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Dutch Royal Family, Greek Royal Family, Headlines, Royal Weddings, Swedish Royals

Valentino Garavani, Legendary Italian Couturier and Fashion Designer to Royalty, Dies at 93.

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Photo: Wikipedia

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, one of the most influential figures in haute couture and prêt-à-porter, has died in Rome, Italy, at the age of 93.

His death was announced in a statement by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, which said the designer passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.

Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera, Italy, on May 11, 1932, Valentino founded his fashion house in Rome in 1960 together with his longtime companion and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. The Valentino name would go on to become synonymous with refined elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and a distinctive aesthetic that spanned both haute couture and prêt-à-porter. Among the house’s most recognizable signatures was “Valentino red,” a vivid shade that became emblematic of the designer’s work.

Over a career that extended for more than four decades, Valentino dressed heads of state, celebrities, and royalty, establishing himself as one of the defining couturiers of the late twentieth century.  Valentino retired in 2008, though his influence on fashion continued to be widely felt.

Valentino’s legacy is also closely linked to several historic royal weddings.

In 1995, he designed the wedding gown worn by Ms. Marie-Chantal Miller for her marriage to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece. The wedding took place on July 1, 1995, at St. Sophia’s Cathedral in London. The couture gown was an ivory silk creation adorned with pearls, featuring intricate lacework, a high neckline, and a 4.5-meter Chantilly lace train, crafted by 25 seamstresses over four months.

  • Portrait courtesy of David Seidner.
  • Portrait courtesy of David Seidner.
  • Portrait courtesy of Patrick Lichfield, the 5th Earl of Lichfield.

In 2002, Valentino designed the wedding dress of Ms. Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti for her marriage to His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange. The wedding took place on February 2, 2002, in Amsterdam, with the civil ceremony held at the Beurs van Berlage and the religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk. The iconic gown was made from ivory mikado silk and featured a cowl neckline, three-quarter sleeves, lace inserts, and a dramatic five-meter train.

  • Portrait courtesy of Jeroen van der Meyde/RVD.
  • Portrait courtesy of Jeroen van der Meyde/RVD.

Valentino’s final major royal bridal commission came in 2013, when he designed the wedding gown of Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden for her marriage to Mr. Christopher O’Neill. The wedding took place on June 8, 2013, at the Slottskyrkan (Royal Palace chapel) in Stockholm. The gown was crafted from silk organza with appliquéd Chantilly lace and was accompanied by a lace-edged cathedral veil.

  • Portrait courtesy of Ewa-Marie Rundquist/Kungalige Hovstaterna.
  • Portrait courtesy of Brigitte Grenfeldt/HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
  • Portrait courtesy of Brigitte Grenfeldt/HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden.

Valentino Garavani’s work bridged classical couture traditions and modern luxury fashion, earning him international recognition and lasting cultural significance. Through the foundation he shared with Giammetti, his legacy in fashion, art, and philanthropy continues.

Imperial House of Brazil

Princess Amélia de Orléans e Bragança Welcomes Third Child in Madrid

  • Photo courtesy of Secretariado da Casa Imperial do Brasil
  • Press release courtesy of the Secretariado da Casa Imperial do Brasil

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.

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg, Headlines

Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg Delivers First Christmas Address as Head of State

Photo courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc

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.

Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Turns 47: A Biography of Her Life and Work.

Portrait courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand

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.

Monaco Princely Family

Palais Princier de Monaco Releases the Princely Family’s Official 2025 Christmas Card

Portrait courtesy of Vanessa von Zitzewitz/Palais Princier de Monaco

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.

German Princely Families, German Royals

European Royals Gather in Oettingen, Germany, for the Funeral of H.S.H. Prince Albrecht of Oettingen-Spielberg.

  • Photo courtesy of Schloss Oettingen/Fürst zu Oettingen-Spielberg

On Friday, November 28th, the funeral of His Serene Highness Prince Albrecht of Oettingen-Spielberg was held at Saint Jakob Church in Oettingen in Bayern, Germany. The Prince died unexpectedly on November 11 at the age of 74.

Members of European royal and grand-ducal houses were among those who traveled to Oettingen in Bayern for the funeral service. Attendees included His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Luxembourg, His Royal Highness Duke Franz of Bavaria and Mr. Thomas Greinwald, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Ludwig and Princess Sophie Alexandra of Bavaria, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Luitpold and Princess Katrin of Bavaria, His Royal Highness Duke Max Emanuel of Bavaria, Their Highnesses Prince Hubertus and Princess Kelly of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, His Royal Highness Prince Christian of Hanover, His Grace The Duke of Northumberland, Ralph Percy, and Mr. Pierre Casiraghi. 

In his eulogy, Pastor Richard Hörmann described the late Prince Albrecht as a warm and approachable man who combined clarity and decisiveness in leadership with consistent kindness toward others. He noted the late prince’s lifelong curiosity, his ability to build and maintain personal connections, and the positive manner with which he carried out his responsibilities.

Born Albrecht Ernst Otto Joseph Maria Notger, Prince of Oettingen-Oettingen and Oettingen-Spielberg on February 7, 1951, in Munich, Germany, he was the son of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Alois and Princess Elisabeth (born Countess Elisabeth Gabriele zu Lynar) of Oettingen-Spielberg.

Following the death of his father, Prince Alois, on November 30, 1975, Prince Albrecht succeeded as Head of the Princely House of Oettingen-Spielberg, a role in which he served for five decades.

Throughout his life, the Prince received several orders and decorations, including the Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande and the Bayerischer Verdienstorden. He was also a member of the Hausorden vom Heiligen Georg and of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The late Prince Albrecht is survived by his wife, Her Serene Highness Princess Angela of Oettingen-Spielberg, and their four children: His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Franz-Albrecht of Oettingen-Spielberg, Her Serene Highness Princess Theresa of Oettingen-Spielberg, Her Serene Highness Princess Antonia of Oettingen-Spielberg, and Her Serene Highness Princess Nora of Oettingen-Spielberg, as well as nine grandchildren.

Monaco Princely Family

Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover, to publish Her First Solo Book, La Fêlure, in 2026

  • Photo courtesy of Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco
  • Book cover courtesy of Amazon France/Julliard

In Paris, it was announced that Ms. Charlotte Casiraghi, the eldest daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover and the late Stefano Casiraghi, will release her first solo book, La fêlure, on January 29, 2026.

Ms. Casiraghi previously co-wrote a philosophical work in 2018 with her former philosophy teacher, Mr. Robert Maggiori, titled Archipel des Passions (Éditions du Seuil), in which they examined forty “passions”, from love and cruelty to admiration and ennui, through a series of literary dialogues.

In La fêlure, Ms. Casiraghi undertakes a literary and philosophical exploration of what it means to be “cracked” or fragile. According to the official synopsis, the book draws inspiration from the well-known short story The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald and incorporates the work of writers, poets, and artists such as Ingeborg Bachmann, Colette, Marguerite Duras, Anna Akhmatova, the sailor Bernard Moitessier, and musician J. J. Cale.

Through these references, Ms. Casiraghi develops a sequence of reflections on the inner fracture, La fêlure, understood as a point of vulnerability that may also offer access to deeper insight.

The publisher, Éditions Julliard, describes the book as an “intimate literary inquiry” into “the line of flight that threatens us but may also offer our most sublime chance to grasp what moves through us when we live.”

If you are interested in reserving a copy of La fêlure, it is now available for pre-order through major French booksellers, including FNAC, Librest, and Amazon France.