The Royal Correspondent

Well, if you’re not sick and tired of hearing about yesterday’s lovely christening of the Danish royal twins, H.R.H. Prince Vincent and H.R.H. Princess Josephine of Denmark, well… too bad.

I’m kidding.  :)

Here is some other information that should mildly entertain you for the next minute and a half.  On the guest-list there were some notable VIPs and a small — very small –group of royals that attend the ceremony.

First, the royals:

1. Hendes Majestæt Dronningen
2. Hans Kongelige Højhed Prinsgemalen
3. Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Christian
4. Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Isabella
5. Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Joachim
6. Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Marie
7. Hans Højhed Prins Nikolai
8. Hans Højhed Prins Felix
9. Hans Højhed Prins Henrik
10. Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Benedikte (Denmark and Germany)
11. Hans Højhed Prins Richard zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (Germany)
12. Hans Højhed Prins Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (Germany)
13. Fr. Carina Axelsson (not a royal.  Partner to Prince Gustav)
14. Hendes Majestæt Dronning Anne-Marie (Greece)
15. His Royal Highness Prince Nikolaos (Greece)
16. Her Royal Highness Princess Tatiana (Greece)
17. Son Altesse Royale le Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles (Italy)
18. Son Altesse Royale la Princesse Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles (Italy)

1. H.E. Skibsreder Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller
2. Lensgrevinde Bente Bernstorff-Gyldensteen
3. H.E. The Ambassador of Australia, Mr. James Choi
4. Overborgmester i Københavns Kommune Frank Jensen
5. Fashion Designer Malene Birger
6. Fr. Caroline Fleming
7. Fr. Rose Gad Foss
8. Actress Ellen Hillingsø
9. Photographer Marc Reingaard Høm
10. Fr. Marie-Louise Høm
11. Læge Henrik Jepsen
12. Actress Hella Joof
13. Director Søren Jessen
14. Unemployed Radio Host/Party Girl Amber Petty
15. Countess Pernille Wedell
16. Baron Ditlev Wedell-Wedellsborg
17. Baronesse Dorte Wedell-Wedellsborg
18. Baron Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg
19. Baronesse Rebecca Alexandra Wedell-Wedellsborg
20. Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott
21. Count Valdemar of Rosenborg
22. Countess Marina of Rosenborg
23. Guitarist Henrik Tvede
24. Personal Assistent/”Stylist” Anja Camilla Alajdi

After the reception at the palace there was an after-party at a club named Simons. According to BT.dk, a majority of those who attended the private dinner went clubbing except Crown Princess Mary, H.H. Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Carina Axelsson, T.R.H.s Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana of Greece and several others.  To read and watch a video clips of the christening party having a blast at Simons nightclub please click the links here,  here,  here, and here. 

To learn more about the christening robes please click the link:  Kongehuset.dk

Information about the Baptismal Font and the Christening set per the official website for the Royal House of Denmark:

The baptismal font was produced by the goldsmiths, Gödert Bodtstede and Christian Mundt II, in Hamburg about 1660. The font is made of silver and is partially gilt.

At the bottom of the font there is a relief of the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. Above, it shows God the Father and the Dove of the Holy Spirit.

Together with the baptismal font there is a christening set. It includes a christening basin, a water pitcher and two candlesticks, all of pure gold. The set was probably made about 1650 by the goldsmith Hinrich Lambrecht II of Hamburg. The decoration is of a non-religious nature. The basin, for example, shows scenes from the four seasons. Originally, the basin, pitcher and candlesticks may have been part of a dressing set.

The baptismal font and the christening set have been used for the christening of all Danish Royal Children since 1671. The first time the baptismal font and the christening set were used was on the occasion of the baptism of Crown Prince Frederik, later to become Frederik IV. He was the first crown prince to be baptised after the introduction of Absolute Monarchy in 1660. The establishment of Absolutism marked the beginning of Hereditary Monarchy in Denmark. It was therefore important to underline that the children who were christened in the Royal Baptismal Font would be included in the order of succession to the Throne. As a consequence of this, the name and date of baptism of the child were engraved on the back of the basin. As many as 22 christening ceremonies are recorded in the period 1671-1749. Then there was no more room, and a gold plate was attached to the back of the basin on which seven christening ceremonies are recorded from 1750 to 1795. Apparently, the tradition was then discontinued.

Originally, the baptismal font was placed at Copenhagen Castle, but was moved to Rosenborg Castle in 1720. By contrast, the christening set has always been kept at Rosenborg Castle. There, together with the Crown of the Absolutist Kings and the other Crown Regalia, the christening set was kept in the Old Regalia Room, which served as the Treasury during the period of Absolutism. (Kongehuset.dk)

Well, you are officially caught up with what happened after the lovely christening… unless other interesting news comes through the newswire I will be sure to let you know about it.  :)

Sources:  Kongehuset.dk, Se og Hoer, Ekstra Bladet, Billed Bladet, and BT.dk     Photos courtesy of: kronprinsparret.dk by Steen Brogaard

Here are the people who had the lovely honor of becoming godparents to H.R.H. Princess Josephine of Denmark.

And they are…

 H.R.H. Princess Marie of Denmark:  You should already know this lovely and bubbly French-born turned Danish princess is, but if you don’t here is a short bio.  Princess Marie is the second wife of H.R.H. Prince Joachim of Denmark, the younger brother of H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik.  Born in Paris, France the beautiful princess married Prince Joachim on May 24, 2008.  Today, the couple have one son, H.H. Prince Henrik, and she is the step-mother to H.H. Prince Nikolai and H.H. Prince Felix of Denmark.

H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro:  Now, this was a complete shock to many long time royal watchers that Prince Charles had the honor of being Princess Josephine’s godfather.  Why?  No one really knew how close the prince is to the crown princely couple.  Sure, many royal watchers knew that Prince Charles attended the crown princely wedding in 2004; moreover, the he and his wife attended the christening of H.R.H. Prince Christian and H.R.H. Princess Isabella.  Moreover, many knew that the prince was close to H.R.H. Prince Henrik (elder) of Denmark, but no one knew that he was seriously close to Crown Prince Frederik.  Anyway, Prince Charles is married to the blonde bombshell, Princess Camilla.  Today they have two daughters.  I have no idea what he exactly he does for a living (unless of course you consider hanging out with other reigning and non-reigning royals and chilling out at a nice hotel — which he purchased years ago — in Sardinia, Italy a full-time job) since the royal house of Bourbon Two Sicilies is a non-reigning monarchy, but one thing I do know is that they live in Monaco as well as have a nice luxurious pad in lovely old gay Paris.

Mrs. Patricia Bailey:  Patricia is the older middle sister to H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary.  For the past 20+ years Mrs. Bailey has been a registered nurse.  She is also an advocate for finding a cure for Ovarian Cancer. Recently, she was named the Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia.  Today, Mrs. Bailey lives in Hobart, Tasmania with her husband and three children.  She also has a nose ring (which she removed for the Danish royal twins christening) and likes to drink wine.

Count Bendt Wedell:  The second largest landowner in Denmark and billionaire, Mr. Wedell is a close friend of H.R.H. Crown Prince  Frederik.  Sorry, ladies… he’s married.

Fr. Birgitte Handwerk:  Mrs. Handwerk is the wife of H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik’s best friend, Jeppe Handwerk, with whom he met when the two were frogmen in the Danish version of the Navy Seals way back when.

Mrs. Josephine Rechner:  Once again, this was a surprise to many long time royal watchers.  Why?  No one has ever heard of her… which is a good thing.  Mrs. Rechner has been a dear and close friend to H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary since her Melbourne, Australia days.   Apparently, they met back in the 90′s when, a then Mary Donaldson, was dating Aussie stud, Brent Annalls. After the break-up, Mrs. Rechner remained by the Crown Princess’s side through the ups and downs.  To this day they remain very close. Mrs. Rechner still lives in Melbourne and is married.

So, once again there you have it!  These are the godparents to H.R.H. Princess Josephine of Denmark.  :)

To read Part One of Meet the Godparents please click here.

Sources:  Ovarian Cancer Australia, The Herald Sun, and Australian Wine News

Photos courtesy of: Kronprinsparret.dk by Steen Brogaard and Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

After yesterday’s lovely christening of H.R.H. Prince Vincent and H.R.H. Princess Josephine of Denmark many — who are non-avid royal watchers — have been wondering, “Who are the Godparents and how do they know the Crown Princely couple?”  and “Who is that lovely woman with the red hair, and who is that lady who looks like a plastic Stepford Wife?!!”  

Well, here is your answer…  Meet the Godparents: The CliffNotes Version!  

Let’s begin with H.R.H. Prince Vincent of Denmark’s godparents:

 Mr. John Stuart Donaldson: A well-known and highly respected Geologist in Australia, Mr. Donaldson is H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary’s older brother.  Rarely seen, because he works and lives so far away, this honor bestowed upon him was a lovely gesture by the Crown Princess who once said, “My brother and I are very close.  Growing up we always did things together because we are so close in age.”  Today,  Mr. Donaldson resides in western Australia with his large family.    

H.R.H. Prince Felipe of Asturias:Unfortunately, the dashing Spanish prince was absent from the christening.  He along with his beautiful wife, H.R.H. Princess Letizia, are on an official state visit to the Middle East.  The Prince of Asturias is a distant cousin of H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and throughout the years the two have participated in various royal events together along with other European heirs to thrones.

H.H. Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg:Prince Gustav is the nephew of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark and close cousin of H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik. Prince Gustav’s father is the awesome H.H. Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein- Berleburg and his mother is the lovely H.R.H. Princess Benedikte, the Queen’s younger sister. The prince has had a rather tough time this past decade.  You see, he was once engaged to a lovely French woman named, Elvrie, but sadly the engagement suddenly ended.  Then H.H. Prince Richard became ill (he had Cancer.)  Soon, Prince Gustav returned home to Bad Berleburg, Germany to be at his father’s side as well as to take over the duties of running his family estate and massive castle.  Then Prince Gustav met former model (?) the American, Carina Axelsson.  The couple have been dating since early 2004.  She then moved into the castle in 2006 and became its official redecorator, curator of the Schloss Berleburg Museum, manager of the Schloss coffeehouse, the Frau (Lady) of the Schloss, and patron to the Bad Berleburg library.  Unfortunately, the couple cannot marry nor can they have children.  Click here to read the story.  Rumors are running rampant that there are tensions within the princely family of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Carina (thanks to her unusually frank interview with Billed Bladet), and that Prince Gustav is not a happy camper.

Count Michael Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Bille:  A close friend of H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik the Count owns the magnificent castle, Egeskov Slot, in Funen, Denmark.

Baroness Helle Reedtz-Thott:  The Baroness is a close personal friend of H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary and they have known each other since Mary moved to Europe all those long years ago.  The Baroness (also known as Baroness Hell) is married to Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott, a man thousands of years older than his wife, and the owner of the stunning castle, Gavnø Slot, in Denmark.  Today, the Baroness does nothing except shop, refrains from eating, has massages, attends parties, watches her nannies take care of her kids, and remains a good friend to the Crown Princess.

Hofdame Caroline Heering:  The lovely and gracious red-headed Caroline Heering has been a loyal and best friend to the Crown Princess since she first arrived in Europe.  Mrs. Heering is married to H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik’s childhood friend, Peter, and her mother is Countess of Lystrup.   Once the Lady-in-Waiting to H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary, Caroline now is a full participant in the Mary Fonden (Foundation); she also helps out in other aspects of the Crown Princess’s life.

So, there you have it… H.R.H. Prince Vincent of Denmark’s godparents.

Part Two will come later whereupon I will introduce you to H.R.H. Princess Josephine’s godparents.

The official christening photos courtesy of: Kronprinsparret.dk by Steen Brogaard

Click HERE to watch NRK1 online coverage of the christening (if the tab is in the middle of the line thingy, just click it back to the start.)     HERE is a link where you can watch the Danish royal christening via TV2.

If the above link breaks down for some reason try this link here.  But first you need to download Microsoft’s Silverlight in order to watch the christening.  Here is the link.

Enjoy!  :)

New information about Thursday’s christening of the Danish royal twins has just released.  They are:

1. Those living in Norway can watch the christening live via NRK1.  Or, you can watch it online HERE. However, those living outside of Norway cannot view the channel.
2. TV2.dk will also air the ceremony online and live HERE or HERE. However, TV2.dk is a paid site for those living in Denmark.  International viewers, at this time, cannot watch the service online.
3. Those living in Denmark can watch the christening live via Dr.dk HERE or HERE. As I mentioned yesterday there is a good chance (crosses fingers) that international viewers can watch ceremony live on via the links mentioned above.    If not, I hope someone will upload it to You Tube.    :)
4. Time zones for those living outside of Denmark the ceremony will begin at      6:30am (PST); 8:30am (CST): 9:30am (EST): 11:30pm (Sydney, AU); 2:30pm (London, UK)
5. Again, none of the major members (hence Kings, Queens, and heirs) from the royal houses of Sweden, Norway, or the Netherlands will attend.  They are already booked with official events.  However, members from the Greek royal family as well as the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg’s including the American pushy non-Princess, Carina Axelsson, will attend the christening.
6. After the christening, guests will be treated to a lovely canal cruise to Amalienborg palace where the reception will be held. After the reception, at 8pm, there will be a private dinner and only a select few (60 guests to be exact.)
7. Official page for the christening can be view HERE.
8. The official guest list as well as the list of the godparents will be released early tomorrow morning Denmark time.
9. A nice map of the reception that will be held at the palace  
10. The official site for the Crown Princely couple released information regarding the christening here

1.55 p.m.
Members of the congregation arrive at Holmen’s Church.

2.30-3.00 p.m.
The guests arrive at the church.

3.05-3.30 p.m.
The Royal Guests, friends and family, the godfathers and godmothers, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, HM the Queen and HRH the Prince Consort and TRH the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess arrive at the church.

3.30 p.m.
Christening.
The Christening is led by the Chaplain of HM the Queen and the Royal Family, Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen.

4.15 p.m.
The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess with children leave the church and drive to the Amalie Garden, from where they walk to Frederik VIII’s Palace.

4.15 p.m.
HM the Queen and HRH the Prince Consort, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson and godfathers and godmothers leave the church and depart to Amalienborg.

4.20 p.m.
The remaining guests leave Holmen’s Church and the reception guests arrive by boat to the Amalie Garden, from where they walk to Frederik VIII’s Palace.

6.00 p.m.
Reception in Frederik VIII’s Palace.

Well, that’s it for now.  You are officially update and ready for tomorrow’s christening of the Danish royal twins.  Furthermore, I hope the links to DR.dk will work for we international viewers… cross your fingers, folks!    :)

Photo courtesy of:  Kronprinsparret.dk by Steen Brogaard

Well, the countdown is on until the Danish royal twins christening on Thursday April 14, 2011, and many royal watchers are uber-excited.

Anyway, here is some important information you need to know so that you may enjoy the day:

1. DR.dk has released a special Danish royal twins christening page on their website which gives you all the information you need (it’s in Danish.)  Click here to read.
2. There is a good chance you can watch the christening online so please click these links come Thursday: here or here
3. DR.dk, will begin broadcasting their coverage of the christening at 12pm (Denmark time) and will end at 6:30pm.
4. The christening service begins at 3:30pm at Holmens Kirke in Copenhagen, Denmark.
5. The godparents are rumored to be H.R.H. Princess Marie of Denmark, Patricia Bailey, and John Donaldson, Jr. (H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary’s older siblings.)
6. After the christening, guests will be treated to a lovely canal cruise to Amalienborg palace where the reception will be held. After the reception, at 8pm, there will be a private dinner and only a select few (60 guests to be exact.)
7. The royal guest list is somewhat small for this christening.  None of the major members (hence Kings, Queens, and heirs) from the royal houses of Sweden, Norway, or the Netherlands will attend.  They are already booked with official events.  However, members from the Greek royal family as well as the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg’s including the American pushy non-Princess, Carina Axelsson, will attend the christening.
8. Enjoy the ceremony!  

So, there you have it.  If any new information is released between now and early Thursday morning (Denmark time) I will post it for you.  

In the meantime, here are some articles that may interest you:

1. Danish Royal Twins: What Are Some Possible Names?
2. Details About the Arrival of the Danish Royal Twins
3. The Danish Crown Princely Couple Leave the Hospital with the Twins
4. First Photos of the Danish Royal Twins Released
5. Behind the Scenes of the Danish Royal Twins Photoshoot

The christenings of H.R.H. Prince Christian of Denmark, H.R.H. Princess Isabella of Denmark, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark:

1. H.R.H. Prince Christian of Denmark
2. H.R.H. Princess Isabella of Denmark (Part One), Part Two, and Part Three
3. H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (Part One) and Part Two

Source: Billed Bladet Photo courtesy of: Kronprinsparret.dk by Steen Brogaard