Updates Regarding the Upcoming Princely Wedding in Monaco

According to the French newspaper, Nice-Matin, the reception venue for the upcoming princely wedding in Monaco has been changed.  Originally to be held at the stunning Musée Océanographique the venue was deemed “too small.”  As a result, the Prince and future Princess of Monaco and their guests will be celebrating at the Salle Garnier on July 2, 2011.

In a statement released to Nice-Matin, per the Palais Princier de Monaco:

…following the logistical problems encountered in organizing the official dinner at the Musée Océanographique on Saturday, July 2, it was decided that the evening would be held in the Salle Garnier and the terraces of the Casino. This change of location will promote a more flexible management of the festivities.

Well, I suppose that is good news for the Salle Garnier for it is a lovely place.  Let’s hope this is the last change of locations and other stuff before the princely wedding.  Why would I say that, you may ask?  Because there has been at least a billion changes — from the date of the ceremony to the wedding ceremony venue and so on — since the official announcement was made last summer… that’s why.   🙂

To read the article in its entirety please click the link below.   To learn more about the Salle Garnier please click the link here.

Source:  Nice-Matin  Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Amedeo M.Turello/Getty Images Europe

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Attends an Aviation Fair

On April 13, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the Global Show for General Aviation Fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

The Prince was in good spirits as he chatted and mingled with uber-intelligent engineers and aviation people from around the world.  The prince was so excited about this event that he hopped right into the latest bitchin’ man-toy on the market… the Electra One.

What is the Electra One?

Well, it’s an electric plane (that eerily resembles a giant Phallic symbol… jus’ sayin’)!

Any way… 🙂

To view photos from this event please click the links:  photos and more photos.

To learn more about the Global Show for General Aviation please click the link here.

 

Day Two of the Dutch Visit to Germany

Late this afternoon in Berlin, Germany, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, attended a “…circus workshop for children…”  (Daylife)

The royal trio along with Bettina Wulff, wife of the German President, seemed to enjoy the day as they watched the myriad of performers doing their super cool circus stuff (I don’t know how to describe it, sorry.)  🙂  Anyway, prior to the circus event the royal trio had a chance to visit the Brandenburg Gate, then take a lovely boat tour along the river Spree with the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit.  Finally, it was lunch time!

All in all it seems to have been a great day for all!  🙂

Later on this evening Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and the Crown Princely couple will attend a classical music concert.  Photos can be viewed here.

To watch a video clip from today’s event please click the link here.

To view photos from their Berlin adventures please click the links here, here, and here.

Photo courtesy of: Day Life by Reuters Gero Breloer/Pool

Source: Het Koninklijk Huis

Updates About the Upcoming Princely Wedding in Monaco

As you know there are only three and a half months until the big day in lovely Monaco. And, as you know, some detailed information about the wedding was released to the public a couple of weeks ago whereupon it was announced that Lexus would be the official sponsor/partner of the princely wedding.

Well, now it seems that another mega car company will be a sponsor/partner in the wedding. Who is it you may ask?  It’s BMW!

Yup, the famous German automotive company has the supreme honor of providing a myriad of lovely luxury limousines to “…carry the High personalities invited by the Principality during the festivities of Saturday the 2nd of July.” (Mariage Princier Monaco 2011)

Unlike the Lexus Hybrid (the LS600h) car that will whiz H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his bride, Charlene Wittstock, through the streets of Monaco after the nuptials on July 2, 2011, the BMW limos are not environmentally friendly.  Oh quel dommage.

Source: Mariage Princier Monaco 2011 Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

Maxima, A Portrait of a Princess: A New Documentary

In one month — May 17 to be exact — H.R.H. Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will turn 40 years old.  In honor of her big turning point day, a new documentary about her life as a Princess will air on Dutch television on May 16, 2011 entitled, Máxima: Portrait of a Princess.

According to the Dutch online newspaper, NOS.nl:

From the moment Princess Máxima and Prince Willem-Alexander were officially proposed [engaged] she stole the hearts of the Dutch people and in this past decade she as become the most popular member of the royal family. At the same time, Máxima is a modern woman who combines motherhood with a business career.

The NOS was given the opportunity to view the princess during work days and family family life. During the broadcast you will also see Princess Máxima during her work for the United Nations and, for example, the Oranje Fonds and the Dutch Council for Microfinance.

Thus, NOS was there when the princess, around the annual General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, spoke with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Overall, this new documentary seems that it will be quite interesting and most likely should not be missed.  At this time, it is unclear if the program will be available online for international viewers; however, if and when it does I will be sure to post a link.  In the meantime, I hope my Dutch readers will have a chance to watch the documentary about Princess Máxima and let me know what they thought of it.

To read the NOS.nl article in its entirety please click the link: NOS.nl

Source: NOS.nl Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Crown Princely Couple on a State Visit to Germany: Day One

On April 12, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands began a four-day state visit to Germany this afternoon.

The royal trio were warmly greeted by the President of Germany, Christian Wulff, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany.  After a quick meeting as well as lunch with the President, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix spoke with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, about “…the bilateral relationship and discuss cross-border cooperation.” (RP.de) Next on the agenda were discussions with representatives from various Dutch and German corporations and the economy.

Soon, it was off to visit the Neue Wache War Memorial where Her Majesty Queen Beatrix “… laid down a wreath…” in remembrance of all those who were “… victims of war and tyranny.” (Daylife)

And, finally this evening there was a lovely gala dinner at the Bellevue Palace.  Click to see the photos here.

The state visit to Germany will continue for the next few days whereupon the royal trio will have a chance to visit Dresden and Düsseldorf.

To view the myriad of photos from today please click the links:  Photos galoremore photos, and even more photos.

To watch a video of their Dutch royals arrival, with commentary from Royalty Magazine, please click the link here.

Another video of their arrival, activities, and gala dinner:  Video

Source: RP.de and Daylife Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe

H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Hereditary Princess of Monaco Attends A Tennis Match in Monaco

On April 11, 2011, H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Hereditary Princess of Monaco attended the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament in Monaco.    This eight-day event, held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, attracted the usual rich, famous, and oh so awesome VIPS.

The Princess was “… invited by Rolex (of course) to lunch with Arnaud Boetsch, Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki, and Freançois Truchi, Monte-Carlo Country Club director, at Rolex Restaurant.” (profimedia.si)

If you are interested in watching the Rolex Masters online you may do so by clicking the link here. To view photos from the event please click the link here.

Source: Profimedia.si Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe