On August 15, 2011, the tiny country of Liechtenstein celebrated its National Day. In attendance were Prince Hans-Adam II and his wife Princess Marie along with Prince Alois, Princess Sophie, Prince Constantin, Princess Marie and other members of the princely family. Unfortunately, this year Princess Angela and Prince Maximilian were not in attendance (at least I haven’t seen them).
To watch several videos from today please click the links below:
Source: Volksblatt
Here are several documentaries about the Dutch royal family. The first batch of documentaries focuses on several state visits throughout the years. Then there is a semi-complete documentary about the February 2, 2002, fantastic royal wedding between H.R.H. Prince Willem-Alexander of Orange and a then Maxima Zorreguieta. Finally, the documentary about H.R.H. Princess Catharina-Amalia’s baptism.
Click the links below and enjoy! 🙂
If you would like to view more documentaries as well as video news reports about the Dutch royal family please visit their official You Tube channel here.
This is old news, but that’s okay. 🙂
On August 4, 2011, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the inauguration of the newly renovated Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Monaco. The princess unveiled the now famous “Princess Charlene Magic Alhambra” set inside an ultra exclusive section of the boutique known as the Charlène Salon.
Fantastique.
Per the Van Cleef & Arpels press release about the jewels on Facebook:
The long necklace consists of White gold, turquoises, approximately 9.1 carats of diamonds. The earrings consists of White gold, turquoises, approximately 3.4 carats of diamonds.
Alhambra, Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic motif was born in 1968.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Mains d’Or have created a setting technique of the utmost refinement, minimising the amount of metal and emphasising the diamonds. The stones are selected in different sizes so as to enhance their sparkle. The jewel is as exquisite on the front as it is elegant when turned over: the exclusive honeycomb open-work setting has been perfected to let even more light refract into the diamonds.This collection is a reinterpretation of the iconic Alhambra motif adorned with pavé diamonds and turquoises, evokes the shores of the Principality. A portion of the benefits from the sales will go to the associations and Foundations that have the endorsement of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco. The set is sold exclusively at the Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique in Monaco. (source)
Portrait of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco by Karl Lagerfeld? Could be.
To view photos please click here. To learn more about Van Cleef & Arpels please visit their official website here.
Source and photos courtesy of: Van Cleef & Arpels Official Facebook Page and Nice-Matin
According to the British newspaper, Telegraph (via the French magazine, Paris Match), H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco has allegedly put her foot down regarding her husband having contact with his ex-girlfriends… specifically the Baby Mama to the prince’s son, Ms. Coste. Per the Telegraph:
…Charlene is now reported to be stamping her authority on her notoriously wayward 53-year-old husband, who already has two illegitimate children.
Paris Match magazine revealed this week that the former South African Olympic swimmer had one former lover, air hostess Nicole Coste, struck off the guest list to Monaco’s lavish Red Cross Ball.
A source close to the Monaco royal palace (it’s probably a certain cranky and eternally pissed off old man from Santa Barbara, CA) told Paris Match: ‘Charlene had to tolerate the presence of Ms Coste during last year’s Red Cross ball when they were engaged.
But now they are married, she has put her foot down and had Ms Coste struck off the guest list.
She does not want to give her the status of a privileged guest at an official function, and does not want Albert to consort socially with any of his previous lovers.’
… and the drama continues. Listen, people, this latest bit of “news” is most likely a rumor so just your roll your eyes and laugh.
To read the article in its entirety please click here.
Source: The Telegraph
The 18th Duchess of Alba, Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva, one of the most famous nobles as well as richest women in the world, is about to marry a man 24 years younger than her. His name: Señor Alfonso Díez.
It is not the age difference that has every one talking about their upcoming nuptials rather that the Duchess has decided to give up her personal fortune for love… all €600 million to an estimated €3.5 billion to her children.
To read an article about this interesting story and why she has decided to give it all up for love please click here.
Source: The Guardian
Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Carlos Alvarez
It’s been quite some time since I posted some news about Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, but now I finally can! Anyway, the lovely Dutch queen attended a concert in Amsterdam on August 8, 2011 to watch the European Union Youth Orchestra perform various classical pieces.
To view photos please click here.
Photo courtesy of: Koninklijkhuis.nl
Here are two lengthy segments from the documentary, Monarchy, by Dr. David Starkey. Click the links below to watch:
The Royal Correspondent 