An Interview with Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia

February 8, 2011 Alexandra 2 Comments

WOAH! Talk about striking gold!

It is rare to find televised interviews of HIRH Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia and finally there is one for all of us to enjoy (thanks to the dude who uploaded it on his You Tube Channel!) Unfortunately, the interview is only 3:00 minutes, but nonetheless it is a treat.

Click the link to watch: HIRH Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia 🙂

By the way, it’s amazing how much Prince Georg looks like his great grandfather the awesome Kaiser Wilhelm II minus the epic mustache. 🙂

German Royals, Royal documentaries

A Documentary About Burg Hohenzollern: A Modest Home in Germany

February 8, 2011 Alexandra 1 Comment

Ah, Burg Hohenzollern. What a magnificent castle!

Located south of Stuttgart, Germany, this modest pad is the family seat for the House of Hohenzollern. Per the official site of the castle:

The first personal related reference of the Hohenzollern House dates back to 1061 (“Wezil et Burchardus de Zolorin”). First direct mention of the Castle complex (“Castro Zolre”) was in 1267. Appearance, size and furnishing of the original Castle are unknown, but presumably it was in the first decade of the 11th century. At that time it must have been a vast and artistically valuable furnished complex. Contemporary sources praised it as “Crown of all Castles in Swabia” and as “the most fortified House in Germany”. However in 1423, the Castle was completely destroyed.

From 1454 the second Hohenzollern Castle was constructed bigger and even more fortified than before. Later, during the Thirty Years War, the Castle was converted into a fortress with repeatedly changing owners. Since the maintenance of the building was neglected, it dilapidated and turned into ruins at the beginning of the 19th century.

In 1819 Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia decided to have the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern House reconstructed. In 1844, being King Frederick William IV, he wrote in a letter: “The memories of the year 1819 are exceedingly dear to me and like a pleasant dream, it was especially the sunset we watched from one of the Castle bastions, … now this adolescent dream turned into the wish to make the Hohenzollern Castle habitable again…”

From 1850 he put his long lasting dream into reality and created one of Germany’s most imposing Castle complexes in a neo-Gothic style. With its many towers and fortifications, it is an acclaimed masterpiece of military architecture in the 19th century. Additional civil architectural elements make it to a unique attraction. The location on the most beautiful mountain in Swabia, gives the Castle a picturesque appearance.

Any way, I recently found an interesting documentary on You Tube, from 1992, which discusses the brilliant history and construction of this magnificent castle.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy! 🙂

Part One, Part Two, and Part Three

Source: Burg Hohenzollern

British Royals

HRH Prince Harry of Wales and Chelsy Davy “Smuggled Out of a Club in a Boot [Trunk]”!”: The WTF Moment of the Year!!

February 7, 2011 Alexandra

This has got to be one of the most bizarre stories I’ve heard in years.

On February 5, 2011 HRH Prince Harry of Wales and Chelsy Davy (the “we love to break up and get back together every five minutes because we love drama” couple) were at a the nightclub, Beaufort House, with some friends. As the night came to an end, around 4am, the couple left the shishi club to head home.

No biggie, right?

Welllll…

Instead of riding in the backseat of their chauffeured driven car the drama couple decided that they didn’t want to be photographed together so they had the brilliant idea to stuff themselves into the trunk of their car.

Say whaaa?!

Here is what happened according to the Australian newspaper, NineMSN:

The couple were bundled into the boot [trunk] of a Jaguar so they could be smuggled out of the exclusive Beaufort House on King’s Road at 4am Sunday morning, according to the reports.

Security staff are said to have helped clear the boot [trunk] of luggage so Harry and Davy could squeeze themselves inside.

The Mirror [British newspaper] quoted an unnamed friend of Davy and Harry, saying the famous pair had been trying to avoid paparazzi and other onlookers.

‘Most people had gone by the time they finally called it a night and headed home — together — in a blacked-out Jaguar at 4am on Sunday morning.

They were trying to keep a really low profile.’

Keep a low profile?

Yeah, they are really keeping a low profile when some big burly security guards are moving luggage from the trunk to the backseat of a car, in front of a well-known nightclub, so that a hot blonde and a six-foot something royal red-head can shove themselves into the trunk.

Yeah, nobody would ever notice.

To read the rest of the article please click the link: NineMSN Australia

Source and Photo courtesy of NineMSN by AP.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Wedding

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock’s Behind the Scenes of their Upcoming Wedding

February 7, 2011 Alexandra 4 Comments

While everyone on planet Earth is over-joyed and super excited about the British royal wedding between HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton, come April 29, 2011, in Monaco the Palais Princier de Monaco PR people are working overtime to garner 1/3 of the attention from people around the world regarding the Princely wedding in Monaco.

In the Sunday edition of the French newspaper, Nice-Matin, there is a sweet and otherwise repetitive and boring article regarding the upcoming ~~Royal~~ Princely wedding between HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Miss Charlene Wittstock. Here is what the writer had to say:

Five months until the event the preparations are advancing and the Princely Palace looks forward to the July 2 appointment very festive in the streets of Monaco!

On the evening of the Saint Devote ceremony Charlene Wittstock is was glowing. The South African will become, on July 2, The Princess of Monaco. the wife of Albert II. This will be an exceptional event in Monaco. Since the announcement of their engagement on June 23, speculations on the preparations for the union of Albert II and Charlene began in the tabloid world. During the wedding there will be 4,000 privileged spectators witnessing their religious union on July 2 on the Rock. But, there will be sections cordoned off by security services even though everyone is supposedly invited to take part in the marriage festival in Monaco. Reports note that there are even more major surprises being prepared behind palace walls.
A cocktail Reception on the Place du Palais?
The celebrations start in the afternoon on Friday 1st July. That day, the bride and groom are united civilly in the throne room of the Palais. For her marriage in 1956, after the civil ceremony, Prince Rainier III had invited his subjects on the Palace Square for a cocktail. His son, Prince Albert II, could do the same.
Outdoor Mass and red carpet?
The next day, the religious union will not take place at the Cathedral of Monaco, but instead at the Palais Princier de Monaco’s courtyard at 5pm. The Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Bernard Barsi, will officiate the open-air mass. There will be a canopy in the courtyard in case the weather doesn’t hold up or if the heat turns out to be too much for the guests. Several flat screen televisions will be scattered throughout the plaza. For the pomp, a red carpet be placed in the Palace Square from the barracks of the carabinieri to the door of the courtyard. It will be the same red carpet for Charlene Wittstock when she walks down the aisle on the arm of her father to the altar.
Giant screens in strategic locations?
A first round of invitations has been sent to royals, princes, heads of state and dignitaries. The names of guests, at this time, remains a secret. Again, several giant screens will be positioned at strategic locations in order to provide the “show” for all the people to simultaneously watch while in Monaco. “We want as many people as possible can attend this great celebration in the streets of the principality,” smiled Christiane Stahl, adviser to the Prince. If the Palace Square will be reserved for guests, streets and squares of Monaco will be fully open to the public for the webcast.
Lap of honor of the newlyweds?
The newlyweds might do a city tour [wave-a-thon] and then a walkabout. As is tradition, the bride will place her bouquet at the Church of Saint Devote, the patron saint of the Principality.
The royal couple may go down the Avenue de la Porte-Neuve to the Port Hercule and the church, passing the crowd on his way in a vehicle. Then the procession will head on down the Avenue d’Ostende, to the Casino, before heading back to the Palais Princier de Monaco.
The make and model of car is still unknown at this time. The couple may chose an electric since the Prince is environmental conscience. One thing is for certain this will be a popular marriage and Prince Albert II promises that this will be a huge media event.

Great. 🙂

I wish the couple much love, happiness, and all.

Source: Nice-Matin

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg in Doha, Qatar

February 6, 2011 Alexandra

While his father, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, is at home resting after having surgery, his son and heir to the Grand Ducal throne is hard at work.

On February 6, 2011, the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume was in Doha, Qatar on official business to discuss, “bilateral relations and ways of enhancing and developing them in various fields.” Whilst in the lovely country of Qatar he met with HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

To view several images of Guillaume and HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani please click the link: Photo and news summary

Source: QNA (Qatar News Agency)

Royalty and Films

Royals and Oscar Winning and Nominated Films

February 6, 2011 Alexandra 6 Comments

The subject of monarchies and/or a particular royal has always fascinated those in Hollywood. Many writers, including Oscar winners and nominees, have written about monarchies and a specific royal for many years nows, and since the Academy Awards are less than a month and a half away, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to list some of the most well-known films about royalty, royals, and/or monarchies.

So, here is my list of the best films regarding monarchies and/or a certain royal in history:

1.) The Madness of King George

I love, love this film. Why? Well, besides, Edward VIII, I’ve always had a soft spot for HM King George III. Any way, Nigel Hawthorne is absolutely brilliant as the King with Porphyria and his performance is simply breathtaking (yeah, I may be being over dramatic, but whatever.)

This film doesn’t get any better in regards to films about monarchies and/or a particular royal. So, yeah, see this film!! Or, better yet, buy it!! It is a must have to add to your royal collection. True and classic quotes from the film, “George! SMILE!! You lazy hound! It’s what you are paid for! Smile and wave. Come on… Smile and wave! Everyone!! Smile and wave!!! ” and “We must be a model family for the nation to look to…smile at the people… wave to them, let them see we are happy! That is why we are here.” How true it is to this day. The Madness of King George (Part One) and The Madness of King George (Ending Scene)

2.) The Last Emperor

A truly epic film… visually stunning. It’s about the tragic life of Pu-Yi, the last Emperor of China. Directed by the Italian filmmaker, Bernardo Bertolucci. The Last Emperor (trailer)

3.) Nicolas and Alexandra

This 1971 film won the Oscar for Best Costume design and Best Art Direction. And, yes, my Mother named me after the last Tsarina of Russia, Alexandra. She, Tsarina Alexandra, was a bit of a idiotic twit. But, thankfully, I’m not. 🙂 LOL Nevertheless, this film is a classic. Every once and a while this film is shown on AMC; see it if you can. Nicholas and Alexandra: Part One

4.) Mrs. Brown

Absolutely brilliant performance, once again, by Dame Judi Dench. The chemistry between her and Billy Connolly is nothing less short of amazing. Mrs. Brown (John Brown Waits and annoys Queen Victoria) and Fun Times with the Happy Royal Family

5.) Ivan the Terrible

A fantastic film by the legendary filmmaker, Sergei Eisenstein. Ivan the Terrible, released in 1944, is epic on all levels; this film is a must see for all film and royal buffs. This movie is extremely hard to find, but if you happen to run across this film whether on American Movie Classics (AMC) or on Amazon.com… watch it or buy it. Ivan the Terrible is a true masterpiece. Ivan the Terrible (Part One)

6. ) Queen Christina

Garbo. Greta Garbo. Enough said. Queen Christina is not exactly historically accurate, but it will do. Queen Christina (Scene)

7.) Elizabeth

Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of HM Queen Elizabeth I was truly magical, and in my opinion, was robbed of the Oscar in 1999 for Best Actress (it went to Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love). Like the movie, Queen Christina, Elizabeth is not exactly historically accurate, but it is a good film if you don’t mind the several faux-pas. Elizabeth (trailer)

8.) Queen Margot

I must admit that I haven’t seen this film, Queen Margot, in years. However, what I do remember is that it is a pretty good flick based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Queen Margot (trailer)

9.) Lady Jane

A film about Lady Jane Grey the poor woman who was Queen of England for nine days before she was executed. Lady Jane stars Helen Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes. It’s a nice movie. Lady Jane (Part One)

10.) The Lion in the Winter

This 1968 film is another classic which won several Oscars including Best Actress for Katherine Hepburn and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Peter O’Toole), and Best Costume Design. The Lion in the Winter is a lovely film… see it if you can. The Lion in the Winter (Katherine Hepburn scene)

11.) Marie Antoinette

Starring Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power, this 1938 film about Marie Antoinette is epic on all levels. Why? I’m a sucker for old classic Hollywood films. Marie Antoinette (1938)

12.) The Fall of Eagles

A BBC television miniseries from 1974 that is available on DVD. I must have for all royal watchers. The series is about the “… events from 1848-1918, dealing with the ruling monarchies in Europe…” the Habsburgs, Hohenzollerns, and the Romanovs. Fall of Eagles

13.) Anne of the Thousand Days

Overall this movie is okay; worth seeing if it’s ever on AMC. The movie was released in 1969 starring Geneviève Bujold as Anne Boleyn and Richard Burton as King Henry VIII. Anne and King Henry VIII

14.) Mary, Queen of Scots

Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson. It’s a good movie that is now available on DVD.

15.) Henry V

Starring Kenneth Branagh as Henry V. Ah-mazing. Henry V (Pissed off about Tennis Balls)

16.) Marie Antoinette

(Sofia Coppola movie) Visually this movie is lovely. Crappy acting, but did I mention that the scenery is amazing? Oh and the costumes plus the epic music? Yeah, I recommend it. Marie Antoinette (trailer)

17.) The King’s Speech

Brilliant. Enough said. And, Colin Firth... swoon. The King\’s Speech (trailer), The Real King George VI Giving a Speech, The Real Story of George VI, The King\’s Speech

18.) The Queen

This Oscar winning film (Best Actress) is great movie and with excellent actors. A bit soap operaish, but nonetheless a fantastic film starring Helen Mirren. The Queen (trailer)

19.) The Duchess

Yeah, not exactly royalty per se, but nonetheless a fantastic film thanks to the costume designer.

20.) The Princess Bride

Yeah, I know this movie is not about a real life royal, past or present, but still… this film is a classic… I mean, come on, there are some classic lines in this movie. For example, “Mawhwrigge” “Have Fun Storming the Castle!!” “Inconceivable!” and “My name is Inigo Montoya, prepare to die!” is simply classic! The Princess Bride (trailer) The Wedding, Inigo Montoya, and Where\’s the Poison?