On August, 15, 2012, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended a memorial service at Budokan Hall in Tokyo to “… honor the dead on the 67th anniversary of Japan’s surrender thus ending World War II [pacific theater]…”
And, finally, tensions are rising between South Korea and China regarding Japan’s “…past military aggressions towards its Asian neighbors…” Click here and here for more information (in English).
Interview with Prince Hans-Adam II
On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein along with Hereditary Prince Alois and Princess Sophie celebrated National Day 2012 in Vaduz. Unfortunately, Prince Maximilian and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein did not attend.
The princely family, along with thousands of locals, celebrated their special day “… on the grassy meadows below Vaduz Castle… at 2pm a folk festival began in the Vaduz Städtle and in the evening there were fireworks…”
Also, during today’s celebrations Hereditary Prince Alois gave a speech regarding immigration and reforms. Here is what he had to say (rough translation, sorry):
Hereditary Prince Alois has called for reforms and a Cautious Opening of Immigration for Economic Reasons.
‘The economy calls for an easing of immigration rules. Otherwise, the country could recruit not enough experts in the current critical phase’ the Hereditary Prince Alois said in his speech on the Vaduz Castle meadow in the splendid summer weather before over 2,000 festival visitors.
Hereditary Prince Alois, who took over the reign from his father eight years ago, proposed a “well-designed and cautious opening” of immigration. The country should be connected to a facilitated naturalization of host foreigners. Liechtenstein is one of approximately 37,000 inhabitants and almost as many jobs as possible. The commuters make up the majority of the employees.
Reforms according to Hereditary Prince Alois are also needed in the next few years in the social system. He also spoke about pension, care, family support and health. The responsibility in these areas must be strengthened and help must come to the really needy. According to the prince, this means that quite a few premium payers will get the cost of social security systems to track more.
As another key priority, is the education system. The system has improved not only by money, but need further reforms, roughly in the direction of school autonomy.
Source: Volksblatt
On August 10, 2012, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco returned the Pinetown Swimming Pool in Durban, South Africa, a facility where she used to train when she was apart of the South African Olympic Swim Team.
The purpose of Princess Charlene’s visit was to make a “…donation to upgrade the public swimming pool… the funds, from the Princess Charlene Foundation, will allow the facility to upgrade their gym equipment, heating for the pool, pool covers…” and much more.
In an interview with the South African newspaper, The Times, the princess spoke about how proud she was of the South African Olympic Swim Team, in particular, Mr. Chad Le Clos who recently won the gold medal in the Men’s 200m Butterfly:
“I felt so much pride … there was just so much emotion. I couldn’t help but cry when I heard the anthem being played in that swimming arena and seeing Chad’s face. How proud we are of him and Cameron van der Burgh …”
Source and photo courtesy of The Times.
On Monday, August 13, 2012, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Isle of Wight.
The 91-year-old duke began his day with a luncheon at the County Club in Newport with members of the Chamber of Commerce. From there he visited a “… mobile health unit, run by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry at St. James’ Square.” Afterward, The Duke of Edinburgh visited the company, A.J. Wells and Sons.
Sources: Royal.gov.uk and IWCP
Here is the documentary entitled, Les Coulisses du Marriage du Prince de Monaco. The program, in French, focuses on the run-up (if that is the right word to use) to last year’s princely wedding in Monaco. Close friends of the prince and princess are interviewed in this program including Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two-Sicilies, Duchess of Castro. Click the links below to watch. Enjoy! 🙂
Over the weekend Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco returned to her hometown of Benoni, South Africa for a special visit.
The purpose of the visit was to surprise her grandmother, Sylvia, on her 91st birthday on Sunday August 12. According to journalist, Mr. Cylde Meela, Princess Charlene was “… accompanied by her parents, Mike and Lynette, as well as her two brothers Gareth and Sean…”
Grandmother Sylvia, who lives in a retirement home in Benoni, was beyond thrilled to see her family, “… This is the best day of my life…” she said in an interview with Mr. Meela. “I am 91 years old and I feel great! ”
To read more about Princess Charlene’s visit to South Africa as well as to view a personal photo please click here.
Taking a mini-vacation until Monday. Enjoy the weekend everyone! 🙂
The Royal Correspondent 