Photo courtesy of Des Hauses Hohenzollern/Britt Carlsen
The House of Hohenzollern announced this morning that Princess Donata of Prussia (Prinzessin Donata von Preußen) died on February 25, 2026, following a long illness. She was 73.
Princess Donata was born in 1952. She was a great-granddaughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia. Her father, Prince Wilhelm Karl of Prussia, was a grandson of Wilhelm II and served as Herrenmeister, or Grand Master, of the German Order of Saint John. Her paternal grandfather was Prince Oskar of Prussia, the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
According to the official statement, she pursued a career in journalism. For decades, she contributed to reporting in equestrian sport, with particular emphasis on eventing, international breeding, especially Holsteiner horses, and major championships. She served as editor in chief of “Pferd & Sport” and reported from the Olympic Games, as well as World and European Championships.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.
T.S.H.s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco/ Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier de Monaco
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.
In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco announced that Their Serene Highnesses Albert II and Charlene of Monaco will host a one-day official visit from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, March 28.
According to the Palais Princier, the visit reflects “the enduring bonds linking the Grimaldi dynasty to the Roman Pontiffs” and the historic diplomatic relationship between the Principality of Monaco and the Holy See.
The invitation was extended by the Sovereign Prince during his meeting with the Holy Father at the Vatican on January 17, 2026, and separately by His Excellency The Most Reverend Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco, underscoring both the institutional and pastoral dimensions of the visit.
The Palais Princier further noted that, as a sovereign state in which the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman religion is enshrined in the Constitution, Monaco regards this spiritual heritage as a foundational element of its national identity and institutional continuity.
The visit is described as a historic moment for the Principality and a sign of hope in a spirit of dialogue and peace.
This morning, the Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The 66-year-old, who formerly held the style and title of His Royal Highness The Duke of York, was taken into custody at Wood Farm, his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England.
Police activity was observed at the property earlier in the morning. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has resided at Wood Farm since he departed from Royal Lodge in Windsor in early February 2026.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said:
“Thames Valley Police has opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.
As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened the investigation following a “thorough assessment” and would provide updates “at the appropriate time.”
The offence of misconduct in public office is a common law offence in England and Wales. According to guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service, prosecutors must show that a public officer, acting as such, wilfully neglected a duty or wilfully misconducted themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust.
Andrew, the younger brother of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, stepped back from public duties in 2019 and no longer carries out official engagements.
In a written statement issued following news of the arrest, His Majesty the King said:
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.
Charles R.”
Under UK law, the reigning monarch cannot be prosecuted. That immunity does not extend to other members of the Royal Family, who are subject to the ordinary criminal law.
Photo courtesy of His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei/Instagram
Her Royal Highness Princess Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Zahra Mariam Bolkiah of Brunei
In Bandar Seri Begawan, the Office of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has formally announced the name of the newborn daughter of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha Rosnah of Brunei.
The Princess has been given the name Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Zahra Mariam Bolkiah of Brunei.
The Princess was born on February 8th in Brunei Darussalam and is the first child of Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha Rosnah.
Under Bruneian royal titulature, Yang Amat Mulia, meaning “The Most Noble,” corresponds in English usage to the style His or Her Royal Highness. The title Pengiran Anak denotes royal birth in the direct male line of the House of Bolkiah.
While the Sultan’s children are styled Yang Teramat Mulia, his grandchildren in the male line bear the designation Yang Amat Mulia, in accordance with longstanding Bruneian court tradition.
Princess Zahra Mariam Bolkiah is the sixth grandchild of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, one of the most influential figures in haute couture and prêt-à-porter, has died in Rome, Italy, at the age of 93.
His death was announced in a statement by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, which said the designer passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera, Italy, on May 11, 1932, Valentino founded his fashion house in Rome in 1960 together with his longtime companion and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. The Valentino name would go on to become synonymous with refined elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and a distinctive aesthetic that spanned both haute couture and prêt-à-porter. Among the house’s most recognizable signatures was “Valentino red,” a vivid shade that became emblematic of the designer’s work.
Over a career that extended for more than four decades, Valentino dressed heads of state, celebrities, and royalty, establishing himself as one of the defining couturiers of the late twentieth century. Valentino retired in 2008, though his influence on fashion continued to be widely felt.
Valentino’s legacy is also closely linked to several historic royal weddings.
In 1995, he designed the wedding gown worn by Ms. Marie-Chantal Miller for her marriage to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece. The wedding took place on July 1, 1995, at St. Sophia’s Cathedral in London. The couture gown was an ivory silk creation adorned with pearls, featuring intricate lacework, a high neckline, and a 4.5-meter Chantilly lace train, crafted by 25 seamstresses over four months.
Portrait courtesy of David Seidner.
Portrait courtesy of David Seidner.
Portrait courtesy of Patrick Lichfield, the 5th Earl of Lichfield.
In 2002, Valentino designed the wedding dress of Ms. Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti for her marriage to His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange. The wedding took place on February 2, 2002, in Amsterdam, with the civil ceremony held at the Beurs van Berlage and the religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk. The iconic gown was made from ivory mikado silk and featured a cowl neckline, three-quarter sleeves, lace inserts, and a dramatic five-meter train.
Portrait courtesy of Jeroen van der Meyde/RVD.
Portrait courtesy of Jeroen van der Meyde/RVD.
Valentino’s final major royal bridal commission came in 2013, when he designed the wedding gown of Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden for her marriage to Mr. Christopher O’Neill. The wedding took place on June 8, 2013, at the Slottskyrkan (Royal Palace chapel) in Stockholm. The gown was crafted from silk organza with appliquéd Chantilly lace and was accompanied by a lace-edged cathedral veil.
Portrait courtesy of Ewa-Marie Rundquist/Kungalige Hovstaterna.
Portrait courtesy of Brigitte Grenfeldt/HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Portrait courtesy of Brigitte Grenfeldt/HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Valentino Garavani’s work bridged classical couture traditions and modern luxury fashion, earning him international recognition and lasting cultural significance. Through the foundation he shared with Giammetti, his legacy in fashion, art, and philanthropy continues.
Photo courtesy of Secretariado da Casa Imperial do Brasil
Press release courtesy of the Secretariado da Casa Imperial do Brasil
In Madrid, Her Imperial and Royal Highness Princess Amélia de Orléans e Bragança and her husband, Mr. James Spearman, welcomed their third child, Benedict Antonio James Spearman, on December 7, 2025.
The announcement was made this morning by the Secretariat of the Imperial House of Brazil.
On Wednesday evening, in Luxembourg City, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg delivered his first Christmas address from the Palais Grand-Ducal following his accession to the throne on October 3rd, 2025.
In his address, the Grand Duke spoke about values including solidarity, openness, tolerance, and social cohesion, which he described as central to life in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He stated that these values are lived daily and contribute to trust and stability within society.
The Grand Duke referred to his visit across the country on October 4th, following his swearing-in ceremony as Grand Duke, and thanked the public for the welcome he received and for the confidence placed in him.
He said that he and Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg intend to remain present throughout the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He also noted that the traditional Joyeuses Entrées, which follow a succession to the throne, will take place next year, with visits planned to five regions.
Turning to the Christmas season, the Grand Duke said that the period carries different meanings for people, including religious observance, time with family, and a pause from everyday life. He stated that Christmas encourages care for others, regardless of individual beliefs or traditions.
Addressing international developments, the Grand Duke referred to the war in Ukraine, stating that it has affected peace and security in Europe, including for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a member of the European Union. He also referred to acts of solidarity within Europe and support for Ukraine.
The Grand Duke also addressed social conditions within the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. While noting the country’s prosperity, he said that poverty and hardship remain present, including challenges linked to housing and living costs. He referred in particular to the pressures faced by single parents and young people.
Environmental responsibility was also addressed. The Grand Duke spoke about responsibility toward the environment and future generations and referred to the importance of institutional stability and long-term continuity.
The address also included references to dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence in a diverse society. The Grand Duke stated that differences of opinion and origin are not obstacles but part of society in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Religious faith was addressed in the context of Christmas, with the Grand Duke stating that faith offers hope to believers. He added that values such as compassion, solidarity, and peace are shared across beliefs.
At the end of his speech, the Grand Duke thanked those whose work supports society, including volunteers and those serving during the festive period. He specifically mentioned healthcare workers, emergency services, the police, the armed forces, and cross-border workers.
He concluded the address by extending Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and beyond.
The Royal Correspondent 