Tag Archives: European royal families

Danish Royals, Royal Family of Denmark

Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine of Denmark Confirmed at Fredensborg Slotskirke, Continuing Historic Royal Tradition

  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Roetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Portraits courtesy of Karen Karen Rosetzsky/Kongehuset©
  • Photo courtesy of Kongehuset©

This morning in Fredensborg, His Royal Highness Prince Vincent of Denmark and Her Royal Highness Princess Josephine of Denmark were confirmed at Fredensborg Slotskirke at Fredensborg Slot.

The confirmation was presided over by Bishop Henrik Wigh-Poulsen, Bishop of Aarhus and Kongelig Konfessionarius (Royal Confessor).

Fredensborg Slotskirke has, for more than a century, served as a central setting for confirmations within the royal family of Denmark. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark, then Princess Margrethe of Denmark, was confirmed there on April 1st, 1955.  His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark was confirmed in the same chapel on May 28th, 1981, followed by His Royal Highness Prince Joachim of Denmark on June 10th, 1982. 

More recently, Fredensborg Slotskirke has also been the site of the confirmations of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Christian of Denmark on May 15th, 2021, and Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella of Denmark on April 30th, 2022.

The Church of Denmark is an Evangelical Lutheran church and the constitutionally established national church of the Kingdom of Denmark. Under the Danish Constitution, the monarch is required to belong to the Church, a requirement tied to its constitutional and historical position within the Danish state.

The Church of Denmark emerged from the Lutheran Reformation in the 16th century, formally established under the reign of King Christian III, who introduced Lutheranism in 1536. Since that period, the Danish monarchy has maintained a close institutional relationship with the Church, including a constitutional and administrative relationship within the state framework, alongside public funding through both church taxation and state support.

Within the Lutheran tradition, confirmation is not regarded as a sacrament in the same sense as in the Catholic Church. Instead, it constitutes a public affirmation of baptismal faith. Candidates typically undertake a period of instruction in Christian doctrine before being confirmed during a church service.

In the Kingdom of Denmark, confirmation retains both religious and social significance. For members of the royal family, it also carries symbolic constitutional significance, reflecting the monarch’s required membership in the national church under the Danish Constitution.

Members of the royal family of Denmark attended this morning’s confirmation ceremony alongside foreign royalty, family, and close friends. Among those present were Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark, the godmother of Princess Josephine, His Excellency Count Nikolai of Monpezat, His Excellency Count Felix of Monpezat, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, the godfather of Prince Vincent.

Mr. John Stuart Donaldson, the brother of Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark and the godfather of Prince Vincent, Mrs. Patricia Bailey, the sister of Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark and the godmother of Princess Josephine, Mrs. Jane Stephens, the sister of Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Castro.

His Serene Highness Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg,  the first cousin of His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark and the godfather of Prince Vincent, Baron Otto and Baroness Helle Reedtz-Thott, the godmother of Prince Vincent, Her Serene Highness Princess Alexandra of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, the first cousin of His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark, and Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, godfather of Prince Vincent.

Mr. Peter Heering and Mrs. Caroline Heering, the godmother of Prince Vincent, Count Bendt Wedell, the godfather of Princess Josephine, Mr. Jeppe Handwerk and Mrs. Birgitte Handwerk, the godmother of Princess Josephine, and Ms. Josephine Rechner, the godmother of Princess Josephine.

Prior to the ceremony, official portraits of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine were photographed inside Kancellihuset at Fredensborg Slot. The images were captured by Danish photographer, Ms. Karen Rosetzsky.

Royal House of Serbia

European Royal Families Confirm Attendance at King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden’s 80th Birthday Gala Celebrations in Stockholm

  • Photos courtesy of the Royal House of Karađorđević (Royal Family of Serbia)
  • Photos courtesy of the Royal House of Karađorđević (Royal Family of Serbia)

In Belgrade, it was announced that Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, along with Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Philip and Hereditary Princess Danica of Serbia, will attend the 80th birthday gala celebrations of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Thursday, April 30th, in Stockholm, Sweden.

The gala celebrations are expected to bring together members of reigning and formerly reigning royal houses, alongside heads of state and other distinguished guests, in honour of His Majesty the King’s milestone anniversary. 

Among the confirmed royal guests are Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark, as well as Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand, Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, His Serene Highness Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein, His Royal Highness Duke Franz of Bavaria and his partner, Mr. Thomas Greinwald, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Leopold and Princess Ursula of Bavaria, Their Highnesses Prince Hubertus and Princess Kelly of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Her Majesty Emerita Queen Sofia of Spain, and Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Crown of Romania and His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania.

In a statement, Crown Prince Alexander said:

“My family and I are honoured to be guests of our dear friends and cousins, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, for this important anniversary. We have shared so many beautiful moments… and we always look forward to occasions like this, to share the joyous moments and happiness, to strengthen the bonds that tie us together.”

The relationship between the Royal House of Karađorđević and the Royal Family of Sweden extends over several decades and is rooted in both dynastic ties and longstanding personal friendship. 

Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden have previously attended milestone celebrations hosted by the Royal House of Karađorđević (Royal Family of Serbia), while Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine have, in turn, been present at major events in Sweden, including royal jubilees, weddings, and family celebrations.

In 2017, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden served as maid of honour at the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Philip and Hereditary Princess Danica of Serbia. In Serbian tradition, this role, known as kumstvo, carries deep cultural significance, representing a bond of enduring personal and familial connection.

The official program for His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday will begin with a Te Deum service in the Slottskyrkan at the Royal Palace, followed by a military ceremony in the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace. 

Public celebrations will include a guard change, a flyover and gun salute, and musical tributes performed by choirs from across Sweden.

The day’s celebrations also include an official luncheon hosted by the City of Stockholm and a gala dinner at the Royal Palace.

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf has reigned since 1973 and is the longest-serving monarch in the history of the Kingdom of Sweden.

royal family of albania, Royal Weddings

Crown Prince Leka of the Albanians Marries Miss Blerta Celibashi in Private Ceremony at Château Apponyi

  • Portrait courtesy of the Royal Court of Albania
  • Portrait courtesy of the Royal Court of Albania

This afternoon, the Royal Court of Albania announced the marriage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Leka of the Albanians to Miss Blerta Celibashi.

According to a statement issued by the Royal Court, the couple were married in a private civil ceremony held at Château Apponyi in Slovakia. The ceremony was conducted in an intimate setting in keeping with the wishes of the couple and their families.

An official photograph released on the occasion was taken at the château, a residence historically associated with the late Queen Geraldine of the Albanians, who was born Countess Géraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Apponyi into a Hungarian noble family before her marriage to King Zog I in 1938.

Following the marriage, Princess Blerta will bear the family name Zogu, the title Princess of the Albanians, and the style of Her Royal Highness.

The Albanian royal dynasty was established in 1928 when King Zog I proclaimed the Kingdom of the Albanians. His reign ended in 1939 when Italy invaded Albania, forcing the royal family into exile.

Crown Prince Leka, commonly known as Crown Prince Leka of Albania, is the head of the House of Zogu.

Belgian Royals

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians Visits Major Renaissance Art Exhibition at Brussels’ Palais des Beaux-Arts

Portrait courtesy of La Monarchie Belge

In Brussels, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians visited the Palais des Beaux-Arts this afternoon to view the exhibition Bellezza e Bruttezza: Beauty and Ugliness in the Renaissance.

The exhibition examines how artists in Italy and Northern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries explored contrasting ideals of beauty and ugliness in their work. Through paintings, drawings, and other artworks, the exhibition traces how artistic representations evolved from the late 15th century through the end of the 16th century, a period of significant cultural and artistic transformation in Europe.

During the Renaissance, standards of beauty increasingly became a subject of social interest, reflected in the growing number of 16th century publications offering advice on cosmetics, appearance, and personal care. At the same time, artists also experimented with depictions of ugliness and the grotesque, presenting exaggerated or unconventional features in ways that reflected both humor and social commentary.

The exhibition brings together works by several major Renaissance artists, including Sandro Botticelli, Titian, Tintoretto, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Quentin Massys, among others.

Bellezza e Bruttezza: Beauty and Ugliness in the Renaissance is on display at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels until June 14th, 2026.

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg, Spanish Royals

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg Begin Their Official Visit to the Kingdom of Spain

Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On Thursday in Madrid, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg began a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Spain at the invitation of Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.

The official visit takes place in the context of Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne on October 3, 2025, following the abdication of his father, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, and forms part of the established diplomatic exchanges between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The visit began with an official welcoming ceremony at the Palacio Real de Madrid, where the grand ducal couple was received by Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Following the playing of the national anthems, the inspection of the guard of honour, and the presentation of the respective delegations, Their Majesties held an initial meeting with the grand ducal couple.

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke later held bilateral talks with His Majesty the King, accompanied by members of the Luxembourg delegation. Those present included the Deputy Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Mr. Xavier Bettel, the Minister of the Economy, Mr. Lex Delles, and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Gilles Roth.

The Spanish delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Mr. José Manuel Albares.

In the afternoon, Their Majesties the King and Queen hosted a luncheon at the Palacio Real de Madrid in honour of the grand ducal couple.

During the luncheon, His Majesty the King delivered a speech.

In his remarks, His Majesty welcomed the grand ducal couple to Spain and recalled the visit he and Her Majesty the Queen made to Luxembourg in 2014, shortly after his proclamation, when they were received by Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.

The King emphasized the longstanding ties between the Royal House of Spain and the Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg, describing the visit as a reflection of the friendship and close relationship shared by the two countries.

Referring to the historical links between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, His Majesty noted that the two countries share centuries of intertwined history, recalling in particular the reign of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who also held the title of Duke of Luxembourg, and the reign of his son, Felipe II of Spain, figures who illustrate the historical connections between the two nations. 

Turning to European affairs, the King highlighted Spain’s four decades of membership in the European Union and expressed appreciation for Luxembourg’s role as a founding member of the bloc and a longstanding partner in the development of European integration.

He also underlined the close economic and social links between the two countries, noting the presence of thousands of Spanish nationals living and working in Luxembourg, as well as the contribution of Luxembourg nationals residing in Spain, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of the two societies.

The King further addressed the broader international context, expressing concern over ongoing global conflicts, including the situation in the Middle East and the continuing war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to diplomacy, international cooperation, and the principles of international law.

At the end of his speech, His Majesty the King raised a toast to the friendship between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, expressing his wishes for the prosperity of Luxembourg during the reign of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke and for continued cooperation between the two countries.

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke then delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to Their Majesties for the welcome extended to him and to Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess during their first official visit to Spain.

The Grand Duke noted that the visit was among the first official engagements he had undertaken abroad since his accession to the throne in October 2025 and described it as reflecting the longstanding relations between the Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg and the Royal House of Spain, as well as the friendship between the two countries.

Referring to the historical links between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Grand Duke recalled more than five centuries of shared history, particularly the period during which Luxembourg formed part of the territories of the Spanish Crown.

He noted that this legacy remains visible in Luxembourg City, including the Spanish defensive turrets known as échauguettes espagnoles and the origins of the Palais Grand Ducal, whose reconstruction during the sixteenth century took place under Spanish administration.

The Grand Duke also referred to the close ties between the peoples of the two countries, noting the presence of nearly 10,000 Spanish nationals residing in Luxembourg, many of whom work in the European institutions, the financial sector, and emerging areas of innovation. He also highlighted the growing number of Luxembourg students who pursue their studies in Spain.

Turning to European affairs, the Grand Duke recalled Luxembourg’s support for Spain’s accession to the European Union in the 1980s, referring to remarks made by his grandfather, the late His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, during the State Visit of Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 1980. He observed that Spain’s membership of the Union has since strengthened political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The Grand Duke further addressed the broader international context, noting the challenges facing the international order, including geopolitical tensions, the war in Ukraine, and economic uncertainty. In this context, he emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg within the framework of the European Union and other international institutions.

He also referred to the strength of the economic partnership between the two countries, noting that several members of the Luxembourg Government responsible for portfolios including the economy, finance, and energy were accompanying him on the visit.

At the end of his speech, the Grand Duke raised a toast to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, to the prosperity of the people of Spain, and to the continued friendship between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Later in the afternoon, the Grand Duke and members of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg delegation met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, at the Palacio de la Moncloa.

The meeting was followed by the signing of three memoranda of understanding between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The agreements concern cooperation in the fields of energy and space, as well as the establishment of regular bilateral political consultations.

In the evening, the grand ducal couple attended a reception with representatives of the economic and financial community hosted by the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Madrid.

German Royals, House of Hohenzollern

Princess Donata of Prussia, The Great-Granddaughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Dies at 73.

Photo courtesy of Des Hauses Hohenzollern/Britt Carlsen

The House of Hohenzollern announced this morning that Princess Donata of Prussia (Prinzessin Donata von Preußen) died on February 25, 2026, following a long illness. She was 73.

Princess Donata was born in 1952. She was a great-granddaughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia. Her father, Prince Wilhelm Karl of Prussia, was a grandson of Wilhelm II and served as Herrenmeister, or Grand Master, of the German Order of Saint John. Her paternal grandfather was Prince Oskar of Prussia, the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

According to the official statement, she pursued a career in journalism. For decades, she contributed to reporting in equestrian sport, with particular emphasis on eventing, international breeding, especially Holsteiner horses, and major championships. She served as editor in chief of “Pferd & Sport” and reported from the Olympic Games, as well as World and European Championships.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.