‘Secrets of the Manor House’ A PBS Documentary About the British Aristocracy

Here is the January 2012 PBS documentary entitled, Secrets of the Manor House.  The 55 minute program is eerily similar to the 1997 BBC Two documentary, The Aristocracy. Nevertheless, the PBS program is quite interesting and worth watching.   🙂

Click here to watch the entire documentary.

Or, click the links below if the above direct link to PBS does not work for you.   🙂

‘Frederick the Great and the Enigma of Prussia’ A Documentary

Here is the BBC Four documentary, Frederick the Great and the Enigma of Prussia, hosted by historian Christopher Clark.

The Prussian king Frederick the Great was one of the greatest warriors and leaders in modern European history, achieving greatness through the Seven Years War and lauded as a philosopher and cultured ‘Prince of the Enlightenment’.  Christopher Clark re-examines the life and achievements of one of Germany’s most colourful and controversial leaders.

Click here to watch the entire documentary

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Participate in NL Doet, National Volunteer Day (VIDEOS)

On March 16, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands participate in NL Doet, National Volunteer Day.

The purpose of NL Doet, organized by the Oranje Fond, is to encourage people to “…become involved in volunteering and to make a difference…” in their community.

Her Majesty along with her sister, Princess Margriet, Prince Bernhard, Prince Floris and Princess Aimée, Princess Annette were at the Stichting Assistentiehond Nederland (Assistance Foundation Netherlands) to lend a hand for several hours.  According to NOS, the AFN:

…specializes in the training of assistance dogs to help those with mobility impairments. The Assistance Foundation Netherlands receives no structural subsidy and is run by 25 volunteers.

Meanwhile, Their Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima were in Leidschendam were they helped paint, clean, and restore a clubhouse for the scouting group, Satoko Kitahara.

Click the links below to watch videos as well as to view photos.

Sources: RVD and NOS

Photo courtesy of Het Koninklijk Huis

His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje Opens the National Career Fair in Amsterdam

On March 16, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje opened the 15th Annual National Career Fair held at the RAI in Amsterdam.  After the opening, the prince had a chance to mingled with attendees on the trade show floor.  The purpose of the National Career Fair is to gather “… career orientated students and professionals to get in contact with 160 employers.”

Click here to view photos.

Sources: RVD and PPE

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Opens the 2012 Ideal Home Show in London

On March 16, 2012, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales opened the 2012 Ideal Home Show in Earl’s Court, London.  The heir to the British throne also showcased his own design, The Prince’s House, which highlights the:

…benefits of sustainable, eco-friendly living, this year’s Arts and Crafts House combines wonderful craftsmanship with the use of the finest local materials. The house, which takes its name after the 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement, was designed by a team which included HRH The Prince of Wales, and incorporates energy saving features directly into its design. source

For more information about the 2012 Ideal Home Show please click here.

Click the links below to view photos.

Sources: Princeofwales.gov and The Prince’s Foundation

Photo courtesy of Zimbio/WPA

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Attend the Reopening of Kensington Palace

After a two-year restoration at a cost of $18.8 million dollars the historic Kensington Palace is opened to the public.

On March 15, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh  attended the official reopening where they were given a tour lovely old palace, viewed the “…the new ‘Victoria Revealed exhibition’…” and much more.

Click the links below to read an article from BBC News and to view photos.

If you happen to be in London, England in the future and are interested in visiting Kensington Palace please click here  for more information regarding tickets and so forth.

Source: Royal.gov.uk and BBC news