmed that H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden will not attend this year’s Nobel Prize award ceremonies held at the Concert House in Stockholm.   Instead, the sweet princess will attend a ceremony in New York City that:

…celebrates the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie’s second Nobel Prize. The event, organized by The New York Academy of Science and held on December 10, will also pay tribute and other female scientists.

Source: Svensk Damtidning

Photo courtesy of: Kungahuset

On November 24, 2011, H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attended the launch of the campaign, SunSmart Summer 2011, at Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia.  This campaign, which works closely with the Cancer Society in Australia, is dedicated to raising awareness and research regarding the dangers of the Sun and skin Cancer.

Prior to the crown princess’s visit to the SunSmart Summer 2011 Campaign, she visited the Pakenham Springs Primary School to the delight of all:

Dressed in a tan and green blouse and white skirt, the Princess accepted bouquets and sat in the front row at a school assembly of 700 students.

After an inspection of the new building, constructed with the help of Danish firms, Mary lingered to speak to students who formed a line to farewell her.

Asked how she was enjoying her visit, she said: ‘Overwhelming, it’s just lovely. I have been so warmly received, it’s heartwarming.’  source

To learn more about the SunSmart 2011 Campaign please click here.

To view photos please click here. 

Click here to watch a video.

Source: Kongehuset

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters/AP

And, the official visit to Australia continues. On November 24, 2011, T.R.H.s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary have — you guessed it — another hectic day in lovely Melbourne.

The royal couple will have separate schedule’s this morning beginning with Crown Prince Frederik visiting George Weston Foods where he will be given a tour of the faculty as well as a presentation about the workings of the company… if that made any sense.

Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mary will visit the Pakenham Springs Primary school, attend the SunSmart Summer 2011 forum held at Parliament House.

Later in the afternoon the crown princely couple will attend the opening of the LEO Pharma Pharmaceuticals, visit the Lego competition Build the Change, then name a tugboat in Melbourne Harbor, and finally attended yet another gala dinner at Danfoss with Danish and Australian business representatives.

To watch a video as well as to view photos so far please click the links below:

•  VIDEO 
• Gallery One 
• Gallery Two 

Source: Kongehuset