All posts by Alexandra

Danish Royals, Royal Family of Denmark

Queen Margrethe of Denmark Hospitalized Following Heart Attack and Angioplasty Procedure

Photo courtesy of Kongehuset

On Thursday, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark was admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen after suffering a heart attack, according to an official statement released by the Royal Household of Denmark.

The Royal Household stated that Queen Margrethe would remain hospitalized through the weekend for observation and additional medical examinations. The statement further noted that the former Danish sovereign was tired but in good spirits.

In a subsequent medical update released on Friday morning, the Royal Household confirmed that Queen Margrethe had undergone a balloon angioplasty procedure involving one of the coronary arteries of the heart.

According to the Palace, the procedure was carried out successfully, and Queen Margrethe is expected to remain hospitalized for several additional days while continuing her recovery and medical observation. The Royal Household further stated that Her Majesty Queen Margrethe is in stable condition and doing well.

A balloon angioplasty, also referred to medically as coronary angioplasty, is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure performed to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The treatment commonly involves the insertion of a catheter equipped with a small inflatable balloon used to widen the affected artery and improve circulation to the heart muscle.

Queen Margrethe abdicated the throne on January 14th, 2024, after more than 52 years as Sovereign of the Kingdom of Denmark. Upon her abdication, her eldest son, Frederik, acceded to the throne.

Queen Margrethe has remained active in selected public engagements and cultural patronages since her abdication, although her public schedule has become more limited in recent years following several health-related absences and medical procedures.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Formula E Monte-Carlo Tee Prix Award Ceremony Ahead of Historic Visit to Spain

  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Michaël Alesi

In La Turbie, France, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the award ceremony for the inaugural Formula E Monte-Carlo Tee Prix held at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club.

The charitable golf tournament, organized in support of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, brought together Formula E drivers, sponsors, professional golfers, and invited personalities on the historic course overlooking the Principality.

Conducted in the “Scramble” format, the tournament featured a series of skill-based challenges, including “Nearest the Pin” and “Longest Drive,” combining sporting competition with philanthropic engagement in an atmosphere described in a statement issued by the Palais Princier de Monaco as both “convivial and competitive.”

Princess Charlene presented the first prize to the “Influencers” team, composed of Mr. Seb Delanney, Miss Emma Houlmiere, Miss Mathilde Ostrowski, and Formula E driver Mr. Maximilian Günther. The second prize was presented by Prince Albert II to Team “Aurora,” composed of Mr. Lee Flay, Mr. Matt Beal, Mr. Lee Attreed, and Mr. Westbury Gillett. The third prize was presented by Mr. Gareth Wittstock.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will visit Madrid, Spain, on June 1st through 2nd for a series of engagements marking the 150th anniversary of modern diplomatic relations between the Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Spain.

According to the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Spain, the Sovereign Prince will preside over the inauguration of the exhibition, Monaco y España: cinco siglos de historia compartida (Monaco et l’Espagne: cinq siècles d’histoire partagée), which will be presented at the Pabellón Villanueva within the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid.

Organized by the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco, the exhibition explores five centuries of historical, cultural, and diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Relations between the Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Spain date back to the early 16th century. In 1524, the Treaty of Burgos, signed by Honoré I of Monaco and Emperor Charles V of Spain, placed the Principality under Spanish protection and established a period of close political and dynastic relations between the Grimaldi dynasty and the Crown of Spain that endured for centuries through diplomatic, cultural, and royal exchanges.

Vanitatis journalist Ms. Nuria Tiburcio reported this afternoon that Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco will accompany the Sovereign Prince during the visit. If confirmed by the Palais Princier de Monaco, in the coming days, the visit would mark the Princess’s first official visit to the Kingdom of Spain since her marriage to the Sovereign Prince in 2011.

Prince Albert II has visited Spain on several occasions in recent years, including cultural and environmental engagements in Cantabria, Burgos, and Madrid.

Poster courtesy of the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid
British Royals, Māori Monarchy

The Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po Meets The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle

  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace
  • Photos courtesy of the Kiingitanga/Buckingham Palace

On Tuesday, the Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po held an audience with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle during an official visit to the United Kingdom connected to the 50th anniversary celebrations of The King’s Trust.

According to a statement released by the Kiingitanga, the Māori Queen traveled to London in support of young entrepreneurs from Aotearoa New Zealand participating in a series of events organized through The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand. 

On Monday evening, the Māori Queen attended A King’s Trust Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Their Majesties Charles III and Camilla of the United Kingdom. The anniversary event brought together ambassadors, alumni, volunteers, and supporters of the organization in recognition of the charity’s 50 years of work supporting young people through education, training, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Four young entrepreneurs from New Zealand were selected to participate in the visit after establishing businesses focused on creating employment opportunities and supporting local communities. During their time in London, the group is expected to meet with international business leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives connected to the global network of the King’s Trust.

In a statement issued ahead of the visit, Kiingitanga spokesperson, Rahui Papa, said the participation of the young entrepreneurs reflected the importance of leadership, innovation, and long-term opportunities for future generations.

Established by then-Prince Charles in 1976 as The Prince’s Trust, the organization supports young people through education, training, and entrepreneurship initiatives across several Commonwealth countries.

On Thursday, the Māori Queen and the four rangatahi entrepreneurs from Aotearoa New Zealand are also expected to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco Releases Rehabilitated Red-Footed Falcon in France and Announces a New Wildlife Patronage

  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi

This afternoon, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in the release of a rehabilitated Red-footed Falcon at the Observatoire Astronomique du plateau de Calern in Caussols, France.

The Princess was accompanied by her brother, Mr. Gareth Wittstock, during the event organized in cooperation with the wildlife rescue association Instinct Animal SOS Faune Sauvage.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, the bird of prey had previously suffered severe injuries, including electrocution and a fractured wing, before undergoing several months of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation. The species, known for its long migratory routes between Asia and southern Africa, was later released back into the wild during the event.

Princess Charlene, who has supported several animal welfare and wildlife protection initiatives in Monaco and neighboring regions, also announced her patronage of the association. The Princess currently serves as President of the SPA Refuge de Monaco.

Following the release, the Princess visited the organization’s wildlife treatment center in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne in southeastern France. Opened in 2025, the facility specializes in the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured wild animals from across the Alpes-Maritimes region and neighboring departments.

According to the association, the center has already treated nearly animals since beginning operations and functions through a combination of public support, private donations, and corporate sponsorship.

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

Prince Charles of Luxembourg, the Youngest Heir to a European Throne, Celebrates His Sixth Birthday

  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue
  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue
  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue
  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue
  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue
  • Photos courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Sophie Margue

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon-Parma, celebrates his sixth birthday today.

Born Prince Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume at the Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg City on May 10th, 2020, he is the eldest child of Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, and the older brother of His Royal Highness Prince François of Luxembourg.

Following the accession of his father to the Grand Ducal Throne on October 3rd, 2025, Prince Charles became the youngest heir to a throne in Europe.

Prince Charles was baptized on September 19th, 2020, at the Abbaye Saint-Maurice de Clervaux in northern Luxembourg.  His godparents are His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Luxembourg, the younger brother of Grand Duke Guillaume, and Countess Gaëlle de Lannoy, the elder sister of Grand Duchess Stéphanie.

To mark the occasion of the Prince’s birthday, the Maison du Grand-Duc released a series of new portraits photographed by Ms. Sophie Margue at Château de Fischbach.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Caroline of Hanover and Prince Albert II of Monaco Attend 57th Concours International de Bouquets in Port Hercule

  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Frédéric Nebinger/Direction de la Communication/Ed Wright
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Frédéric Nebinger/Direction de la Communication/Ed Wright
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/ Frédéric Nebinger/Direction de la Communication/Ed Wright

On Saturday in Port Hercule, Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, and the Minister of the State of the Principality of Monaco, Mr. Christophe Mirmand, attended the 57th edition of the Concours International de Bouquets at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Established in 1968 by the late Princess Grace of Monaco, the annual floral competition is organized by the Garden Club of Monaco, of which Princess Caroline serves as President.

The theme of this year’s competition was Celeste, with floral artists drawing inspiration from celestial imagery, light, and atmospheric phenomena through a series of elaborate botanical compositions.

According to organizers, participants from multiple countries, including professional floral designers, amateur exhibitors, and young competitors, presented works across seven themed categories inspired by storms, eclipses, lunar illumination, and the northern lights.

During the event, Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II, Miss de Massy, and Minister Mirmand toured the exhibition stands and met with participants alongside members of Monaco’s cultural and civic community.

The competition concluded with the presentation of several distinctions, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Insignia awards, the Grand Prix Général, and the Princess Grace of Monaco Prize.

Danish Royals, Royal Family of Denmark

King Frederik X of Denmark Unveils Microflora Danica as New Bacteria Is Named in Honor of Queen Margrethe

  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©
  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©
  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©
  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©
  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©
  • Photos courtesy of Det Danske Kongehuset©

On Friday, His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark visited Aalborg University as researchers formally concluded the nationwide scientific project Microflora Danica, an extensive study examining the microscopic organisms living within the Kingdom of Denmark’s soil, forests, lakes, coastal regions, and urban environments.

The project, based on more than 10,000 environmental samples collected across the Kingdom of Denmark over six years, sought to map the country’s microbial biodiversity using advanced DNA analysis. Researchers described the initiative as the first large-scale scientific survey of Denmark’s invisible microbial ecosystems.

The title Microflora Danica was intentionally inspired by Flora Danica, the historic botanical survey commissioned under King Frederik V in 1761, documenting the plant life of the Kingdom of Denmark. Researchers at Aalborg University described King Frederik X’s participation in the conclusion of the project as a symbolic continuation of Denmark’s longstanding relationship between scientific discovery and the monarchy.

During the visit, the King officially unveiled the names of four newly identified bacterial species discovered during the project.

Among them was Margrethea Danica, a rare bacterium named in honor of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark. According to researchers, the bacterium represents a previously unknown major branch on the scientific “tree of life,” the evolutionary framework used to trace relationships between living organisms. Researchers noted that discoveries representing entirely new branches within the tree of life remain exceptionally rare.

Researchers stated that the naming of Margrethea Danica recognized Queen Margrethe’s longstanding support of scientific, cultural, and academic initiatives throughout her reign.

King Frederik X also approved the names of three additional bacterial species associated with locations connected to the royal family of Denmark and royal history.

The bacterium Graastenia ingridihorti was identified near Gråsten Slot and references the historic castle gardens associated with the late Queen Ingrid of Denmark, the King’s grandmother. Gribskovia venatica, discovered in Gribskov, references Denmark’s historic royal hunting landscapes, while Querciregia multidomus was identified near Kongeegen at Jægerspris Nordskov, one of the oldest known oak trees in Denmark.

According to researchers, the project has provided new insight into microorganisms involved in nitrogen cycles, greenhouse gas formation, and ecosystem development, with potential implications for environmental restoration, agricultural management, and climate research.

The findings from Microflora Danica have been published in the scientific journal Nature Microbiology, while the broader research project has been recognized internationally as one of Denmark’s most significant recent scientific initiatives.