Daily Archives: October 21, 2011

Spanish Royals

T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias along with Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain Attend the 2011 Prince of Asturias Awards (VIDEOS)

This evening at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias along with Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain attended the 2011 Prince of Asturias Awards ceremony.

The purpose of this important event is to honor and award those who have contributed as well as made a difference in the fields of scientific research, cultural, social and humanitarian work performed by individuals, groups or institutions on an international level.   This year’s recipients include Riccardo Muti in the field of the Arts, Howard Gardner in the field of Social Sciences, Arturo Alvarez Buylla, Joseph Altman and Giacomo Rizzolatti for Technical and Scientific Research, Leonard Cohen for Music and Lyrics, Haile Gerbselassie for Sports.

To watch a video clip as well as to view photos please click the links below:

Source: Fundacion Principe de Asturias  

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/C.Alvarez

Belgian Royals

T.R.H.s Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium Visit Beijing, China

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium are currently in China on an economic mission along a large Belgian business delegation.  The purpose of this important trip: To support Belgian exports and encourage the signing of new contracts “… despite the crisis that has hit many markets around the world…” said the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Steven Vanackere, in a press conference.

According to the Belgian online newspaper, RTL, this is the fourth trade mission organized with China which began back in to 2000.  Mr. Vanackere hopes that during this economic mission that at least forty new contracts will be signed in various sectors such as transport and logistics, clean technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information technologies and communication, and in the diamond sector which trade relations already exist between China and Antwerp, Belgium.

This afternoon in Beijing H.R.H. Prince Philippe met with Deputy Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Wang Qishan while H.R.H. Princess Mathilde visited the Beijing Dance Academy.

To view photos please click here.

Source: RTL

British Royals

H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh Visit Australia: Day Three (VIDEOS)

On October 21, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II delivered a speech in the Great Hall at an invitation-only parliamentary reception held at the Government House in Canberra.

In her speech, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has expressed admiration for people who showed courage during a “difficult year” of heavy flooding in Australian towns and a devastating earthquake in New Zealand’s second largest city.  She also spoke about the dozens of Australian armed forces in Afghanistan who have lost their lives, and the two soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross. After her speech Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh had a chance to speak one on one with many of the guests at the reception.

And, finally Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat down with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and then Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at the Government House.  Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh presented three Australians the World Fellow Award during a small ceremony also held at the Government House.

To watch videos as well as to view photos from today’s event please click the links below:

 Sources: AP and The Herald Sun

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/T. Blackwood/AFP

Monaco Princely Family

T.S.H.s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco: A No-Show At the New Zealand Olympic Committee Centenary Dinner

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Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco are currently in New Zealand to attend the 2011 Rugby World Cup as well as to attend other official functions. One of the events the princely couple were to attend was the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s centenary dinner on October 20, 2011. Unfortunately, there were a change of plans.  According to the New Zealand newspaper, Auckland Now, the princely couple instead “… jetted across the Tasman Sea…”

Why?  No idea.

But, don’t fret.  The lovely couple will be back to New Zealand to attend the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals this weekend.   🙂

Sources: Auckland Now and New Zealand Herald