Her Royal Highness Princess Letizia of Asturias Participates in a Meeting with the Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras in Madrid

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

Her Royal Highness Princess Letizia of Asturias participated in a meeting with the Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras (Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases) in Madrid, Spain on February 14, 2012.

The purpose of Princess Letizia’s attendance at today’s meeting is to strengthen her commitment to support the fight against rare diseases, especially through research and awareness. During the meeting the princess gave a speech stating, “…that let’s all remember that there are three millions of people with rare diseases in our country. And, many are committed to the task of improving the lives of these people.”

Source and photo courtesy of: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

Monaco Princely Family

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco Visits Mali

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

On Monday, February 13, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Mali to begin his official state visit to the African country. Upon his arrival the sovereign prince was greeted by Amadou Toumani Touré, the President of the Republic of Mali, Ms. Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, the Prime Minister, and Dioncounda Traoré, President of the National Assembly.

The purpose of the visit is to “… strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries…” specifically in the areas of mining, tourism, and fruit processing.

During his two-day tour of Mali, Prince Albert II will visit the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Control Centre, the Yeleen School and Olympic Sports Centre and the Charles Mérieux Centre, structures co-funded by the Monégasque Office of International Cooperation. The prince will also officially inaugurate the Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Mali.

Sources: Palais Princier de Monaco and Journal du Mali

Photo courtesy of Journal du Mali

Belgian Royals

His Royal Highness Prince Philippe of Belgium Visits Flanders’ Drive

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

His Royal Highness Prince Philippe of Belgium was in Lommel on Tuesday, February, 14, 2012, where he visited Flanders’ Drive, “…a Flemish technology center that develops innovations for the automotive industry.”

During his visit the prince participated in a meeting focusing on innovation in the automotive sector. Prince Philippe’s meeting at Flanders’ Drive also marks a series of visits to Belgian firms active in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable development and new technologies.

Click here to view photos.

Source: La Monarchie Belge

Photo courtesy of Daylife

Belgian Royals

Her Majesty Queen Paola of Belgium Visits La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth. Plus, News Regarding His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium.

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

On February 14, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Paola of Belgium visited La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Waterloo. Her Majesty was welcomed by Mr. Gary Hoffman, Master in Residence for the Cello. Afterward, the Queen “…attended courses taught by Mr. Hoffman…”

Today’s visit by Queen Paola marks the beginning of a new semester of Cello classes offered as a fifth discipline at La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth.

Meanwhile at Château de Laeken, His Majesty King Albert II held an audience with the Minister of Employment, Ms. Monica de Coninck.

Source: La Monarchie Belge

Imperial Family of Japan

Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko Visit the Tokyo National Museum

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

On Monday, February 13, 2012, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Tokyo National Museum to view the new exhibition, Two Hundred Selected Masterpieces from the Palace Museum, Beijing.

Upon their arrival the imperial couple were greeted by the “… Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Cheng Yonghua…” as well as other local dignitaries.

According to the Mainchi Daily News, the Emperor and Empress, “…viewed exhibits including calligraphy, picture scrolls and a garment made of peacock feathers worn by an emperor of the Qing dynasty.”

Afterward, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko met with various ambassadors newly assigned to foreign capitals as well as attended a “…ceremony for Supreme Court judges…” at the Imperial Palace.

Click here to view photos.

Sources: Mainchi Daily News and DYO

Photo courtesy of Daylife

British Royals

Random Royal News Regarding Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales

February 14, 2012 Alexandra

On February 14, 2012, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge will be in Liverpool to visit the “…’Brink’ as Patron of Action on Addiction. She will meet The Brink Management team, front of house staff and supporters of Action on Addiction’s Liverpool Services.”

Afterward, the Duchess will visit Ronald McDonald House and the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

On Monday, February 13, 2012, the Prince of Wales hosted a reception and dinner at Windsor Castle for members as well as supporters of the British Asian Trust:

The trust is a charity founded three years ago by a group of Asian business leaders at the suggestion of Prince Charles, which aims to transform lives by investing in charities tackling poverty in south Asia and the UK.

It provides a “social fund” to support health, education and enterprise projects in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK. Among the guests who attended the event were music producer Rishi Rich, actress Laila Rouass and EastEnder Nitin Ganatra.

Source: Princeofwales.gov and Press Association

Dutch Royal Family

Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands in Ankara, Turkey

February 13, 2012 Alexandra

Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands is currently visiting Ankara, Turkey, as the United Nations Advisor for Inclusive Finance and as Honorary Chairman of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).

According to the official website for the Dutch royal house, Het Koninklijk Huis (RVD):

Princess Máxima will have several discussions on the importance of access to financial services. The Princess will attend a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs, Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey. Princess Máxima will also met with representatives of various international organizations, such as IMF, World Bank and United Nations.

On Wednesday February 15, 2012, Princess Máxima will visit the ‘Women Entrepreneurship Support Project’. Through this project, thousands of women have received training and coaching in the setting up of a private company, such as writing a business plan and to have access to financial services. Princess Máxima then visits a bilateral tool from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ‘Women Education and Employment Association’, whereby women are helped on the labour market and, for example, also be trained on social aspects.

Finally, the Princess will visit ‘Cocoon to Silk Women Co-Operative’ where she will attend a meeting with organizations which educates women on both business and social fields. source