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.

Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand Reviews Final Preparations Ahead of La Mode en Majesté Exhibition Opening at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris

  • Photos courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  • Photo courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs/Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand has arrived in Paris ahead of the official opening of the exhibition La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

As patron of the exhibition, the Princess joined members of the curatorial and organizational teams to review final preparations prior to the exhibition’s opening on May 13th.

The exhibition, which runs through November 1st, 2026, explores the evolution of Thai royal dress and textile traditions from historical court attire to contemporary interpretations of national costume and couture design.

Organized through a collaboration between the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the exhibition forms part of celebrations marking both the 340th anniversary of relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the French Republic and the 170th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.

More than 200 garments and related objects are expected to be displayed, including royal attire associated with the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, alongside contemporary interpretations of traditional Thai dress.

The exhibition also examines the longstanding relationship between members of the royal family of Thailand and French haute couture, including designs created by the French fashion house Balmain for the late Queen Sirikit, with embroidery by Maison Lesage.

Princess Sirivannavari has played an active role in preparations for the exhibition. Earlier this year, the Princess conducted research within the Balmain archives in Paris as part of the curatorial development process.

The exhibition additionally aligns with Thailand’s ongoing effort to secure UNESCO recognition for Chut Thai, also spelled Chud Thai, the royally endorsed Thai national costume, as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Prestigious CISM Gala in Monte-Carlo

  • 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

On Thursday evening, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the closing gala of the 81st General Assembly of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Also in attendance were Mr. Louis Ducruet and Mrs. Marie Ducruet, as well as Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.

The gala marked the conclusion of a week of international meetings, discussions, and sporting diplomacy, bringing together military delegations from around the world under the banner of cooperation and unity through sport.

During the evening, the Sovereign Prince and Princess Charlene were presented with distinctions in recognition of their support for the assembly and their engagement with the values promoted by CISM.

Founded in 1948, the Conseil International du Sport Militaire is one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary sports organizations, promoting peace, solidarity, and international understanding through military athletics and sporting exchange.

The 81st General Assembly served as a platform for dialogue among participating nations while reinforcing the organization’s long-standing mission of fostering friendship through sport amid growing international tensions.

Italian royals

Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies Responds to WWF France Ambassador Claims

  • Photo courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
  • Courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies has issued a statement addressing recent reports that WWF France asked her to cease presenting herself as an ambassador of the organization.

The reports, first published by the French publication, La Lettre, indicated that WWF France had not granted such a title and does not maintain a formal relationship with the princess. The organization was also said to have expressed concern that the situation could affect its institutional neutrality.

In a statement released on Friday, May 1st, 2026, Princess Maria Chiara disputed those claims, stating that she had been invited in 2023 to serve as a volunteer ambassador for WWF in both France and Italy. She further indicated that this role had been formalized through an agreement signed on June 6, 2023, with representatives of WWF Italy and WWF France.

The princess also referenced correspondence from WWF France, including a letter from its honorary president acknowledging her engagement and thanking her for her involvement in environmental initiatives.

Describing her work as voluntary and motivated by a longstanding commitment to environmental causes, Princess Maria Chiara rejected suggestions that she had misrepresented her role, expressing concern over what she characterized as inaccurate and damaging claims.

The statement appears to differ from the position attributed to WWF France in the La Lettre report. No formal public confirmation of an official ambassadorial title from WWF France has been identified at the time of publication.

At the time of publication, WWF France had not issued a public response to the princess’s statement.

Italian royals

Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: Asked by WWF France to Cease Ambassador Claims Amid Sister’s Link to Far-Right Politician

  • Photo courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies/Instagram
  • Courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies/Facebook
  • Press release courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie
  • Press release courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie
  • Portrait courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie

WWF France has reportedly asked Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Noto and Capri, to stop presenting herself as an ambassador of the organization, according to a report by La Lettre, a subscription-based French publication focused on political and institutional affairs.

The organization is said to have indicated that it never granted such a title and that it currently maintains no formal relationship with the princess.

The reported request comes amid increased public attention surrounding her elder sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo, who has been publicly linked to Mr. Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National (National Rally), a French far-right political party.

According to La Lettre, WWF France has sent several letters since February 2026 seeking clarification, which have reportedly gone unanswered. The organization is said to be concerned that the situation could affect its image of neutrality, particularly ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.

The publication further reports that WWF France maintains it has never formally designated the princess as an ambassador, noting that such a title does not exist within its structure. It also states that no contractual relationship is currently in place, despite a previous collaboration with WWF’s Italian branch.

In a social media post dated May 24, 2024, Princess Maria Chiara wrote that she was “honored to stand as an ambassador for WWF France,” describing her involvement in promoting environmental initiatives.

Separately, a press release published on June 9, 2023, on the official website of the Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie announced her appointment as an “Ambassador of WWF for Italy and France,” reflecting how the role has been presented by the princess and her family. No formal confirmation of such a title from WWF has been publicly identified.

Princess Maria Chiara is the youngest daughter of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Castro. Prince Charles is the godfather of Her Royal Highness Princess Josephine of Denmark, the youngest daughter of Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.

At the time of publication, WWF France has not issued a public statement addressing the matter.

Princely Family of Liechtenstein

Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein Confer Order of Merit at Schloss Vaduz

  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
  • Photos courtesy of IKR/Roland Korner/Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein

In Vaduz, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois, acting on behalf of His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, and Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein presided over a ceremony at Schloss Vaduz during which the Fürstlich Liechtensteinischer Verdienstorden (Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein) was conferred.

Founded by Prince Franz I of Liechtenstein in 1937, the order honors services rendered to the Principality.

The former government councillor, Dr. Aurelia Frick, received the Komturkreuz (Commander’s Cross).  The former president of the Samaritans Triesenberg, Mr. Daniel Beck, received the Ritterkreuz (Knight’s Cross).

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