Monthly Archives: May 2012

Belgian Royals

Royal News Regarding Members of the Belgian Royal Family

On May 3, 2012, His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium was in Florennes where he visited the Jean Offenberg military airbase.

According to the Belgian online newspaper, 7Sur7, His Majesty “… attended several briefings as well as a demonstration of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)…”  He was also informed about the operations in Afghanistan and Libya.

Click here to view photos.

In Brussels, Her Majesty Queen Paola visited the Kunsthumaniora Brussel to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary.  Whilst there the queen toured various classes in session including art education, music, dance and theatre.

And, finally, Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde attended a gala dinner organized by the Breast International Group (BIG) in Brussels.  According to the royal court of Belgium, the BIG  organization:

…brings together academic groups who conduct research on breast cancer. It stimulates also the collaboration between its members and other networks around the world, to avoid overlapping in their research activities. The princess has been involved in the fight against breast cancer and to raise awareness for many years..

Click here to view photos.

Source: La Monarchie Belge

Royals in General

Sheikha Al-Massaya of Qatar Allegedly Purchases Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ for a Record $119.9 Million

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According to DPA news agency, Sheikha Al-Massaya of Qatar, the 28-year-old daughter of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, allegedly purchased Edvard Munch’s pastel and crayon drawing known as ‘The Scream’ during last night’s auction at Sotheby’s in New York City.

The bidding started at $40 million and half way through it was “…a dog fight between two phone bidders… The final sale was a record $119.9 million…”  according to CNBC news.

‘The Scream’ is one of four original painting’s by Munch “…created between 1893-1910.”  The others are in museums and a private collection in Norway.

Sources: Dagbladet via DPA and CNBC News

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Comtesse Stéphanie de Lannoy to Marry on October 20, 2012.

It was announced this morning by the Cour Grand-Ducale de Luxembourg that His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his lovely fiancée, Comtesse Stéphanie de Lannoy, will marry on Saturday, October 20, 2012.

The location of the ceremony has yet to be announced, however, there is a 99.9% chance that the newly engaged couple will marry at the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Luxembourg City.

Finally, the Luxembourg newspaper, Wort, has released photos of a young Comtesse Stéphanie de Lannoy which you can view here.

Source and coat of arms courtesy of the Cour Grand-Ducale de Luxembourg

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco Receives an Electric Ambulance. No, Really. Plus, Other News (VIDEOS)

Last week, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was presented a 100% electric ambulance from Monte-Carlo Ambulances, Ms. Michèle Moll. The new vehicle is designed by Renault.

Skip to the :45 mark

Meanwhile, this morning at the Palais Princier de Monaco courtyard the sovereign prince along with Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Mr. René Croési, president of L’Association Nationale Monégasque de l’Ordre Souverain Militaire de Malte, presented keys to a new car to the Association Monégasque pour l’Aide et la Protection de l’Enfance Inadaptée (AMAPEI).

Source: Palais Princier de Monaco

British Royals

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh Visit Exeter. (VIDEOS)

On May 2, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh were in Exeter as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

During her tour the queen opened a new building at Exeter University, visited Ninesprings Country Park and the Crewkerne Town Hall in Somerset and much more.

Click the links below to watch a video news report as well as to view photos.

Source: Royal.gov.uk

Spanish Royals

His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain’s Son-in-Law, Mr.Iñaki Urdangarín, Allegedly Seeks a Plea Deal in His Infamous Corruption and Fraud Case (VIDEO)

His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain’s son-in-law, Mr. Iñaki Urdangarín the Duke of Palma de Majorca, is allegedly seeking a plea deal with prosecutors regarding his infamous corruption and fraud case.

According to AFP news, the Mr.Urdangarín’s lawyers deny the claim stating, “We have had no contact, formal or informal, with the prosecutor and his learned colleagues in Palma de Majorca in relation to any kind of agreement or deal.”

Click the links below to read an article from the Washington Post and a video news report from Euronews.

Source: AFP News

Photo courtesy of El Mundo