The Royal Correspondent

Here is a interesting fact recently published by ‘Iolani Palace via the now defunct Pacific Commercial Advertiser newspaper:

“On the afternoon Monday, August 12, 1882, His Majesty the King entertained the Nobles and Representatives at a banquet at the dining hall of the new palace….”

Click here to read the rest of the article on the official ‘Iolani Palace Facebook page. And, while you are at it why not “like” their page?  Why? Well, they always publish interesting news, upcoming events, and facts about the palace as well as the royal family.  

And, finally, here is a video about the history of the palace and the Hawaiian royal family entitled, ‘Iolani Palace: A King’s Noble Vision.

On Sunday, August 5, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, in his role as patron, hosted a classic car show in the courtyard of Schloss Berleburg.

Over one hundred classic cars and motorcycles were on display before each owner drove out of the schloss for a car rally (basically, it’s a car run/tour from one town to another… if that makes any sense).

Source and photo courtesy of: SZ

So, yeah, it is somewhat of a slow news day, and I suppose now is the time to post a nice article from the Danish magazine, Billed Bladet, regarding Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece.

The article discusses her life and her status as a “… royal style icon.”  Click here to read the article as well as to view photos.

Here is the documentary regarding Their Imperial and Royal Highnesses Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie von Preußen entitled, Das Erbe des Kaisers.  Click here to watch the entire documentary. (in German)

With many thanks to Princesas de la Realeza for finding and publishing the video first.  

On August 15, 2012, the Swedish royal court released a new photo of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel as well as the adorable Princess Estelle.  The image, shot by Ms. Kate Gabor, was photographed a few days ago at Haga Palace.

Meanwhile, the super awesome Swedish magazine, Svensk Damtidning, claims that His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip and his controversial girlfriend, Sofia Hellqvist, are planning their engagement announcement!  Gee, what wonderful news!  

And, finally, it appears that Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden did not return to the south of France this week for another holiday.  Instead on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, Her Majesty held an audience with Brazil’s Vice President, Mr. Michel Temer and his lovely wife, Marcela, at the royal palace in Stockholm.

This afternoon Her Majesty hosted a lovely reception, again at the royal palace in Stockholm, on the occasion of the “… soccer match between Brazil and Sweden held at Råsunda Stadium …”  Guests at today’s event included Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, soccer legend Pele, representatives from Swedish parliament and government as well as members of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to name a few.

After the reception everyone, including Her Majesty, bolted on over to the Råsunda Stadium to watch the friendly soccer match.  

It was announced by Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland as a “… precautionary measure after a recurrence of a bladder infection…”  His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will remain in the hospital for the next few days for “…investigation and treatment…” according to the Deputy Press Secretary to Her Majesty The Queen.

This is the second time within a year that the awesome 91-year-old duke was admitted to the hospital for a bladder infection.

For more information about this breaking news please click here and here. 

On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark officially opened the 2012 Odense Blomsterfestival (Flower Show).  This year’s theme: Nordic Adventure.

Upon her arrival Crown Princess Mary was greeted by the mayor of Odense, Anker Boye, as well as thousands of attendees.  After listening to a speech by Mayor Boye as well as enjoying musical performance by the Odense Symphony Orchestra the crown princess baptized a beautiful new rose entitled, Princess of Infinity.

Afterward, the Crown Princess Mary visited various flower exhibitions at the famous show as well as attended a lovely reception held inside the Ceremonial Hall at the Odense Rådhus.

For more information about the Odense Blomsterfestival please visit their official website here.  If you happen to live in Denmark and are interested in visiting the show it ends on August 19, 2012.  

Click here and here to watch videos (in Danish).  Click here to view more photos. 

Source: Blomsterfestival.dk

On August, 15, 2012, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended a memorial service at Budokan Hall in Tokyo to “… honor the dead on the 67th anniversary of Japan’s surrender thus ending World War II [pacific theater]…”  

And, finally, tensions are rising between South Korea and China regarding Japan’s “…past military aggressions towards its Asian neighbors…”  Click here and here for more information (in English).

Interview with Prince Hans-Adam II

On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein along with Hereditary Prince Alois and Princess Sophie celebrated National Day 2012 in Vaduz.  Unfortunately, Prince Maximilian and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein did not attend.

The princely family, along with thousands of locals, celebrated their special day “… on the grassy meadows below Vaduz Castle… at 2pm a folk festival began in the Vaduz Städtle and in the evening there were fireworks…”

Also, during today’s celebrations Hereditary Prince Alois gave a speech regarding immigration and reforms.  Here is what he had to say (rough translation, sorry):

Hereditary Prince Alois has called for reforms and a Cautious Opening of  Immigration for Economic Reasons.

‘The economy calls for an easing of immigration rules. Otherwise, the country could recruit not enough experts in the current critical phase’ the Hereditary Prince Alois said in his speech on the Vaduz Castle meadow in the splendid summer weather before over 2,000 festival visitors. 

Hereditary Prince Alois, who took over the reign from his father eight years ago, proposed a “well-designed and cautious opening” of immigration. The country should be connected to a facilitated naturalization of host foreigners. Liechtenstein is one of approximately 37,000 inhabitants and almost as many jobs as possible. The commuters make up the majority of the employees.

Reforms according to Hereditary Prince Alois are also needed in the next few years in the social system. He also spoke about pension, care, family support and health. The responsibility in these areas must be strengthened and help must come to the really needy. According to the prince, this means that quite a few premium payers will get the cost of social security systems to track more.

As another key priority, is the education system. The system has improved not only by money, but need further reforms, roughly in the direction of school autonomy.

Source: Volksblatt