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

Blauw Bloed: Weekly Video News and Activities with All Your Favorite Royals

Good Morning everyone!  Well, it is Sunday and you know what that means… it’s time to watch an all new episode of your favorite royal program, Blauw Bloed.

In this week’s the episode there is an exclusive interview (in English) with His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, H.R.H. Crown Princess Maxima visiting the Hoedje van Papier Inititive in Rotterdam, T.R.H.s Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan visiting and comforting the tsunami victims, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in Morocco, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock in Ireland, a commentary about Prince Peter Griffin (aka Laurent) of Belgium and his latest stupid behavior that has annoyed everyone on planet Earth, and much more.

So, please click the link where it says Interview Met Zweedse Koning and enjoy!

 

H.R.H. Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg Meets with the “Youth in Action National Service for Youth”

On April 7, 2011, H.R.H. Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg met with various volunteers from the Youth in Action National Service for Youth.

According to the official website for the Grand Ducal family, many of the members from Youth in Action are from Luxembourg as well as overseas.  During his time with these volunteers there was an open dialogue whereupon the Youth in Action volunteers discussed their views about the state of the youth today as well as other key issues.

To view photos from today’s event please click the link: photos.

Source: Cour Grand Ducale de Luxembourg

The Merrie Monarch Festival 2011: A Yearly Event in Honor of and Dedicated to His Majesty King Kalākaua of Hawai’i

For those of you who live in Hawai’i or plan on visiting the Big Island of Hawai’i (specifically Hilo) I just wanted to remind you that the Merrie Monarch Festival will take place on April 24-30, 2011.

The festival “… honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of our traditions, native language and the arts” is something no one should miss.  Besides the world-famous hula competitions, which lasts three days, there is an arts and crafts fair as well as mega parade.

I haven’t been to the Merrie Monarch Festival in years; essentially, it’s an amazing event.  Overall, the festival is something that locals and tourists should not miss whilst in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

To learn more about the festival and/or to purchase last minute tickets please visit their website here.

To watch past performances from the Merrie Monarch hula competitions please click the links:  Hâlau Ke Kai o Kahiki: Winners of the Kahiko performance in 2010 and Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu: Kahiko Winners, Women

Photos courtesy of: Fine Art America by Rod Cameron and Merrie Monarch.com

All the latest news and events from monarchies around the world.