Danish Royals, Royal Family of Denmark

King Frederik X of Denmark Reopens Government Consultations After Acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Fails to Form Coalition

Leave a comment
  • Portrait courtesy of Steen Evald/Det Danske Kongehus
  • Courtesy of Det Danske Kongehus

In Copenhagen, His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark reopened consultations with Denmark’s political parties after the Acting Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, informed the Sovereign that she had been unable to form a new government following negotiations initiated after the March 24th general election.

According to the Royal Household of Denmark, Acting Prime Minister Frederiksen met with His Majesty the King at Frederik VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg at 5:30 p.m. on May 8th, where she formally advised that it had not been possible to establish a government in accordance with the mandate she received during the royal consultations held on March 25th.

Acting Prime Minister Frederiksen subsequently recommended that representatives of the political parties represented in the Folketing once again be summoned to Amalienborg to advise the King on who should next be tasked with leading negotiations to form a government.

Party leaders and representatives were thereafter invited to attend renewed consultations at Amalienborg beginning at 7:00 p.m., following the traditional sequence established according to parliamentary representation.

The development marks a significant setback in Denmark’s post-election coalition negotiations, which began after no political bloc secured an outright majority in the 179-seat Folketing during the March election.

Following the election, Acting Prime Minister Frederiksen had initially been designated as kongelig undersøger (royal investigator) after parties representing the largest parliamentary grouping recommended that she lead coalition discussions. Her mandate focused on exploring the formation of a government potentially involving Socialdemokratiet, Socialistisk Folkeparti, and Radikale Venstre.

However, after several weeks of negotiations, Acting Prime Minister Frederiksen has now concluded that a viable governing coalition could not be formed under her leadership.

Under Denmark’s constitutional framework, the Sovereign acts in accordance with parliamentary advice and does not independently select governments. The renewed consultations at Amalienborg are intended to determine which political figure may now command sufficient parliamentary support to continue coalition negotiations.

The outcome could lead to a cross-bloc coalition, a minority administration supported externally by other parties, or potentially a broader centrist arrangement, depending on the recommendations presented to the King.

Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand Reviews Final Preparations Ahead of La Mode en Majesté Exhibition Opening at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris

Leave a comment
  • Photos courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photos courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photos courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photos courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand has arrived in Paris ahead of the official opening of the exhibition La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

As patron of the exhibition, the Princess joined members of the curatorial and organizational teams to review final preparations prior to the exhibition’s opening on May 13th.

The exhibition, which runs through November 1st, 2026, explores the evolution of Thai royal dress and textile traditions from historical court attire to contemporary interpretations of national costume and couture design.

Organized through a collaboration between the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the exhibition forms part of celebrations marking both the 340th anniversary of relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the French Republic and the 170th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.

More than 200 garments and related objects are expected to be displayed, including royal attire associated with the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, alongside contemporary interpretations of traditional Thai dress.

The exhibition also examines the longstanding relationship between members of the royal family of Thailand and French haute couture, including designs created by the French fashion house Balmain for the late Queen Sirikit, with embroidery by Maison Lesage.

Princess Sirivannavari has played an active role in preparations for the exhibition. Earlier this year, the Princess conducted research within the Balmain archives in Paris as part of the curatorial development process.

The exhibition additionally aligns with Thailand’s ongoing effort to secure UNESCO recognition for Chut Thai, also spelled Chud Thai, the royally endorsed Thai national costume, as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Prestigious CISM Gala in Monte-Carlo

Leave a comment
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi

On Thursday evening, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the closing gala of the 81st General Assembly of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Also in attendance were Mr. Louis Ducruet and Mrs. Marie Ducruet, as well as Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.

The gala marked the conclusion of a week of international meetings, discussions, and sporting diplomacy, bringing together military delegations from around the world under the banner of cooperation and unity through sport.

During the evening, the Sovereign Prince and Princess Charlene were presented with distinctions in recognition of their support for the assembly and their engagement with the values promoted by CISM.

Founded in 1948, the Conseil International du Sport Militaire is one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary sports organizations, promoting peace, solidarity, and international understanding through military athletics and sporting exchange.

The 81st General Assembly served as a platform for dialogue among participating nations while reinforcing the organization’s long-standing mission of fostering friendship through sport amid growing international tensions.

Italian royals

Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies Responds to WWF France Ambassador Claims

Leave a comment
  • Photo courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
  • Courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies has issued a statement addressing recent reports that WWF France asked her to cease presenting herself as an ambassador of the organization.

The reports, first published by the French publication, La Lettre, indicated that WWF France had not granted such a title and does not maintain a formal relationship with the princess. The organization was also said to have expressed concern that the situation could affect its institutional neutrality.

In a statement released on Friday, May 1st, 2026, Princess Maria Chiara disputed those claims, stating that she had been invited in 2023 to serve as a volunteer ambassador for WWF in both France and Italy. She further indicated that this role had been formalized through an agreement signed on June 6, 2023, with representatives of WWF Italy and WWF France.

The princess also referenced correspondence from WWF France, including a letter from its honorary president acknowledging her engagement and thanking her for her involvement in environmental initiatives.

Describing her work as voluntary and motivated by a longstanding commitment to environmental causes, Princess Maria Chiara rejected suggestions that she had misrepresented her role, expressing concern over what she characterized as inaccurate and damaging claims.

The statement appears to differ from the position attributed to WWF France in the La Lettre report. No formal public confirmation of an official ambassadorial title from WWF France has been identified at the time of publication.

At the time of publication, WWF France had not issued a public response to the princess’s statement.

Italian royals

Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: Asked by WWF France to Cease Ambassador Claims Amid Sister’s Link to Far-Right Politician

Leave a comment
  • Photo courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies/Instagram
  • Courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies/Facebook
  • Press release courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie
  • Press release courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie
  • Portrait courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie

WWF France has reportedly asked Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Noto and Capri, to stop presenting herself as an ambassador of the organization, according to a report by La Lettre, a subscription-based French publication focused on political and institutional affairs.

The organization is said to have indicated that it never granted such a title and that it currently maintains no formal relationship with the princess.

The reported request comes amid increased public attention surrounding her elder sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo, who has been publicly linked to Mr. Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National (National Rally), a French far-right political party.

According to La Lettre, WWF France has sent several letters since February 2026 seeking clarification, which have reportedly gone unanswered. The organization is said to be concerned that the situation could affect its image of neutrality, particularly ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.

The publication further reports that WWF France maintains it has never formally designated the princess as an ambassador, noting that such a title does not exist within its structure. It also states that no contractual relationship is currently in place, despite a previous collaboration with WWF’s Italian branch.

In a social media post dated May 24, 2024, Princess Maria Chiara wrote that she was “honored to stand as an ambassador for WWF France,” describing her involvement in promoting environmental initiatives.

Separately, a press release published on June 9, 2023, on the official website of the Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie announced her appointment as an “Ambassador of WWF for Italy and France,” reflecting how the role has been presented by the princess and her family. No formal confirmation of such a title from WWF has been publicly identified.

Princess Maria Chiara is the youngest daughter of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Castro. Prince Charles is the godfather of Her Royal Highness Princess Josephine of Denmark, the youngest daughter of Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.

At the time of publication, WWF France has not issued a public statement addressing the matter.

Princely Family of Liechtenstein

Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein Confer Order of Merit at Schloss Vaduz

Leave a comment
  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein

In Vaduz, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois, acting on behalf of His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, and Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein presided over a ceremony at Schloss Vaduz during which the Fürstlich Liechtensteinischer Verdienstorden (Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein) was conferred.

Founded by Prince Franz I of Liechtenstein in 1937, the order honors services rendered to the Principality.

The former government councillor, Dr. Aurelia Frick, received the Komturkreuz (Commander’s Cross).  The former president of the Samaritans Triesenberg, Mr. Daniel Beck, received the Ritterkreuz (Knight’s Cross).

Royal Family of Spain, Spanish Royals

Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias, to Study Political Science in Madrid as She Prepares for Future Role

Leave a comment
Portrait courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

Casa de Su Majestad el Rey has announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias, will begin a degree in political science at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in the third semester of 2026.

The four-year program will be based at the university’s Getafe campus and will follow a multidisciplinary curriculum covering political science, humanities, law, economics, sociology, history and international relations.

The Casa de Su Majestad el Rey stated that the Princess was admitted following the standard admissions process applied to students who have completed their secondary education abroad, including a favourable evaluation by the university’s admissions committee.

Princess Leonor completed her upper secondary education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales in 2023 and is currently concluding her three-year military training with the Armed Forces of Spain, with the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio.

The Casa de Su Majestad el Rey indicated that the Princess will combine her university studies with her official duties as heir to the Crown of Spain, in accordance with the academic calendar, continuing an approach established during her school years and maintained throughout her military training.

His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain has formally informed the President of the Government of this new stage in the Princess’s academic formation, emphasising the institutional importance attached to her preparation for the role of Sovereign.

All the latest news and events from monarchies around the world.