Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg Receives Ceremonial Helmet from Lëtzebuerger Arméi at Château de Berg

March 19, 2026 Alexandra Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc
Photo courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc

At Château de Berg, in Colmar-Berg, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was presented with a motorcycle helmet by officers of the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in recognition of his role as former Commander-in-Chief and his longstanding support for the armed forces.

The helmet, bearing the colours of the House of Nassau, was formally presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Schaber, Lieutenant-Colonel Lesch, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lamesch as a gesture of appreciation on behalf of the military.

While unusual in form, such gifts are consistent with military tradition, in which units or associations present symbolic objects reflecting their identity, function, or esprit de corps. In this context, the motorcycle helmet relates to operational and ceremonial functions within the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in which motorcycles are employed, including escort duties.

The incorporation of the Nassau colours underscores the dynastic dimension of the gesture, linking the modern Luxembourg state to the House of Nassau, from which the Grand Ducal family of Luxembourg descends.

Royal Family of Spain, Spanish Royals

King Felipe VI of Spain Presides Over Doctor Honoris Causa Investiture of President Sergio Mattarella at the Universidad de Salamanca

March 19, 2026 Alexandra Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey
Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey
Photo courtesy of the Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana/Quirinale.it

In Salamanca, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain presided over the investiture ceremony at which the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, was awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad de Salamanca, one of the oldest and most historically significant universities in Europe.

Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX of León, the Universidad de Salamanca has long occupied a central place in the intellectual and institutional history of the Kingdom of Spain. Its traditions, shaped over eight centuries, situate the conferral of honorary doctorates within a broader framework of academic recognition reserved for individuals whose work has made a sustained contribution to public life, scholarship, or international cooperation.

The University conferred the distinction in recognition of President Mattarella’s longstanding cultural ties with the Kingdom of Spain, as well as his academic career as Professor of Parliamentary Law at the Università degli Studi di Palermo until 1983, during which he produced numerous scholarly publications. The Universidad de Salamanca further acknowledged his contribution to contemporary public thought.

In its citation, the University also highlighted President Mattarella’s commitment to humanism, European integration, and cooperation among nations, noting in particular a shared emphasis on the role of culture and education within democratic societies.

The degree of Doctor Honoris Causa constitutes the highest academic distinction conferred by the Universidad de Salamanca and is awarded to individuals of recognised international standing in the scientific, cultural, professional, or institutional spheres.

On Friday, Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will travel to the Vatican, where they are scheduled to be received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco Leads Water Safety Workshops Ahead of 14th Edition of the Sainte Dévote Tournament

March 19, 2026 Alexandra Leave a comment

In Fontvieille, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in the annual Water Safety Day workshops at the Centre Nautique du Stade Louis II.

Organized several times each year by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, the workshops were conducted under the supervision of the Ambassador of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco and Monégasque freediver, Mr. Pierre Frolla, together with his team from the Académie Monégasque de la Mer, with the participation of the Croix-Rouge Monégasque, the Comité Monégasque Antidopage, and the Association Monégasque des Athlètes Olympiques.

The workshops brought together 108 children representing nine international under-12 rugby teams competing in the 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote.

Participants took part in a structured programme focused on water safety and emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue techniques, and basic first aid, alongside supervised aquatic activities.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, for many of the children participating in the workshop, it was their “first introduction to water rescue, in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.” The Palace added that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s international work to prevent drowning and promote the values of solidarity, education, and sport.

The 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote begins on Friday, March 20th to Saturday, March 21st, at the Stade Louis II.