Monthly Archives: January 2012

Imperial Family of Japan

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan Attends a Poetry Contest Held at the Imperial Palace in Japan

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

Spanish Royals

Her Royal Highness Princess Letizia of Asturias Attends the 35th Salon del Libro Infantil y Juvenil in Madrid (VIDEO)

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

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa along with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg Hold a New Year Audience

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.

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Visit Oman: Day Two (VIDEOS)

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

Belgian Royals

Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium Attend a New Year Reception At the Palace

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

Monaco Princely Family

Olivier Dahan, Set to Direct the Movie ‘Grace of Monaco’

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If you haven’t heard by now there is a new movie set to be released in 2014 about the late Princess Grace entitled, Grace of Monaco.

Recently, it was announced that French screenwriter and director, Olivier Dahan, has signed on to direct the film.  At this time, casting directors are still searching for the right actress to play the late princess of Monaco.

To read more about Mr. Dahan and the film, Grace of Monaco, please click here.

Spanish Royals

His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias Visits Nicaragua to Attend the Inauguration of President Ortega

On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias arrived in Nicaragua to attend the inauguration of second-term President Ortega.  Accompanying the prince on this trip were Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, Jesus Gracia Aldaz, and the deputy director general for Mexico, Central America and Caribbean, Jose Antonio Hernandez Perez -Solórzano.

Upon his arrival, Prince Felipe was greeted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua, Samuel Santos Lopez, the wife of Spain’s ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, Schoenborn Clarisa de la Torre and staff of the diplomatic corps Embassy of Spain.

Later, the prince and his delegation met with President Ortega at the Casa de los Pueblos whereupon they discussed bilateral relations between Spain and Nicaragua.  Afterward, the prince headed on over to the residence of the Embassy of Spain where he had an audience with members of the Spanish community living in Nicaragua.

Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey