Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium was in Leuven this afternoon to met with volunteers from the Médiation de quartier par des bénévoles held at the Provincial House. This group, Médiation de quartier par des bénévoles, aims to restore communication and social cohesion among neighbors in the area. Furthermore, to promote a sense of security as well as a better quality of life in the neighborhood.
Source La Monarchie Belge
On January 12, 2012, it was announced that His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has been named patron of the World Olympians Association (WOA). The sovereign prince replaces former IOC President, Juan Samaranch, who passed away.
In a press release, WOA President, Joël Bouzou, stated that he was honored to have Prince Albert as patron of the WOA, “He is an Olympian and a true humanist who has always believed that the values of sport can change lives and can change society for the better. I can’t thank him enough for his support.”
The five-time Olympian and IOC member, Prince Albert II was unanimously approved by the WOA board members and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge.
Sources: Sports Features and Sports Pro Media
On January 12, 2012, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan along with Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino attended the annual New Year’s Poetry Contest held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The theme for this year’s reading of “tanka” Japanese poems was “shore.” The Imperial family along with dozens of attendees sat silently inside a large room in the palace, as a choir of several men around a table read each of the 10 winning works in sing-song, dragged-out tones.
Source: Associated Press
Photo courtesy of Daylife/K.Nogi/AFP
On January 11, 2012, Her Royal Highness Princess Letizia of Asturias attended the 35th Salon del Libro Infantil y Juvenil held at the Galileo Cultural Center of Madrid.
During her visit the princess participated in a meeting with experts in the field of children’s literature, toured the facility’s extensive library as well as met with the dozens of youth participating in today’s event.
To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:
Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey
On January 11, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa along with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg held a New Year audience at the Grand Ducal Palace. Those received include the Prime Minister, members of the Luxembourg government, and various representatives from European institutions.
Source Cour Grand Ducal de Luxembourg.
On January 11, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands continued their three-day state visit to Oman.
The royal trio began their day with a visit to the port of Sohar where they were greeted by Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed a Saadi, Commerce and Industry Minister and Chairman of Sohar Industrial Port Company. Soon, the royal trio along with their delegation toured the Sohar Industrial Project Company. From there, they visited the Sohar Free Zone and then the Groasis Waterboxx facility, which is a “…joint project with Port of Sohar and the Netherlands…” Afterward, the royal trio visited the Maritime College. After meeting with the students Her Majesty along with the Prince and Princess left by helicopter to the famous Nakhal Fort.
Later in the evening the royal trio along with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said will attend a concert held at the Al Alam Palace.
To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:
Sources: NOS, De Telegraaf, Oman Observer, and Times of Oman
On January 11, 2012, Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium attended a New Year reception, held at the royal palace, for leaders of diplomatic missions accredited in Brussels. Also in attendance were Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium.
After the reception, Prince Philippe attended the 90th edition of the International Motor Show held at the Brussels Expo in Brussels.
To view photos from today’s New Year reception please click here.
Source: La Monarchie Belge
Photo courtesy of Daylife/AP
The Royal Correspondent 