Day Two of the Dutch Visit to Germany

Late this afternoon in Berlin, Germany, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, attended a “…circus workshop for children…”  (Daylife)

The royal trio along with Bettina Wulff, wife of the German President, seemed to enjoy the day as they watched the myriad of performers doing their super cool circus stuff (I don’t know how to describe it, sorry.)  🙂  Anyway, prior to the circus event the royal trio had a chance to visit the Brandenburg Gate, then take a lovely boat tour along the river Spree with the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit.  Finally, it was lunch time!

All in all it seems to have been a great day for all!  🙂

Later on this evening Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and the Crown Princely couple will attend a classical music concert.  Photos can be viewed here.

To watch a video clip from today’s event please click the link here.

To view photos from their Berlin adventures please click the links here, here, and here.

Photo courtesy of: Day Life by Reuters Gero Breloer/Pool

Source: Het Koninklijk Huis

Updates About the Upcoming Princely Wedding in Monaco

As you know there are only three and a half months until the big day in lovely Monaco. And, as you know, some detailed information about the wedding was released to the public a couple of weeks ago whereupon it was announced that Lexus would be the official sponsor/partner of the princely wedding.

Well, now it seems that another mega car company will be a sponsor/partner in the wedding. Who is it you may ask?  It’s BMW!

Yup, the famous German automotive company has the supreme honor of providing a myriad of lovely luxury limousines to “…carry the High personalities invited by the Principality during the festivities of Saturday the 2nd of July.” (Mariage Princier Monaco 2011)

Unlike the Lexus Hybrid (the LS600h) car that will whiz H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his bride, Charlene Wittstock, through the streets of Monaco after the nuptials on July 2, 2011, the BMW limos are not environmentally friendly.  Oh quel dommage.

Source: Mariage Princier Monaco 2011 Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

Maxima, A Portrait of a Princess: A New Documentary

In one month — May 17 to be exact — H.R.H. Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will turn 40 years old.  In honor of her big turning point day, a new documentary about her life as a Princess will air on Dutch television on May 16, 2011 entitled, Máxima: Portrait of a Princess.

According to the Dutch online newspaper, NOS.nl:

From the moment Princess Máxima and Prince Willem-Alexander were officially proposed [engaged] she stole the hearts of the Dutch people and in this past decade she as become the most popular member of the royal family. At the same time, Máxima is a modern woman who combines motherhood with a business career.

The NOS was given the opportunity to view the princess during work days and family family life. During the broadcast you will also see Princess Máxima during her work for the United Nations and, for example, the Oranje Fonds and the Dutch Council for Microfinance.

Thus, NOS was there when the princess, around the annual General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, spoke with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Overall, this new documentary seems that it will be quite interesting and most likely should not be missed.  At this time, it is unclear if the program will be available online for international viewers; however, if and when it does I will be sure to post a link.  In the meantime, I hope my Dutch readers will have a chance to watch the documentary about Princess Máxima and let me know what they thought of it.

To read the NOS.nl article in its entirety please click the link: NOS.nl

Source: NOS.nl Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Crown Princely Couple on a State Visit to Germany: Day One

On April 12, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands began a four-day state visit to Germany this afternoon.

The royal trio were warmly greeted by the President of Germany, Christian Wulff, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany.  After a quick meeting as well as lunch with the President, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix spoke with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, about “…the bilateral relationship and discuss cross-border cooperation.” (RP.de) Next on the agenda were discussions with representatives from various Dutch and German corporations and the economy.

Soon, it was off to visit the Neue Wache War Memorial where Her Majesty Queen Beatrix “… laid down a wreath…” in remembrance of all those who were “… victims of war and tyranny.” (Daylife)

And, finally this evening there was a lovely gala dinner at the Bellevue Palace.  Click to see the photos here.

The state visit to Germany will continue for the next few days whereupon the royal trio will have a chance to visit Dresden and Düsseldorf.

To view the myriad of photos from today please click the links:  Photos galoremore photos, and even more photos.

To watch a video of their Dutch royals arrival, with commentary from Royalty Magazine, please click the link here.

Another video of their arrival, activities, and gala dinner:  Video

Source: RP.de and Daylife Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe

H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Hereditary Princess of Monaco Attends A Tennis Match in Monaco

On April 11, 2011, H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Hereditary Princess of Monaco attended the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament in Monaco.    This eight-day event, held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, attracted the usual rich, famous, and oh so awesome VIPS.

The Princess was “… invited by Rolex (of course) to lunch with Arnaud Boetsch, Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki, and Freançois Truchi, Monte-Carlo Country Club director, at Rolex Restaurant.” (profimedia.si)

If you are interested in watching the Rolex Masters online you may do so by clicking the link here. To view photos from the event please click the link here.

Source: Profimedia.si Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

H.R.H. Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton in Lancashire, England

On April 11, 2011,  H.R.H. Prince William of Wales and his fiancée, Catherine Middleton, decided to make one last official appearance together before they tie the knot at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

So what did they do?  Where did they go?  Well, the couple, along with their bodyguards and other VIPS, were in Lancashire to officially open the new school, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.   Even though it was raining the couple were in good spirits meeting the students as well as the hundreds of onlookers who cheered the couple on as they made their way through the handshaking thingy line (gawd, I hope that made sense.)

Anyway…

To watch a video please click the link:  BBC News To view photos from today’s event please click the link:  Photos galore

Source: BBC News Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe

An Article in Paris Match About the Future Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock

In the recent edition of the French magazine, Paris Match, there is a nice yet slightly sugary article about the future princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock.   The writer basically rehashes what many royal watchers already know about Miss Wittstock except for perhaps one or two new facts.

Here is a snippet from the article translated for those who do not speak French:

Today, Charlene is willing to restore the royal palace to its former glory.  Entering in this 900 year old castle, which dates back to the sixteenth century, Charlene would like to see the it t return to its originality.

She is also aware of the honor walking in the footsteps of Princess Grace some fifty years later, she can not afford to be a pale copy.  A South African Journalist recently asked her about her resemblance to Princess Grace highlighting her charisma and ethereal blond hair, she replied: ‘You can not compare two people, because they are unique! ‘

However, like Grace when she moved to Palace in 1956, Charlene was immediately found that it lacked a feminine touch. ‘We see no woman has lived here for a while. I would like to make some significant changes to the rooms.
‘Move, refresh, relieve, it is in its character.’  And it is this spirit that she would like infuse the scene and, beyond, perhaps, to Principality. Like Albert, she enjoys contemporary art.

During a trip to New York, the couple visited the Jeff Koons gallery  which the painter and sculptor shows off his very “pop art”.   In the palace today, Prince Albert has decorated many rooms with abstract paintings which are hung on the walls of the princely residence many of them over above period furniture.

To read the article in its entirety please click the link:  Paris Match (it’s in French, obviously.)  🙂

Source: Paris Match Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

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