Yearly Archives: 2012

British Royals

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall Continue their Visit to Edinburgh, Scotland.

On May 9, 2012, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall continued their visit in Edinburgh as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

On the agenda today: A visit by His Royal Highness to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden where he “… meet staff, volunteers and apprentices…” While the Duchess of Cornwall met with those participating “… in the British Food Fortnight’s Cook for The Queen Diamond Jubilee competition…” held at Holyroodhouse.

The royal couple also watched an Armed Forces personnel parade in front of Holyroodhouse then hosted a luncheon for the members of the Royal British Legion and Armed Forces personnel.

In the evening, the Prince of Wales attended a “… reception and dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Scottish Business in the Community and will present the charity’s 2012 Awards…” held at the National Museum of Scotland.

Click the links below to learn more about today’s events as well as to view photos.

Source: Princeofwales.gov.uk

British Royals

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh: State Opening of Parliament 2012 (VIDEOS)

On May 9, 2012, He Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh attended the State Opening of Parliament.  Per tradition Her Majesty gave her annual speech in the of the House of Lords.

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

Source: Royal.gov.uk

Belgian Royals

Random Royal News Regarding His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium and Princess Astrid of Belgium.

While Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium were having a fabulous time in Turnhout, His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium spent the day at Château de Laeken on May 9, 2012.

His Majesty held audiences with ambassadors from South Korea, Poland, Serbia who presented their Lettres de Créance (Letters of Credence) to the king and then posed for photos.

Meanwhile, Princess Astrid of Belgium was in Liège where she visited the non-profit project organization, Caritas Secours Francophone.  The organization’s mission is to “… help the homeless and those dealing with severe financial difficulties” according to the Belgian royal court.

Source: La Monarchie Belge

Belgian Royals

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium Visit the City of Turnhout (VIDEOS)

On the morning of May 9, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium visited Turnhout, which is also known as the Culture City of Flanders, to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary.

The royal couple began their day with a visit to a “… socio-educational project that combines nature, culture and social integration…” held at the Klein Engelandhoeve.

Soon, they visited an exhibition Turnhout Terminus Turnhout Centraal held at the Taxandria Museum. Afterward, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde attended a reception held in their honor at the Turnhout City Hall where the royal couple mingled with local dignitaries and other special guests.

At the end of the day, the prince and princess met with “…with the inhabitants on the recently revamped Grote Markt, laureate of the prize ‘ Public Space ‘ 2011.”

For more information about Klein Engelandhoeve and the Taxandria Museum please visit their official websites here and here.

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

Sources: La Monacrhie Belge and Nieuwsblad,

Dutch Royal Family

His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje Inaugurates a New High-Tech Sewage Treatment Plant (VIDEOS)

His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje was in Epe on May 8, 2012, to attend the inauguration of a new high-tech sewage treatment plant.

This new water purification technology entitled, Nereda, purify’s,  “…domestic and industrial waste water into sustainable water.” Nereda, also reduces energy costs by 30% and is much cheaper “…to build than the current common sewage cleansing.”

Fascinating.

Click the links below to watch a video clip, in Dutch, and to view photos.

Sources: RVD/HKH and NOS

British Royals

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Attend a Meeting at Claridge’s Hotel in London (VIDEO)

On May 8, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a glamorous meeting held at the famous Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London.

According to ITV News, the duke will address “… The Thirty Club, one of the most elite dining clubs in the country with members from advertising and the media.”

Click here to watch a brief video news clip.

Click here to view photos.

Spanish Royals

Random Royal News Regarding Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain.

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His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain held an audience with the president of the Council of State, Mr. José Manuel Romay Beccaría, at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.  Mr. Beccaría recently succeeded Mr. Francisco Llorente on May 3, 2012.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain witnessed the signing of the collaboration agreement between the Fundación Reina Sofía and the Fundación Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Neurológicas (C.I.E.N.) according to the royal court of Spain.

And, finally, it was announced that Her Majesty Queen Sofia will attend the May 18, 2012, luncheon at Windsor Castle to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey