Here is the January 2012 PBS documentary entitled, Secrets of the Manor House. The 55 minute program is eerily similar to the 1997 BBC Two documentary, The Aristocracy. Nevertheless, the PBS program is quite interesting and worth watching. 
Click here to watch the entire documentary.
Or, click the links below if the above direct link to PBS does not work for you.
On March 16, 2012, it was announced that Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium will attend a memorial service in Lommel, Belgium for the 28 people who died in a bus accident on Tuesday night in the tunnel of Sierre, in the south of the Switzerland.
Twenty-two of those who passed were children; six of them from the Netherlands according to the newspaper, France Soir. Members of the Dutch royal family will also attend the memorial service.
Earlier this morning, the entire Belgian nation, including King Albert II and Queen Paola, observed a moment of silence in honor of those who passed.
Click here to watch a news report from CNN
Meanwhile in Bottrop, Germany, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden opened the Malteaser Dementia Meeting Place. This new complex was developed in collaboration with Her Majesty’s personal foundation.
Sources: France Soir and Der Westen
Photo courtesy of France Soir
Here is the BBC Four documentary, Frederick the Great and the Enigma of Prussia, hosted by historian Christopher Clark.
The Prussian king Frederick the Great was one of the greatest warriors and leaders in modern European history, achieving greatness through the Seven Years War and lauded as a philosopher and cultured ‘Prince of the Enlightenment’. Christopher Clark re-examines the life and achievements of one of Germany’s most colourful and controversial leaders.
On March 16, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands participate in NL Doet, National Volunteer Day.
The purpose of NL Doet, organized by the Oranje Fond, is to encourage people to “…become involved in volunteering and to make a difference…” in their community.
Her Majesty along with her sister, Princess Margriet, Prince Bernhard, Prince Floris and Princess Aimée, Princess Annette were at the Stichting Assistentiehond Nederland (Assistance Foundation Netherlands) to lend a hand for several hours. According to NOS, the AFN:
…specializes in the training of assistance dogs to help those with mobility impairments. The Assistance Foundation Netherlands receives no structural subsidy and is run by 25 volunteers.
Meanwhile, Their Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima were in Leidschendam were they helped paint, clean, and restore a clubhouse for the scouting group, Satoko Kitahara.
Click the links below to watch videos as well as to view photos.
Sources: RVD and NOS
Photo courtesy of Het Koninklijk Huis
On March 16, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje opened the 15th Annual National Career Fair held at the RAI in Amsterdam. After the opening, the prince had a chance to mingled with attendees on the trade show floor. The purpose of the National Career Fair is to gather “… career orientated students and professionals to get in contact with 160 employers.”
Sources: RVD and PPE
On March 16, 2012, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales opened the 2012 Ideal Home Show in Earl’s Court, London. The heir to the British throne also showcased his own design, The Prince’s House, which highlights the:
…benefits of sustainable, eco-friendly living, this year’s Arts and Crafts House combines wonderful craftsmanship with the use of the finest local materials. The house, which takes its name after the 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement, was designed by a team which included HRH The Prince of Wales, and incorporates energy saving features directly into its design. source
For more information about the 2012 Ideal Home Show please click here.
Click the links below to view photos.
Sources: Princeofwales.gov and The Prince’s Foundation
Photo courtesy of Zimbio/WPA
On Thursday, March 16, 2012, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attended gala dinner in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) in Copenhagen.
On Friday, Crown Princess Mary participated in the DANIDA conference entitled, “Development Policy in a Changing World”. Afterward, she opened the exhibition, “DANIDA Circle Experience: A Different International Exhibition”.
Later on in the afternoon, Crown Princess Mary held an audience without the UN Under Secretary General/UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin at Frederik VIIIs Palace, Amalienborg.
Sources: Kongehuset and Danidadevforum.um.dk
After a two-year restoration at a cost of $18.8 million dollars the historic Kensington Palace is opened to the public.
On March 15, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the official reopening where they were given a tour lovely old palace, viewed the “…the new ‘Victoria Revealed exhibition’…” and much more.
Click the links below to read an article from BBC News and to view photos.
If you happen to be in London, England in the future and are interested in visiting Kensington Palace please click here for more information regarding tickets and so forth.
Source: Royal.gov.uk and BBC news
