This past Saturday, June 11, 2011, Prince Antonius zu Fürstenberg and Matilde Borromeo finally married on the island of Isola Bella where the bride’s family have a small and cozy Baroque palace in the middle of Lake Maggiore in Italy.
It was a lovely ceremony, according to various sources, and the guest-list including the who’s who of Italian and German society.
On June 12, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended the final day of the Mere Nostrum International Swimming Competition in Monaco.
The couple were present during yesterday’s meet, and this afternoon they were there not only to watch, but to also hand out medals to the winners.
Finally, there is a nice article from the French newspaper, Journal du Dimanche, where the couple discuss their hopes to have a family “… soon…” Here is more of what they had to say:
How do you feel? There are only three weeks until your marriage?
Albert II: We cannot wait to get married, but we have so many things to do before. My work continues despite our upcoming marriage. I don’t feel any particular stress upon the approach to our marriage. We are very relaxed.
Charlene Wittstock: I’m in the same state of mind that any woman feels upon her marriage. We’re committed to life, it is not something to take lightly. Some brides stress. Others, do not. I feel calm…
But you are not marrying just anyone, you will soon become a princess …
Charlene: Yes, but I won’t let that pressure take a hold of me.
What will be your role [as the future princess?]
Charlene: My role will be defined once I am married. Although I have learned, during five years in Monaco, the proper palace protocol, the habits as well as the customs of the principality. Today, I feel ready.
Albert: I let Charlene find herself and find identity here in the principality. [Before coming/living here in the principality of Monaco] She was already very involved in humanitarian causes for the youth. Moreover, she already has an established role in the sports world. Recently, she was appointed the Ambassador for Special Olympics, a foundation dedicated athletes with disabilities worldwide.
You are both great athletes, are you talking about sport together?
Charlene: All the time! This is one of the many things we have in common. It is sports that has truly united us.
Miss Wittstock do you feel apart of Monaco?
Charlene: I’m starting to get to know people from the principality. Now, I truly feel that I have found my where I have bearings here. Much more than in the early years. Today, I feel apart of the family here in the principality.
You are from South Africa. Do you miss your native country?
Charlene: South Africa is a part of me and will always be. In my heart I’ll always be South African, although today, Monaco is my new country and home.
This marriage is a way for you to give another image of Monaco?
Albert: Although this is not its primary purpose, this marriage will help correct the image of Monaco, a country that has always suffered from stereotypes. To better know the identity of Monaco and its values, its economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, sports, environmental. The power of attraction of Monaco will be strengthened.
Your Serene Highness, you’re close to your sisters. What is the relationship between Caroline, Stephanie and your future wife, Charlene?
Albert: We’re really lucky. I not only get along very well with the Charlene’s family, but Charlene works perfectly with mine. In the end, it all came naturally.
In my family we have a great team spirit. Charlene is apart of this team has all the support from my sisters.
Charlene: I’m very comfortable with the prince’s sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. We get along well and they are strong women, great mothers.
A happy event promises to be there?
Albert: Well when you say children and you look at me, I’m not the one carrying them.
Charlene: I love children. We definitely want children and we hope to have a children soon.
If you would like to read the article in French you may do so here. Or, if you want the Cliff Notes version from the Washington Post newspaper via the Associated Press simply click here.
To view photos from the Mere Nostrum International Swimming competition please click the link here.
Source and photo courtesy of: Daylife Reuters/Eric Gaillard
In September 200o, the BBC documentary, A History of Britain, aired in the United Kingdom. This fifteen part series was written and hosted by the super awesome historian, Simon Schama.
The chapter I have linked from this series is entitled, The Body of the Queen, which focuses on two uniquely different women: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, and Part Six
If you would like to watch the entire A History of Britain documentary, please click the link here.
Enjoy! 🙂
For those who are interested in purchasing the complete series you may do so at Amazon.com
Photos courtesy of: Wikipedia
In keeping with today’s theme of all things British here are two very different documentaries regarding Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
The first documentary entitled, The Queen’s Coronation, focuses on what allegedly happened behind the scenes before the big day that would forever change her life. Part One and Part Two.
The second documentary, A Queen is Crowned, made in 1953, follows the entire coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, and Part Seven
This afternoon, June 11, 2010, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended the Mare Norstrum International Swimming Competition in Monaco. The event lasts until June 12, 2011 at the Stade Louis II (Prince Louis Stadium.)
To view photos from today’s event please click the links here and here (for the last link type in the words “Charlene Wittstock” and voila!)
In other news, on June 10, 2011, the future princess of Monaco attended the GYN2011 conference at the Hotel Fairmont in Monaco. To view photos please click the link here.
Sources: City Out Monaco and Royal Monaco
Photo courtesy of: Palais Princier de Monaco
On June 10, 2011, in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale the statue of King Kamehameha the Great was “…decorated with lei[s]. Placing long strands of flowers on the statue is a long-standing tradition” honoring the great king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
As I previously mentioned, celebrations will happen throughout the islands as well as on the mainland. Here is the schedule for those living in Hawai’i per the King Kamehameha Celebrations Commission website:
June 11, 2011 – 95th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, 9:00 A.M.
Starting at King & Richards, ending at Kapi`olani Park via Punchbowl, Ala Moana and Kalakaua AvenueFree validated parking at Restaurant Row. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities!
Parade will broadcast live on KFVE at 9am and www.k5thehometeam.com.
Rebroadcast, June 19 at 5pm, also on KFVE.June 11, 2011 – King Kamehameha Celebration Ho`olaule`a, Kapi`olani Park, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Island of Hawai`i
June 10, 2011 – Hilo: Statue Lei-Draping Ceremony
June 11, 2011 – Hilo: Kamehameha Festival, Moku Ola “Coconut Island”
http://www.KamehamehaFestival.org
June 11, 2011 – Kohala: King Kamehameha Floral Parade and Statue Lei-Draping Ceremony
http://www.KamehamehaDayCelebration.org
June 11, 2011 – Kailua Kona: King Kamehameha Day Community Parade
http://www.kamehamehaevent.org/index.html
Island of Maui
June 18, 2011 – Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa`u Parade
Front Street, LahainaJune 18, 2011 – Ho`olaule`a, Kamehameha `Iki Park, Moku`ula & Waiola Church
Island of Kaua`i
June 18, 2011 – King Kamehameha Floral Parade in Lihu`e
Starting at Vidinha Stadium (Ho`olako Street), 10:00am
The Royal Correspondent 