On February 25, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco were at the lovely Hotel Bel-Air to attend a luncheon held in their honor.

Guests included fashion designer Carolina Herrera, Joan Collins and her husband, local politicians as well as various Hollywood agents and so forth. The Prince and Princess dined on delicious food prepared by chef Wolfgang Puck. The princely couple will also attend the 84th Academy Awards held at the Hollywood and Highland Center on February 26, 2012.

Photo courtesy of Daylife

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg Attend a Ceremony in Weilburg an der Lahn

February 25, 2012 Alexandra

On February 25, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg attended a ceremony in Weilburg an der Lahn to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Grand Duke Guillaume IV of Luxembourg. During the ceremony a new statue was unveiled.

Click the links below to read an article, in German, as well as to view photos:

Gallery One
Article

Source: Cour Grand-Ducale de Luxembourg

French Royalty, Royal documentaries

‘Versailles, Countdown to Revolution’ A Documentary (VIDEOS)

February 25, 2012 Alexandra

Here is the documentary, Versailles: Countdown to Revolution.

A Lavish drama-documentary chronicling the final days of the Bourbon dynasty under the ill-fated Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie Antoinette. Unlike his highly sexed forebears, it takes Louis seven years to consummate his marriage – and his performance as ruler of France is no more distinguished than his efforts in the royal bed chamber.

The French people are starving, but the aristocracy is too busy partying inside the gilded palace of Versailles to take much notice. Louis tries to make a difference, but his every attempt at reform is blocked by his greedy relatives. Marie Antoinette gets much of the blame for the excesses of the rich, even if she never uttered the famous words “let them eat cake”.

As he drifts into depression and madness, Louis and his Queen attempt to stave off a revolution, pleading with the nobility to accept reform. But it is too late – the astonishing extravagance of Versailles, which once served the glory of France so well, backfires into the ending of the monarchy itself.

By the way, some segments of the documentary may not be suitable for those who are, well, prudish.

Spanish Royals

The Duke of Palma, Iñaki Urdangarín, Appears in Court Regarding Corruption and Fraud Case (VIDEOS)

February 25, 2012 Alexandra

On Saturday, February 25, 2012, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain son-in-law, The Duke of Palma (Iñaki Urdangarín), appeared in court in Palma de Majorca regarding allegations of corruption and fraud. The Duke and former business partners are “…suspected of siphoning off money paid by regional governments to the Nóos Institute, a charitable organisation he chaired from 2004 to 2006, for staging sporting events and conferences.”

Click the links below to watch videos as well as to read several articles about the case.

Source: AFP

Royals in General

Her Serene Highness Infanta Maria Adelaide de Bragança (Portugal)Has Died

February 24, 2012 Alexandra

It is with great sadness to announce that Her Serene Highness Infanta Maria Adelaide de Bragança (Portugal) has died. Last month the grand-daughter of the late King Miguel I of Portugal celebrated her 100th birthday.

For more information please visit the news site, PPM Braga, here.

With many thanks to journalist, Manuel Beninger, for sending me this latest breaking news and photo.

Monaco Princely Family

Random Royal News Regarding Their Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco

February 24, 2012 Alexandra

Upon hearing the news of Her Royal Highness Princess Estelle of Sweden’s birth Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco sent a lovely letter to Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Here is what the princely couple had to say:

We have learned of the joy of the birth of Crown Princess Victoria’s daughter! We wanted to extend to you our warmest congratulations… we wish many happiness to the young princess of Sweden!

Meanwhile in today’s edition of the Australian newspaper, Herald Sun, it was revealed that Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco will spend a couple of days in Melbourne before officially opening the exhibition, Grace Kelly: Style Icon, in Bendigo.

The newspaper is reporting that a private gala dinner, hosted by Lady Mayoress Emma Page Campbell, will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall in honor of the princess’s visit to Australia. Click here for more information.

Finally, there is a new book entitled, Des Princes en Europe: Les Grimaldi de Monaco, by Thomas Fouilleron, Director of the Palais Princier de Monaco Archives and Library and published by Editions Honoré Champion. The book focuses on:

…the relationship between high nobility and monarchy, political rituals, cultural practices, in Monaco, and France Europe, 17th in the first 19th century.

Essentially the book is a history of the principality of Monaco.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II wrote the preface to Des Princes en Europe: Les Grimaldi de Monaco and is available now if you are interested in reading it… I know I am. 🙂

Source courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco

British Royals