Monthly Archives: March 2015

Dutch Royal Family

(VIDEOS) TMs King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Visit Denmark.

Embed from Getty Images

On the morning of March 17, 2015, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, accompanied by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bert Koenders, arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark for a three-day state visit.

The purpose of the visit is to continue the strong and existing trade relations between the Netherlands and Denmark, sustainable wind energy, health care and ensuring the quality of society.  The Dutch royal court also noted that the “…state visit provides an opportunity to strengthen the existing cooperation in the economic and social fields with Denmark. Knowledge and sharing of experiences are the focus of this visit.”

Upon their arrival at the airport Their Majesties were warmly welcomed by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark, and Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark and His Serene Highness Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleberg.

Soon, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima along with members of the Danish royal family were whisked off to Fredensborg Slot were they posed for the press. Thereafter, Their Majesties participated in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, at Christansborg Slot in Copenhagen.

In the afternoon, Their Majesties, accompanied by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, attended a conference entitled, A Socially Coherent Society: Prospects for Societal Development in Denmark and the Netherlands, at Aalborg Universitet.  During today’s gathering:

“…leading Danish and Dutch scholars, publicists and students will present their research as well as compare and contrast developments in their respective societies.

Themes to be addressed include welfare and families, happiness, security and trust, solidarity and immigration. Participants at the symposium will also be invited to join roundtable discussions on ‘Happiness and Well being: Challenges and Solutions’.”

In the evening, Their Majesties, members of the Danish royal family along with various Dutch and Danish government officials attended a gala banquet held at Christansborg Slot in Copenhagen.

Please click the links below to watch videos as well as to view photos.

VIDEO, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3, Photo Gallery, Photo Gallery 2, Photo Gallery 3, Photo Gallery 4

Photo courtesy of Getty Images/J. Parker

British Royals

(VIDEOS) His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales Leaves the Army.

After serving ten years in the British Army His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales has decided to leave to begin “…a new chapter…” in his life.

In a press release, via Kensington Palace, the 30-year-old prince noted that:

“…moving on from the Army has been a really tough decision. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do some very challenging jobs and have met many fantastic people in the process. From learning the hard way to stay onside with my Colour Sergeant at Sandhurst, to the incredible people I served with during two tours in Afghanistan – the experiences I have had over the last 10 years will stay with me for the rest of my life. For that I will always be hugely grateful.

Inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career. Luckily for me, I will continue to wear the uniform and mix with fellow servicemen and women for the rest of my life, helping where I can, and making sure the next few Invictus Games are as amazing as the last.

I am considering the options for the future and I am really excited about the possibilities. Spending time with the Australian Defence Force will be incredible and I know I will learn a lot. I am also looking forward to coming back to London this summer to continue working at the Personnel Recovery Unit.

So while I am finishing one part of my life, I am getting straight into a new chapter. I am really looking forward to it.”