On March 21, 2013, Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, in her capacity as Special Advocate of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the field of Inclusive Finance for Development, arrived in Rome, Italy for a two-day visit.

According to RVD, the purpose of Princess Maxima’s visit is to:

“…talk with senior officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Program (WFP).

On Thursday, Princess Maxima gave an opening speech at an interactive meeting with the organizations and permanent representatives of the FAO, IFAD and WFP. The theme of the meeting was: ‘Inclusive Finance, Challenges and Opportunities for the Rome-based food organizations.’ The princess’s speech [focused on] the importance of good access to financial services for agricultural development and poverty reduction in rural areas…”

Click here to view a photo gallery.

Photo courtesy of RVD/HKH

Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

His Highness Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Celebrates His 70th Birthday.

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

On the evening of March 21, 2013, His Highness Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha celebrated his 70th birthday at Schloss Callenberg in Coburg, Germany.

Over 250 people attended the prince’s birthday reception including longtime friends, local dignitaries, past employees, townspeople, and of course his children. According to the newspaper, Neue Press Coburg, the prince gave a touching speech noting, “I am so happy that many of you have come today. That shows me that I haven’t done much wrong in my life and that I have gained many friends.”

Afterward, the mayor of Coburg gave a speech as well as His Highness Hereditary Prince Hubertus of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha who basically thanked his Dad for being super awesome. 🙂

Click here to view a photo gallery.

British Royals

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Visits Northern Ireland. (VIDEO)

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

On March 21, 2013, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived in Templepatrick in Northern Ireland.

For more information about her visit as well as to watch a video from the BBC News please click here and here.

British Royals

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent in the Hospital.

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

It was announced by Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent has been in the hospital since Monday, March 18, after suffering from a mild stroke.

For more information about this breaking news please click here.

Swedish Royals

News Regarding His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. (VIDEO)

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden visited Landskrona to participate in 600th anniversary celebrations of the city. During yesterday’s event His Majesty met with local dignitaries, gave a speech, mingled with townspeople, and unveiled a new plaque.

This morning His Majesty accompanied by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden participated in the Advisory Council meeting held at the royal palace.

Click here to watch a video from yesterday’s celebrations.

Photo courtesy of Kungahuset

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco Holds an Audience.

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

On March 21, 2013, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover held an audience with, Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Bokova.

According to the Palais Princier, during their meeting the sovereign prince and Ms. Bokova:

“…discussed various topics including issues related to the protection of world heritage of mankind, the importance of Missions Key UNESCO,the importance of education for peace and sustainable development, and issues regarding water resources management…”

Ms. Bokova also received the Ordre du Mérite Culturel during today’s meeting.

Photo courtesy of the Palais Princier

Belgian Royals

His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium Visits the Direction des Unités Spéciales de la Police Fédérale. (VIDEOS)

March 21, 2013 Alexandra

On the morning of March 21, 2013, His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium visited the Direction des Unités Spéciales de la Police Fédérale (CGSU) in Etterbeek.

According to the newspaper, La Dernière Heure, during today’s visit His Majesty:

“…received some explanations of the various disciplines within the specialized Direction des Unités Spéciales de la Police Fédérale and attended a working meeting.

Upon arrival, the King was greeted by four service members of the CGSU intervention, a diver, a sniper and a dog. After a meeting with the head of CGSU, the Chief Commissioner Roland Pacolet, and the hierarchy of the Police Fédérale, His Majesty received a gift and signed the guest book.

His Majesty was also informed about the work of the Victim Identification team (Disaster Victim Identification DVI), set up after the disaster of the Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 and again recently with the requested rail disaster in Buizingen 2010 and the accident bus Sierre in Switzerland in 2012. The king also witnessed a demonstration of a series of methods and techniques, and specialized equipment that uses CGSU in various situations. Police intervention in cases of bank robbery has been simulated.”

Click here to watch a video.