Monthly Archives: January 2012

Belgian Royals

Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium Attends thé ‘Bien Vivre avec Alzheimer dans sa ville et son Environnement’ Awards

On January 16, 2012, Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium attended the Bien Vivre avec Alzheimer dans sa ville et son Environnement (Living Well with Alzheimer’s in the city and its Environment) Awards in Brussels.

Organized by the European Foundations’ Initiative on Dementia (EFID) this award aims to improve the publics perception of Alzheimer’s disease and to promote solidarity at local level. In addition, the initiative aims to contribute to improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

In the past, the princess has drawn attention to the major challenges to which Alzheimer’s poses in our society and the importance of paying attention on how to deal with this disease as well as to promote the quality of life of people with living with Alzheimer’s.

Source La Monarchie de Belge

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to Visit Cambridge University

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will attend a series of lectures at the Scott Polar Institute as well as attend a gala dinner at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, to commemorate the late South Pole explorer, Robert Falcon Scott.

Whilst at the Scott Polar Institute Prince Albert will also view the exhibition, These Rough Notes: Captain Scott’s Last Expedition,  which “…tells the full story of the fateful Terra Nova expedition…” through the letters and journals of Scott and his crew who “…who perished on their way back from the Pole..”  

During a series of lectures the prince will meet with meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes, polar explorer and writer, who will speak on the topic of challenges to the polar regions. The Prince will also attend a presentation by Mr. David Crane, writer, and Max Jones, a professor at the University of Manchester.

At the gala dinner Prince Albert, along with the Duke of Edinburgh — making his first appearance since being released from the hospital — will meet with the Robert Falcon Scott’s descendants to discuss the late explorers life and much more.

To learn more about the exhibition, These Rough Notes: Captain Scott’s Last Expedition, please click here.

Source Palais Princier de Monaco

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in Innsbruck, Austria to Attend the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games

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On January 13, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Innsbruck, Austria to attend the opening ceremony of the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. As President of the Monégasque Olympic Committee, member of the International Olympic Committee, and now patron of the World Olympians Association it was a pleasure for the sovereign to attend these games.

Later in the evening, Prince Albert II attended the inauguration ceremony of the 75th Congress of the International Sports Press Association held at the Innsbruck Conference Center. During the ceremony the sovereign prince received an award for his outstanding dedication and commitment to sports “…at the service of peace and social progress worldwide.”  

On Saturday, January 14, 2012, Prince Albert II will attend the downhill skiing competition to support Monégasque skier, Brian Pelassy.

To learn more about the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games please visit their official website here. 

Source Palais Princier de Monaco

Spanish Royals

His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias Visits Honduras

On January 12, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias visited Honduras as part of his official tour of Central America.

In the morning, the heir to the Spanish throne attended the presentation of the Foundation Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library held at the Cultural Center of Spain in Tegucigalpa. Later he attended a private meeting with the speaker of the Honduran Parliament, Juan Orlando Hernandez.  The prince also met with other members of government at the National Congress building in Tegucigalpa.

On January 13, 2012, Prince Felipe will visit Guatemala where he will attend the inauguration of president-elect, Otto Pérez Molina.

Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Along with Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Visit Oman: Final Day (VIDEO)

On the final day of their state visit to Oman, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Unfortunately, it seems that the Freedom Party (PVV) in the Netherlands are not exactly happy campers when they saw the images of Her Majesty in a headscarf (they became all pissy about it when she wore one the first time in Abu Dhabi).  Click here to read more about the “row” from BBC News.

Any way…

After touring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque the royal trio visited various Dutch expats living in Oman.  Soon, it was time to leave the gulf nation. Her Majesty along with her Dutch business delegation were “…seen off at the Royal Airport by Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Minister of Tourism and His Highness Sayyid Mohammed bin Harib al Said.” 

To view photos from the royal family’s last day in Oman please click the links below:

Sources: NOS, Oman Observer and Oman Tribune

Belgian Royals

Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium Visits Leuven

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

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco Announced as Patron of the World Olympians Association

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