King Mohammed VI of Morocco Set to Pay a Historic State Visit to the French Republic, French and Moroccan Officials Confirm

Photo courtesy of Agence Maghreb Arabe Presse

Officials from the French Republic and the Kingdom of Morocco confirmed on Wednesday that preparations are underway for a future State Visit by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco to the French Republic, during which the two countries are expected to sign what both governments have described as a historic bilateral treaty.

The announcement was made following meetings in Rabat, Morocco, between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, Nasser Bourita, on May 20th.

According to the Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), the discussions formed part of the growing “enhanced exceptional partnership” between the French Republic and the Kingdom of Morocco, with both governments seeking to deepen cooperation across strategic political, economic, and regional sectors.

During a joint press conference in Rabat, Morocco, Minister Barrot stated that the French Republic was preparing to welcome His Majesty King Mohammed VI for a future State Visit, while Minister Bourita confirmed that a bilateral treaty between the two countries would be signed during the visit. Reuters reported that the agreement would represent Morocco’s first treaty of its kind with a European country and the French Republic’s first such treaty with a non-European state.

Neither government has publicly released the full details of the proposed treaty or announced an official date for the State Visit.

According to statements made during the meetings in Rabat, preparations are continuing ahead of a high-level Franco-Moroccan commission expected to convene in July 2026.

Relations between the French Republic and the Kingdom of Morocco have strengthened considerably since 2024, when the French Republic formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that marked a major diplomatic shift in French policy toward the disputed territory. 

On October 28th, 2024, the President and First Lady of the French Republic, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, paid a three-day State Visit to the Kingdom of Morocco at the invitation of His Majesty the King. The visit was widely viewed as marking the beginning of a renewed phase in relations between the two countries.

Minister Barrot has described the Kingdom of Morocco as a central regional partner for the French Republic in Africa, particularly in areas connected to economic cooperation, regional stability, and diplomatic coordination.

Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan Visit the ABB Training Center in Berlin, Germany

In Berlin, Germany, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan visited the ABB Training Center, one of the German capital’s largest industrial and vocational education facilities.

According to the Royal Hashemite Court, the visit focused on technical and vocational education and the exchange of expertise between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Jordan in areas connected to industrial development and national infrastructure projects.

During the visit, the Crown Prince spoke positively about Germany’s vocational training model and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the center and Jordanian institutions, particularly in sectors requiring highly trained technical personnel.

The Crown Prince also referenced Jordan’s National Water Conveyance Project and planned railway initiatives, noting the importance of developing a qualified workforce capable of supporting large-scale strategic projects.

Their Royal Highnesses also received briefings on the center’s training programs in robotics, automation, and digitalisation before touring workshops and industrial simulation facilities designed to provide trainees with practical technical experience.

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg to Host an Incoming Official Visit From the President and First Lady of Portugal

Portrait courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc

The Maison du Grand Duc announced this morning that Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg will host an incoming official visit from the President and First Lady of the Republic of Portugal, António José Seguro and Margarida Maldonado Freitas.

The two-day official visit will begin on June 6th, 2026.

According to the Maison du Grand-Duc, the visit is intended to strengthen the “excellent relations” between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Republic of Portugal while recognizing the contributions of Portuguese residents to the development of Luxembourg.

President António José Seguro assumed office on March 9th, 2026, following his election earlier this year.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Republic of Portugal maintain particularly close ties through one of the Grand Duchy’s largest foreign communities. 

Portuguese migration to Luxembourg expanded significantly during the second half of the 20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, with Portuguese residents playing a major role in the country’s construction, service, and economic sectors.

The upcoming official visit will also coincide with celebrations surrounding the Republic of Portugal’s national day, the Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas, observed annually on June 10th.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Welcome Members of the Permanent Commission of the Council of Europe

On Thursday in Monaco-Ville, Their Serene Highnesses  Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco welcomed members of the Permanent Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais Princier de Monaco.

The visit took place as the Principality of Monaco assumes the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which Monaco will hold from May 15th through November 10th, 2026.

The Committee of Ministers serves as the Council of Europe’s main decision-making body, coordinating cooperation among member states on matters including human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

According to the Palais Princier, Monaco’s presidency will focus on several major priorities, including the protection of vulnerable persons, the rights of women and children, combating disinformation, and promoting ethics in sport.

The meeting was held days after the official transfer of the presidency to the Principality of Monaco, which is being conducted under the theme: Protection for all, through an effective organization capable of responding to contemporary challenges.

The Royal Family of the Netherlands Holds Annual Summer Photo Session at the Historic Clingendael Estate

In Wassenaar, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Oranje, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, and Her Royal Highness Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, held their annual summer photo session for the press.

The photo session took place in the Old Holland Garden at Landgoed Clingendael, known for its geometric flower beds and boxwood hedges inspired by traditional 17th-century Dutch garden artistry.

Noticeably absent this year was the family dog, Mambo, who has accompanied the Royal Family during previous photo sessions.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Presents the Fédération des Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco Label to Normandy Community

In Monaco-Ville, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, on Tuesday, presented the label of the Fédération des Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco to the MFR of Percy-en-Normandie in recognition of its local brewing expertise and regional craftsmanship.

The label is intended to recognize communities that maintain historical links to the Grimaldi dynasty while promoting local traditions, initiatives, and cultural savoir-faire associated with those territories.

The Fédération des Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco brings together municipalities and historic sites connected to the centuries-long history of the Grimaldi dynasty beyond the Principality of Monaco’s borders, particularly in regions of France and Italy historically associated with the family.

The distinction awarded to Percy-en-Normandie acknowledged the community’s work surrounding locally produced beer and regional artisanal traditions.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Develops Severe Infection as Condition Deteriorates, Royal Household Says

In Bangkok, the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand issued a new medical bulletin regarding the condition of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand, stating that the Princess has developed a severe abdominal infection that has led to further deterioration in her condition.

According to the statement, physicians treating the Princess at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital discovered an infection in the abdominal cavity in April 2026 caused by inflammation of the colon. The Bureau stated that the infection resulted in instability in the Princess’s condition, including low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, abnormal blood clotting, and complications affecting several major organ systems.

The statement added that doctors have continued intensive treatment, including respiratory and renal support, multiple antibiotics, medications to maintain blood pressure, and treatment intended to regulate heart rhythm. Despite these measures, the Bureau stated that the infection remains severe and uncontrolled and continues to interfere with the function of multiple vital organs.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, has remained in a coma since December 15, 2022, after collapsing while training with her dog at Nakhon Ratchasima Park.

Since her hospitalization, the Bureau of the Royal Household has periodically released medical bulletins detailing complications related to infection and organ function. 

On August 9th, 2025, the Bureau announced that the then-46-year-old Princess had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team began administering multiple antibiotics along with medications to maintain stable blood pressure.

A further update issued on August 31st, 2025, reported that the infection had improved and that her blood pressure had stabilized following the discontinuation of medications used to support blood pressure. Physicians noted that antibiotics would continue to be administered to control the infection and that respiratory and renal support would be provided as needed. The Princess remains under close medical observation, and the Bureau of the Royal Household has stated that additional updates will be released should her condition change.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7th, 1978, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished members of the Royal Family of Thailand. She earned a law degree in Thailand before completing an LL.M. and later a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) at Cornell Law School at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During her time abroad and after returning to Thailand, she supported legal scholarship and programmes that strengthened international academic exchange.

After completing her legal studies, she served in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. Much of her professional work focused on criminal justice reform, especially the treatment of women in prison systems. She played a central role in the development and international adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, commonly known as the Bangkok Rules.

Her diplomatic experience includes assignments with Thailand’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, as well as responsibilities associated with United Nations bodies. In 2017, she was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.

Before her hospitalization, the Princess carried out numerous official duties, including work with the Royal Security Command, participation in events related to legal reform and social welfare, and programmes focused on the rehabilitation of women offenders. She also presided over ceremonies and represented Thailand in international forums related to her legal and diplomatic commitments.

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