On December 25, 2016, the British royal court released Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Christmas Day message.
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(VIDEO) Members of the British Royal Family Attend Christmas Day Service at St. Mary Magdalene.
On the morning of December 25, 2016, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales, His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Their Royal Highnesses Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex along with their two children — Lady Louise Windsor and James, The Viscount Severn — Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Philips along with their two children — Savannah and Isla Philips — attended Christmas Day service at the St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.
(VIDEO) A Christmas Video From TSHs Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
On December 24, 2016, the Palais Princier released a lovely Christmas video of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco accompanied by their two adorable children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
(VIDEO) A Christmas Message From His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium.
On the evening of December 24, 2016, the Belgian royal court released His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium’s Christmas and New Year speech.
The pre-recorded message was filmed at Château de Laeken near Brussels, Belgium earlier this month.
Below is a rough translation of His Majesty’s speech:
“Ladies and gentlemen,
For many of us the Christmas and New Year celebrations are a time of happiness. The illuminated streets and squares create a festive atmosphere. In the hearths reigns the joy of being together, of being together. Unfortunately this is not for everyone. For many, these are difficult days. I am thinking of those who are alone, those who are sick, those who bear heavy burdens. I think of all those who lost a loved one. And this year in particular to the victims of the attacks in Brussels and Zaventem, and to their relatives.
The events of the past year, in Belgium, Europe and elsewhere in the world, cast doubt on the future. Many people are worried about their jobs, their income, their safety. Too many young people think their lives and those of their children will be worse than their parents. Too many elderly people are wondering if they will still be able to keep up with current developments. This sense of uncertainty, disarray, even anger, can also lead to a loss of confidence in institutions.
And yet I want to send you today a message of hope. Throughout the country, the Queen and I are impressed by remarkable projects in which citizens are involved and who motivate others to become involved.
I see men and women who dare to interact with sincerity and truth. I felt this on my recent visit to a home that provides a family environment for adults with mental disabilities. To meet without prejudice and tenderness, to recognize the frailties of the other at the same time as his own. I was shattered by the energy that it releases in itself. Sweetness is a force.
I also see many examples of solidarity and generosity. In holiday camps that give their smile to children who are victims of mistreatment and harassment. In families hosting excluded people. In projects that bring together people of different generations and origins. Many do not hesitate to sacrifice their comfort to get closer to the other.
I see finally many young and old who have understood that to succeed, one must have the courage to start over. They refuse to remain on the margins of society. They do not resign themselves. They understand that to succeed is also to want the success of the other and to accept his help. I think of those who grasp with outstretched hands to learn, to resume their studies, to find a job. I am thinking of those retirees who are embarking on new meaningful projects. And the older ones who accept to be helped without seeing a loss of dignity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
All these examples express the will to build a society where one sustains one another in the ordeal and where one helps each other to succeed. They show that a more cordial society is within our reach. They deserve greater visibility. I am convinced that they can also create a dynamic that enriches the action of our institutions and builds confidence in the foundations of our democracy. This is what I sincerely hope for our country and for Europe on the eve of 2017.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I and all our family wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
(VIDEO) Members of the Dutch Royal Family Attend the 2016 Prins Claus Prijs.
On Thursday, December 15, 2016, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands and Her Royal Highness Princess Mabel of Oranje-Nassau attended the 2016 Prins Claus Prijs held at the Koninklijk Paleis in Amsterdam.
The Prins Claus Prijs is awarded annually to individuals and organizations based mainly in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for their outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development and the positive effect of their work on their direct environment and the wider cultural or social field.
Traditionally, the Fund has presented one Principal Award and ten additional Awards. On this 20th anniversary year, the Fund is taking a somewhat different approach. It has selected a smaller number of Laureates than usual and, in addition to the Award, which is given in recognition of their excellent achievements, the Fund has created the opportunity for each of the five Laureates to support a project that they feel expands and enhances creativity in their own environment.
The winner of the Prins Claus Prijs went to writer and director, Mr. Apichatpong Weerasethakul, for his:
“…visual richness, spiritual lyricism and intellectual depth of his provocative works; for his subtle yet powerful examination of Thai realities that resonates beyond his own society; for inventing an original cinematic language that evokes a live experience of the animist sense of being, reinstating a way of connecting paralyzed by western mechanisms that disrupt the body’s ability to evaluate what is good for life and what isn’t; for transforming filmmaking into something far more complex and far-reaching, clearly demonstrating that artistic excellence creates experience and is inseparable from the social and political; and for inspiring others by remaining uncompromisingly true to his own vision and principles…”
(VIDEO) TSHs Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Distribute Christmas Gifts.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 14, 2016, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco accompanied by their two children, HSH Hereditary Prince Jacques and HSH Princess Gabriella, Mr. Louis Ducruet, and Miss Camille Gottlieb distributed Christmas gifts to dozens of Monégasque children at the Palais Princier in Monaco-ville, Monaco.
(VIDEOS) HM Queen Rania of Jordan Presides Over the 2016 Queen Rania Awards for Excellence in Education.
On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan presided over the 2016 Queen Rania Awards for Excellence in Education in Amman, Jordan.
Per a press release:
“In the award ceremony, held at Al Hussein Youth City’s Palace of Culture, Her Majesty awarded prizes and certificates to winners of the 11th Teacher Award, and the 2nd cycle of the School Counselor Award.
In a speech she delivered, the Queen underscored the critical role of teachers in the development of education across the Kingdom, explaining that ‘development requires substituting methods of the past with those compatible with the needs of the future.’
Queen Rania underlined that progress in education involves training teachers before and during their employment, and called on teachers to lead what she described as an ‘educational renaissance’ from within their classrooms, and to invite their communities to be a part of this renaissance.
The Queen delivered her speech less than two months after she launched the Queen Rania Teacher’s Academy’s pre-service professional training program.
In her remarks, she said that a ‘teacher’s light’ has the power to break through the stockpile of challenges, including financial, social and logistical, explaining that those with us today have been able to devise solutions out of sheer need and despite great challenges.”
‘They have proved that there is still room in those packed classrooms for innovative solutions and creative ideas,’ she added.
Queen Rania stressed that despite the pressing need for an upgrade in Jordan’s educational system, ‘we maintain our principles and identity, while advancing the sciences and our knowledge.’ In this scope, the Queen explained that textbooks should become a partner and a reference for teachers rather than a hindrance limited by rigid style and wording.
Her Majesty said she is baffled by those who do not wish to advance and develop Jordan’s education, adding that her appreciation grows “for each exceptional teacher and for anyone who stands by teachers and support them.
Describing teachers as the ‘heroes of this country,’ the Queen said: ‘nothing can match the greatness and nobleness of your work, no measure of gratitude gives justice to your patience and dedication, and no joy is equal to the joy I feel when I see the smiles before me today, which will continue to fuel my drive to keep championing on behalf of teachers.’
As QRAEE’s Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Queen Rania awarded 23 teachers and 5 counselors at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 2000 people. The winners went through a competitive process and were selected from a pool of 1,609 teachers and 147 guidance counselors.
Winning teachers and counselors received monetary awards of JD 3,000 for first place, JD 2,000 for second place, and JD 1,000 for third place.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Minister of Education Dr. Mohammad Thneibat, who said that the time has never been riper for welcoming change, overcoming setbacks, and turning challenges into opportunities.
Thneibat said that the ministry is working with the Association of QRAEE to capitalize on the strengths of previous awardees, and identify areas that need improvement in Jordan’s education system, in order to create a competitive culture of excellence in all of the ministry’s directorates.
He added: ‘we are aware that there is no road to success that is clear of obstacles, and there are no obstacles if there is determination and willpower to implement a vision.’
The event also featured opening remarks by the Director of QRAEE, Ms. Lubna Touqan, shorts films and a performance by Jordanian musician Hussein Al Salman.
Launched in 2005 by Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania in partnership with the Ministry of Education, QRAEE aims to set a national standard of excellence in teaching, and to celebrate, encourage, and honor those who reach it.”
The Royal Correspondent 