Monthly Archives: January 2015

British Royals, Royal documentaries

The Queen’s Garden. (VIDEO)

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On Sunday, January 11, 2015, PBS will air the fantastic documentary entitled, The Queen’s Garden.

The program, written and directed by Mr. Martin Williams for ITV, recounts a year in the Buckingham Palace Garden, exploring the history and natural history of this remarkable 39-acre oasis hidden in the heart of London.

With permission from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the filmmakers explore this urban oasis with a five-century history a “living museum” where almost every plant — and some of the animals — have royal stories to tell.

Viewers see the garden’s transformation across four seasons, with a chance to marvel at rare flowers bred specially for the Queen, extraordinary wildlife captured with hidden cameras, a vast lake with an island in the middle where royal bees make honey that has been gifted to the pope, and a 15-foot marble urn that once belonged to Napoleon.

The wildest corners of The Queen’s Garden function as an important wildlife haven in London, as well as serve as a backdrop for the annual 8,000-attendee Royal Garden Party.

The Queen’s Garden premieres after Downton Abbey: Season 5 on January 11, 2015.  I hope you will watch and enjoy this truly amazing documentary!   🙂

And, finally, if you have a chance tune-in to the hit show, The Great British Baking Show.  The show airs before Downton Abbey: Season 5 on PBS.  If you missed episode 1 you can watch it on PBS.org.   🙂

Danish Royals

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Hosts a New Year Reception.

DenmarkOn the morning of January 6, 2015, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark hosted a New Year reception at Christian VII’s Palace, Amalienborg, for the Danish Kongelige Livgardes and Gardehusarregimentets Officerskorps (Royal Life Guards and the Regiments Officer Corps) as well as for the Danish Supreme Court judges.

 Click here to view photos.

Photo courtesy of Kongehuset

Imperial Family of Japan

Members of the Imperial family of Japan Make a Public Appearence in Tokyo. (VIDEOS)

On Friday, January 2, 2015, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan accompanied by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan along with other members of the Imperial family appeared on the balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in celebration of the Shogatsu (Japanese New Year).

During his speech to his people beloved emperor noted that “…at the start of this year, I wish for happiness and tranquility of people in the world and our country…” according to Reuters.

Norwegian Royals

Året med Kongefamilien (VIDEO)

NorwayHere is the NRK program entitled, Året med Kongefamilien (Year with the Royal Family).  The program takes a look back of all the major activities carried out by members of the Norwegian royal family in 2014. The program also includes lengthy interviews with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.

Please click here to watch.

Photo courtesy of Kongehuset

Imperial Family of Japan

Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan Host the 2015 New Year Greetings Ceremony. (VIDEOS)

On Thursday, January 1, 2015, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan accompanied by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, and other members of the imperial family of Japan hosted the 2015 New Year Greeting Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Here is Emperor Akihito’s 2015 New Year message in full:

“Last year many lives were lost to natural disasters such as heavy snow, torrential rains, and the volcanic eruption of Mt. Ontake, and my thoughts go out to those who lost their loved ones and their homes in those disasters.

This is the fourth winter since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it pains me to think that there are still so many people who cannot return to the places they used to live because of radioactive contamination and so many who face the prospect of a cold, harsh winter in temporary housing. These conditions have made me reflect on the importance of people becoming concerned about and involved in disaster prevention in their respective regions and being prepared to protect their own localities.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, which cost many people their lives. Those who died on the battlefields, those who died in the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, those who died in the air raids on Tokyo and other cities-so many people lost their lives in this war. I think it is most important for us to take this opportunity to study and learn from the history of this war, starting with the Manchurian Incident of 1931, as we consider the future direction of our country.

It is my sincere hope that the new year will bring happiness to the people of our country and the people around the world.”

Monaco Princely Family

A New Year Message From His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. (VIDEO)

Dear Compatriots, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,

The past year has been exceptional for Princess Charlene and myself with the arrival in our home Gabriella and Jacques.

Births Jacques Crown Prince and Princess Gabriella highlight the strong and indissoluble union between the Monégasque community and our family.

These shared moments of happiness is a privilege and we measure its value.

While the future is uncertain for many countries and populations, the Principality prospers because we have been able to be rigorous and careful, creative and responsive in times of instability in the international context.

Many challenges lie ahead. We will meet them successfully, relying on the strength that has always been ours for centuries: our unity.

Also, I have to rely on the wisdom of each and everyone to continue on this path must prevail because the requirement on ease, consensus on sterile quarrels, the public interest over private interests.

You know my determination to work for the good of the Principality and its people. Whatever the obstacles, I shall take the necessary decisions.

European horizons may seem disturbing. Rest assured that I will be vigilant about preserving our specificities to protect our way of development and our social model. But let us beware of the temptation to withdraw and fear.

Soon we will engage in negotiations with the European Union. Not doing so would be irresponsible. These discussions will be long. At completion, we will be free of our decisions will be knowingly and after qu’auront carried out all the “weighed” required.

May this time of Christmas and New Year bring hope and comfort to those of you affected by adversity and we can express the support and solidarity values.

For our youth, my hope of an open future that meets their expectations and allow them to flourish, especially in the work: human labor.

In this time of skepticism and doubt, I believe in the ability of man to transform the way we do. This is what also base my environmental commitment to sustainable development for which there is still time to act.

Dear Compatriots, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,

Princess Charlene and I are happy with our children, to bring with you a confident look on the year that will open.

Together, give impetus to this time.

To one and all, beautiful and serene Year 2015.