In Madrid, Her Imperial and Royal Highness Princess Amélia de Orléans e Bragança and her husband, Mr. James Spearman, welcomed their third child, Benedict Antonio James Spearman, on December 7, 2025.
The announcement was made this morning by the Secretariat of the Imperial House of Brazil.
On Wednesday evening, in Luxembourg City, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg delivered his first Christmas address from the Palais Grand-Ducal following his accession to the throne on October 3rd, 2025.
In his address, the Grand Duke spoke about values including solidarity, openness, tolerance, and social cohesion, which he described as central to life in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He stated that these values are lived daily and contribute to trust and stability within society.
The Grand Duke referred to his visit across the country on October 4th, following his swearing-in ceremony as Grand Duke, and thanked the public for the welcome he received and for the confidence placed in him.
He said that he and Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg intend to remain present throughout the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He also noted that the traditional Joyeuses Entrées, which follow a succession to the throne, will take place next year, with visits planned to five regions.
Turning to the Christmas season, the Grand Duke said that the period carries different meanings for people, including religious observance, time with family, and a pause from everyday life. He stated that Christmas encourages care for others, regardless of individual beliefs or traditions.
Addressing international developments, the Grand Duke referred to the war in Ukraine, stating that it has affected peace and security in Europe, including for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a member of the European Union. He also referred to acts of solidarity within Europe and support for Ukraine.
The Grand Duke also addressed social conditions within the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. While noting the country’s prosperity, he said that poverty and hardship remain present, including challenges linked to housing and living costs. He referred in particular to the pressures faced by single parents and young people.
Environmental responsibility was also addressed. The Grand Duke spoke about responsibility toward the environment and future generations and referred to the importance of institutional stability and long-term continuity.
The address also included references to dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence in a diverse society. The Grand Duke stated that differences of opinion and origin are not obstacles but part of society in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Religious faith was addressed in the context of Christmas, with the Grand Duke stating that faith offers hope to believers. He added that values such as compassion, solidarity, and peace are shared across beliefs.
At the end of his speech, the Grand Duke thanked those whose work supports society, including volunteers and those serving during the festive period. He specifically mentioned healthcare workers, emergency services, the police, the armed forces, and cross-border workers.
He concluded the address by extending Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and beyond.
In Bangkok, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati of Thailand turns 47 today.
The Princess is the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun of Thailand (Rama X) and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali.
On December 15th, 2022, the Princess collapsed and lost consciousness while training with her dog at Nakhon Ratchasima Park, outside the Bangkok city center. She was transported to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where she has remained in a coma since her admission.
On August 9th, 2025, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that the then 46-year-old Princess had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team began administering multiple antibiotics along with medications to maintain stable blood pressure.
A further update issued on August 31st, 2025, reported that the infection had improved and that her blood pressure had stabilized following the discontinuation of blood-pressure-stimulating medication. Physicians noted that antibiotics would continue to be administered to control the infection and that respiratory and renal support would be provided as needed. The Princess remains under close medical observation, and the Royal Household has stated that additional updates will be released should her condition change.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7th, 1978, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished members of the Royal Family of Thailand. She earned a law degree in Thailand before completing an LL.M. and later a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) at Cornell Law School at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During her time abroad and after returning to Thailand, she supported legal scholarship and programmes that strengthened international academic exchange.
After completing her legal studies, she served in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. Much of her professional work focused on criminal justice reform, especially the treatment of women in prison systems. She played a central role in the development and international adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, commonly known as the Bangkok Rules.
Her diplomatic experience includes assignments with Thailand’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, as well as responsibilities associated with United Nations bodies. In 2017, she was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.
Before her hospitalization, the Princess carried out numerous official duties, including work with the Royal Security Command, participation in events related to legal reform and social welfare, and programmes focused on the rehabilitation of women offenders. She also presided over ceremonies and represented Thailand in international forums related to her legal and diplomatic commitments.
In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco has released the official 2025 Christmas card portrait of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, together with His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco, and the family’s dog, Harley.
The photograph was taken in the private family room of the Palais Princier by Monaco-based, German-born photographer, Ms. Vanessa von Zitzewitz.
On Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Hereditary Prince Jacques, Marquis des Baux, and Princess Gabriella, Comtesse de Carlades, will celebrate their 11th birthdays.
The Royal Correspondent 