Royal News 2012

Last modified: 5 August 2012

Archived royal news from my old website for the year 2012.

January 1st

A cheerful Duke of Edinburgh attended the New Year’s Day church service at Sandringham this morning, making his first public appearance after his hearth surgery. Also Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the New Year in a huge ‘kata’-tent in the back garden of the Middleton family in Berkshire, Great Britain. The tent is a traditional tent used by Sami people in Lapland.

After the natural disasters of 2011 Emperor Akihito of Japan wishes his people a good and peaceful year. As usual at the end of the year also the Waka Poems of the Emperor and Empress Michiko were published. In the early afternoon however the south of Japan was hit by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Reigning Prince Albert II of Monaco held his New Year’s speech yesterday. He of course refered to his wedding to Charlene Wittstock in July, and said the year had been exceptional for them. He said: “My memoriy still resounds with the joy we shared.”

In his New Year’s speech King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand wished his people to be protected and to enjoy happiness and success in 2012. He also refered to the recent flood disaster in his country and said that people should always be prepared for such trouble carefully. He said that people with duties should do their best to complete the work that has to be done after the disaster as soon as possible.

January 2nd

Human remains were discovered by a dog walker in woodland in Anmer, a village on the eastern edge of the Sandringham Estate yesterday afternoon. The police are investigating and think it is a murder case. The British royal family spent Christmas and New Year in the west of the Sandringham Estate and had attended the New Year’s Day church service nearby earlier on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has been informed about the discovery.

January 3rd

The 30 million Norwegian Crowns King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway receive as a present from the government on the occasion of their 75th birthdays this year will be used to finance a series of six exhibitions. The exhibitions will show royal treasures collected over the years. The first exhibition will start at the Kunstindustrimuseum in Oslo on 16 February. The exhibition will show items from 100 years of royal travels, including carriages, suitcases, uniforms and gifts.

Witnesses who have testified in the corruption investigation of Iñaki Urdangarín, the son-in-law of King Juan Carlos of Spain, say they have signed contracts with him because of his royal position. Some people said they felt obligated to give money to his institute Noos, because it was him who asked for money, although they were not sure what the money was to be used for.

January 4th

The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted four honorary positions. She has become the patron of Action on Addiction, the royal patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, the royal patron of The Royal Art Room and the patron of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Furthermore she is to become a volunteer in the Scout Association.

The Norfolk police said today that the body found at the Sandringham Estate on New Year’s Day is that of a young woman between 15 and 23. The identity of the woman has not been established yet. The body had been on the site for a period estimated to be between a month and up to four months.

In an interview to the Danish newspaper Politiken Queen Margrethe II of Denmark said she has no plans to abdicate in favour of her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik. She said being a Queen is an assignment you have for life.

January 6th

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has returned home today after a successful minor surgery in Paris. He spent some time in Paris to recover.

January 7th

Buckingham Palace has given details of the gifts the Royal Family has received in 2011. The list shows that the Countess of Wessex received a “suite of jewels” from the King and from the prime minister of Bahrain during a one-day visit to the country in December 2011. The countess is being criticised by British politicians for accepting the gift from a regime which has been accused of abusing human rights. Gifts are not the personal property of the royal family, but usually become part of the Royal Collection. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said today that the hugely valuable jewels have been accepted as an official gift and that the royal family will not give them back.

The Emir of Dubai announced on Twitter this morning that he and his wife Princess Haya of Jordan have become the parents of a baby boy. He tweeted: “Princess Haya and I were blessed with a baby boy … We named him Zayed”.

January 8th

The Danish royal court has released a series of photos on the occasion of the first birthday of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, the youngest children of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The photos were taken by Franne Voigt.

The body of the young woman that was found on the Sandringham Estate on New Year’s Day has been identified as Alisa Dmitrijeva, a 17-year-old girl from Latvia. She was last seen on 31 August 2011. She likely didn’t die of natural causes.

January 9th

King Albert II of the Belgians has issued a statement in which he says that the apanages of the members of the Belgian royal family will be frozen. His own civil list has been fixed in the Constitution and can’t be frozen. However as in 2009 he has decided to pay a part of the restoration works of the royal domains himself both in 2012 and 2013. The statement comes after the household costs of the new government had been revealed at the end of last week. The household showed higher apanages for the royal family as was agreed by the government earlier.

The engagement of Albert Brenninkmeijer and Princess Carolina de Bourbon de Parme was announced today by the secretariat of her family. The wedding will take place in 2012. The bride-to-be was born in 1974 as daughter of the late Duke of Parma and Princess Irene of the Netherlands. The groom was born at Paris on 16 May 1974 as son of Alphons Brenninkmeijer and his wife Cécile née Duwaer. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and has an MBA of the University of Oxford. He currently works for C&A in France, the family business of the Brenninkmeijers.

January 10th

The celebration of the 40th jubilee on the throne of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has started with a meeting and a reception at the Folketing, Danish parliament, today. In the afternoon Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik posed for pictures before the Queen held a press conference at Amalienborg. Kongehuset.dk: FolketingKongehuset.dk: Press meeting (photos)Kongehuset.dk: Press meeting (video)Royal Press Europe: Danish royals at the Folketing

The list of gifts received by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on official overseas tours in 2011 has been published.

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and her husband Pieter van Vollenhoven celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

January 11th

The Danish royal court has unveiled a new portrait of Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian of Denmark in connection with an exhibition at the National Historical Museum at Frederiksborg on the occasion of the 40th throne jubilee of the Queen. It was painted by Niels Strøbek. Kongehuset.dk: Pictures

On the occasion of the 40th jubilee to the throne of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark two exhibitions were opened today. Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Christian attended the opening of the exhibition “Regent for 40 Years – Queen Margrethe 1972-2012” at The National History Museum at Frederiksborg Palace. Afterwards Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Joachim, attended the opening of the exhibition “Royal Gala” at the Amalienborg Museum in Copenhagen, which shows gala gowns of the Queen from the 1960s to today. Kongehuset.dk: FrederiksborgKongehuset.dk: AmalienborgRoyal Press Europe: Danish royals at Frederiksborg

January 12th

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands ended a three-day state visit to Oman. The two days before they had been on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates, which was the 50th state visit of Queen Beatrix. Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders criticised the Queen for wearing a head scarf on the first day (and the last day) of her state visits while visiting a mosque. The Queen however said at the end of her visit that she said it was logical to her to respect the customs in a country you visit. She said it is nonsense to see a headscarf as a symbol of the oppression of women.

Turkey is planning to prosecute the Duchess of York. In 2008 she visited an orphanage in Ankara and secretly filmed children for a television documentary of ITV Tonight. She is being accused of breaking the law and violating the privacy of five children. If convicted she would face a maximum term of 22 years in prison. A spokesperson for the Duchess says she has fully co-operated with the authorities in both Great Britain and Turkey on the issue. The Duchess herself, who wore a disguise while filming, said she is apolitical and just went there as a mother.

Reigning Prince Albert II of Monaco has been named the new patron of the World Olympians Association. He was named by the newly elected president of the association, Joel Bouzou. The decision was approved unanimously by the board and IOC head Jacques Rogge. The Prince took place in five Olympic Winter Games.

The independent Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand has called the Thai government for an amendment of the law governing lese majeste offences. Now anyone who insults the king, queen, heir of regent faces up to 15 years in prison for each single insult. The commission however thinks that a combined term shouldn’t exceed seven years.

Prince Hamzah bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Basmah Bani Ahmad signed their wedding contract today. Members of the family, including King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, attended the ceremony. Afterwards a luncheon was being held at the Basman Palace.

January 14th

The actual celebrations on the occasion of the 40th jubilee on the throne of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark started today. In the morning the family laid a wreath at the graves of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid, the parents of the Queen, just outside Roskilde cathedral. In the early afternoon Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik rode in a coach from Amalienborg to the city hall of Copenhagen, where a reception was held. In the evening the Danish royal family and their guests, including King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, attended a gala performance at the DR’s Concert Hall in Copenhagen. Music, opera and ballet from the past four decades was presented. Between the two parts of the performance there was a supper in the foyer. Kongehuset.dk: Wreath laying ceremony at RoskildeKongehuset.dk: carriage rideRoyal Portraits: Concert Hall, CopenhagenRoyal Press Europe: City Hall, Copenhagen

CNN showed an interview with Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on the occasion of the celebrations of her 40th year on the throne. The documentary also shows nice footage. Another interview was broadcasted by the BBC. CNN: Danish queen reflects on 40-year reignBBC: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark marks 40 years on the throne

January 15th

The celebrations on the occasion of the 40th jubilee on the throne of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark continued with a state council at Christiansborg, attended by the Queen and Crown Prince Frederik. The government and the Folketing presented their gifts. At noon the guards at Amalienborg changed and the royal family stepped out on the balcony. Also the highly pregnant Princess Marie of Denmark was present. After the balcony scene Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary hosted a luncheon for foreign guest and family. In the afternoon a religious service was being held in the palace church of Christiansborg. The celebrations were concluded with a gala banquet at Christiansborg for Danish officials, foreign guests and family. Today also Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway joined. Kongehuset.dk: State CouncilRoyal Portraits: balcony Amalienborg, CopenhagenRoyal Portraits: Christiansborg Palace Chapel, CopenhagenRoyal Portraits: Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen

January 16th

Suggestions that the British people should fund a new royal yacht for Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain upon the occasion of her 60th throne jubilee have been backed by the British government.

The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands have sold their holiday villa in Mozambique on 11 January to Machangulo SA, which runs the development at Machangulo where the villa is located.

According to the palace King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has been treated with antibiotics after having been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This condition can cause stomach pain.

January 17th

The Duke of Edinburgh has resumed his official duties this evening. HE attended a dinner at Cambridge University together with among others reigning Prince Albert II of Monaco. The Duke underwent heart surgery on 23 December.

The secret police of Norway is investigating a YouTube video in which among others Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is being threated because of the military involvement of Norway in Afghanistan.

January 18th

The organizers of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Festival said that a seven-mile flotilla of 1000 ships will sail down the River Thames on 3 June. The flotilla will include a royal barge, historical boats, vessels, kayaks, music and even a floating bell tower.

The British law firm Harbottle and Lewis has sent letters to around a half a dozen photo agencies that sell paparazzi pictures of Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge. In the letter it is written on her behalf that Pippa Middleton feels “serious distress and anxiety” by the photographers that wait outside her home and office day and night. If the photographers don’t stop harrassing her, she will seek an injunction.

Also Alain Toucas, the lawyer of Charlotte Casiraghi, has filed a complaint against media coverage of her private life. She is not only followed during public duties, but also in private night and day. Her lawyer said: “It’s a daily hell, these pursuits on motorbikes and cars are moral damage and also represent a risk of actual physical damage. It’s also putting others in danger.”

January 19th

Prince Harry of Wales is to travel to Brazil from 9 to 11 March. He will accompany Foreign Secretary William Hague. The trip is organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Prince Harry is to support the launch of the GREATc caompaign designed to foster links between Great Britain and Brazil in this Olympic and Diamond Jubilee year. It is Prince Harry’s first trip as an unofficial trade envoy for Great Britain.

Although he recently promised never to leave his country again, former King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia has left for Beijing, China, to undergo medical tests. He was accompanied by his wife and his son King Norodom Sihamoni. It is not clear how long the former king will stay away. His medical needs made it impossible to keep the promise to stay in his country, his personal secretary said.

January 20th

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has opened her personal Twitter account.

January 21st

On the occasion of the 8th birthday of Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway new pictures were released.

Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane of the Netherlands made one of their rare public appearances today. With their parents the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands they unofficially attended Jumping Amsterdam and enjoyed the horses.

January 22nd

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain have given her consent to a series of street parties on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee on 3 June. The Eden Project tourist attraction in Cornwall, that organises the Big Lunch Project since 2009, received a letter from the Queen. In it she said to be “delighted” by the plan to help people to hold Big Jubilee Lunches across Great Britain. She hopes that people will have a “most memorable and enjoyable event”.

January 23rd

A Japanese man was arrested in the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo early on Sunday morning. He had been swimming across the moat of the palace and must then have climbed a six meters stone wall. The man was only wearing his underwear. He stated to the police he had only wanted to see the emperor and doesn’t seem to have any other motive.

January 24th

After three boys Prince Joachim of Denmark has become the father of a little baby princess. Princess Marie gave birth to a girl at 8.27am at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. She had been admitted to hospital only four hours earlier. She was 49 cm tall and weighed 2930 gramms. Mother and daughter are doing fine. 21 Salutes were fired at noon at Kronborg Slot in Helsingør. A proud Prince Joachim, who attended the birth, appeared in front of the press later in the morning. He said that he is very happy that he can now tell he also has a daughter. Of course also the three brothers of the princess, Nikolai, Felix and Henrik, visited their sister. Also Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik visited.

The celebrations to mark the 300th birthday of King Friedrich the Great of Prussia have started on today. Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia and other people gathered at his grave near the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany. A rememberance concert was held at the concert hall at the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin this evening.

January 25th

The Duchess of Cornwall has launched a competition by British Food Fortnight during a visit to a school in Swindon, Great Britain. With the competition the British royal family wish to encourage schoolchildren from 10 to 15 years old in the country to come up with ideas for food to be served at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Chef Mark Flanagan will prepare the canapes, which will be served by the children of the top four winning schools at a reception at the palace in presence of the Queen and the Duchess.

January 26th

The Norfolk Police revealed today that Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has taken an active interest in the murder inquiry into the murder of the 17-year-old Latvian student Alisa Dmitrijeva, whose body was found at the Sandringham Estate on New Year’s Day. She was also shocked and saddened by the murder.

January 27th

Princess Marie of Denmark and her newborn daughter have left the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. They were accompanied by Prince Joachim. In the hall of the hospital and outside press and well-wishers were waiting to catch a glimpse of the little princess. According to the parents their daughter is growing and eating well. Royal Portraits: Princess Marie leaves hospital

January 28th

The Duke and Duchess de Vendôme had their second child today. Princess Antoinette d’Orléans was born early this morning at Vienna, Austria. Her brother Gaston was born on 19 November 2009.

January 29th

According to a spokesperson for Clarence House the Prince of Wales is “likely to be making a personal tribute to Her Majesty for the Diamond Jubilee”. Options are still open how he will do it. It might be a traditional camera tribute or something more extensive.

Tongan politicians worry about the biological effects of intermarriage in the Tongan royal family. The marriages of family members are usually arranged and have to be approved by the King. They have tried to keep marriages within the family, although the family is quite small. Furthermore the politicians are worried about the costs of the coming marriage of Prince ‘Ulukalala and his cousin Sinaitakala Fakafanua in May.

January 31st

A Paris criminal court has ordered Prince Sattam Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia to return his 10-year-old daughter Aya (born November 2001) to her French mother Candice Cohen-Ahnine. He is also to pay a child support of 10.000 euros per month. The prince allegedly kidnapped his daughter three years ago and took her with him to Riyadh. The couple met fourteen years ago, but separated in 2006, after he announced she could remain his second wife as he was obliged to marry a cousin. The prince wishes to challenge the court decision, but will not return his daughter.

February 1st

Prince Harry of Wales is hugely looking forward to his overseas trip to The Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize and Brazil. The visit is part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. He will visit Belize on 2 and 3 March, The Bahama’s on 4 and 5 March, Jamaica from 6 to 8 March. On 9 March he will arrive in Brazil for the launch of the GREAT campaign, which is aimed at maximising the economic potential of London 2012 and the Diamond Jubilee. He will fly back to Great Britain on 11 March.

Emperor Akihito of Japan will undergo an heart examination on 11 February, the Imperial Household Agency said today. An angiogram of his coronary arteries will be made.

February 2nd

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will give birth to her first child early March, the Swedish royal court announced today. 42 Salutes will be fired from Skeppsholmen in Stockholm the day after the baby’s birth. King Carl XVI Gustaf is to announce the baby’s name at a Cabinet Council the day after the birth, or if the birth occures on a Saturday, the next Monday. The day after the birth also a Te Deum will be held at the Royal Chapel.

February 4th

The Duke of Cambridge has started a six-week deployment as a search and rescue pilot in the Falkland Islands, the British Ministry of Defence announced today. He arrived already on Thursday. The Duke is part of a four-man crew and will be on the islands only as an RAF pilot. He will not undertake any royal duties. The Duchess of Cambridge remains in Great Britain.

February 5th

New pictures were released on the occasion of the 40th birthday of Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

A scary experience for Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway today. Just before their airplane was to leave the airport of Copenhagen for Oslo there was an explosion in one of the engines and smoke entered the airplane. The passengers had to leave the airplane via a slide. Later today they were able to continue their trip to Oslo in another airplane. The crown princely couple had attended the private 40th birthday party of Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

February 6th

In a message on the occasion of the 60th anniversary on the throne, and the 60th death anniversary of her father King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain said in a message to her subjects: “I want to dedicate myself anew to your service.” She also thanked for the wonderful support and encouragement people have given her and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh over these 60 years. They said to be deeply moved by all the kind messages they received. The Queen and the Duke spent the day visiting the town of King’s Lynn, Great Britain.

February 7th

On Monday 4 June the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert will take place in front of Buckingham Palace. Many world stars will perform during the concert, that will be broadcasted live on television and radio by the BBC. Among the performers are Shirley Bassey, Jools Holland, Elton John, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, Madness, Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard. 10.000 people from Great Britain can apply for free tickets.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, today ruled in a case of Princess Caroline of Monaco against a German publishing house. The Princess repeatedly has complained that magazines published pictures of her during her private vacations. She claims that the media invade her private life and take pictures without her consent. One of the articles she complained about, showed pictures of her and her husband Prince Ernst August von Hannover taking a walk during their skiing holidays in St MOritz, Switzerland. The article dealt with the poor health of her father Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who died some time afterwards. The court ruled that the magazine had carefully balanced the right to freedom of expression against the right to respect for the private life of the Princess under the circumstances, and thus not had violated her privacy.

February 8th

The Duchess of Cambridge undertook her first solo engagement as a member of the British royal family. She attended a private viewing of a portrait exhibition by the late Lucian Freud at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Recently the Duchess became a patron of the gallery.

February 9th

Pro-democracy campaigners in the Principality of Liechtenstein earlier this week called to sign a petition so that a referendum can be held to remove the power of veto by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. Today the family said in a statement that they will veto the results of an eventual referendum about the issue. They say that the initiative committee “JA-damit DEINE Stimme zählt” has launched the initiative without contacting the princely house first. Since the change of constitution in 2003 this part of the Liechtenstein constitution can’t be changed by a people’s initiative after article 64, as the committee wishes, but only after to article 113.

February 12th

The yearly wintersport photosession of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and their children took place in Verbier today. Royal Portraits: Photosession Verbier, Switzerland

The 80th birthday of Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner was celebrated with a gala banquet today at the Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway. Family and friends were invited by her brother King Harald V of Norway.

Emperor Akihito of Japan will undergo a heart bypass surgery on 18 February, the Imperial Household Agency has announced. He underwent an angiogram of his coronary arteries at the University of Tokyo hospital yesterday, after the Emperor had complained about difficulties doing light exercises.

February 13rd

Letters written by the late Diana Princess of Wales have been withdrawn from an auction at JP Humbert Auctioneers. Her stepmother Raine Countess Spencer managed to stop the sale of the two letters, written to her by Diana in 1980 and 1981. She thought the sale to be distasteful and says she keeps letters by both Diana and the Prince of Wales locked away. The vendor was an elderly men who had worked at the Althorp estate of the Spencer family and said that the letters had been given to him.

February 14th

In a BBC documentary about the Diamond Jubilee the Duke of Cambridge said today the original set up for the guestlist for his wedding on 29 April didn’t list anyone he knew. He called his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain who told him to put his own friends on the list. He also had the option for several variances of dress of the Irish Guards Regiment. It finally was his grandmother who said that he looked very smart in the red tunic and that he should wear it. Prince Harry of Wales says he was as nervous as his brother William when he got married, and was quite glad when it all was over. He however did his best not to show his brother and did all he could to support him. Harry was responsible for the events to go according to plan. As he had no pockets he hid the rings of the bridal couple in the cuff.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex will tour the West Indies from 21 February to 7 March on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The tour wll start in St. Lucia. They will also visit Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda.

February 15th

King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Princess Märtha Louise and Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner attended the opening of the exhibition “Royal Journeys 1905-2005” at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo today. The exhibition is being organised as a gift by the Norwegian government on the occasion of the 75th birthdays of the King and Queen of Norway this year. Overall there will be six different exhibitions with items from the Royal Collection.

The Dutch Royal House has renewed its website. The information given hasn’t changed much, but the design of the website has changed. Also Twitter and YouTube have been integrated into the website, and the search engine is supposed to be much quicker.

Yesterday the High Court of Cassation and Justice in Romania recognizes that Mircea Gregoire Carol Lambrino was a legitimate child of King Carol II of Romania. That means that his son Paul would be a legal heir to the Romanian royal family. In a statement the Romanian Royal Family said today that the decision doesn’t create any dynastic rights, nor does it mean that Mircea Lambrino is a member of the royal family, neither do his descendants. The statement says that only King Michael I, as head of the family, can decide on dynastic issues. Neither he, nor Carol II, have ever recognized or granted titles to Mircea Lambrino and his descendants.

February 16th

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her co-author Elisabeth Nordeng have presented their second book today. The book is called “Englenes Hemmeligheter” (The secrets of angels). The book reveals some secrets of angels, which should make it easier to get in touch with them.

February 17th

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau was buried under an avalanche around 12.15pm at the Litzen-Zugertobel area near Lech, Austria, where the family spends its yearly skiing vacation. The Prince and someone who accompanied him were skiing outside the piste. His skiing partner was able to escape. The emergency services arrived soon and it took about twenty minutes before the prince was pulled from under the snow. Luckily he wore a helmet and an avalanche beeper. The Prince was flown by helicopter to the intensive care unit of the hospital in Innsbruck, Austria. His condition is stable but still life-threatening. The Prince’s mother Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and his wife Princess Mabel immediately travelled from Lech to Innsbruck to be with him at the hospital. In the late evening the Prince of Orange and his family as well as Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands arrived in Lech.

The Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm is preparing already for the birth of the first child of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden. The hospital has blocked off quite a few parking spaces outside the orthopedic ward to provide space for satellite trucks and other media transportation. The Crown Princess herself was born at the hospital, and although there is no information whether she is coming to the hospital to give birth there, although they have been in touch with the Royal Court, the hospital is already preparing.

People who want to congratulate King Harald V of Norway upon his 75th birthday and want to sign the protocol is welcome at the main gate of the Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway on 21 February. From 10am to noon the Diplomatic Corps will be welcome, the public can come between noon and 3pm. For people who are not able to come, an Internet protocol will be published at Kongehuset.no. The public celebration of the 75th birthdays of both the King and Queen wil be held on 31 May. There will be a special church service and a feast for the people at the Opera.

Emperor Akihito of Japan was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital today. He will undergo a heart bypass surgery tomorrow. The Emperor was accompanied by his wife Empress Michiko. He is expected to be discharged from hospital in about two weeks, when the operation is going well.

February 18th

The condition of Prince Johan Friso of Orange-Nassau remains unchanged. He spent a quite and stable night at hospital in Innsbruck and is being treated by a team of specialists. The doctors have asked to keep the amount of visitors restricted. Queen Beatrix and Princess Mabel visited in the early afternoon, while Princess Mabel returned in the evening together with her sister Nicoline Wisse Smit and her brother-in-law Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands.

Emperor Akihito of Japan underwent a successfull heart bypass operation today. The operation started at 11am and lasted four hours. About one hour after the operation Empress Michiko of Japan and the imperial couple’s daughter Sayako Kuroda, visited the patient. According to his surgeon the operation went as planned.

The Wyndham Grand Hotel in London is sueing Sheikh Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ahmed Al Abdulla Al Thani of Qatar for not paying his £531,807.74 hotel bill. The Sheikh, two wives and other guests rented a single suite and fourteen rooms for several months at the hotel over 18 months ago.

February 19th

The condition of Prince Johan Friso of the Netherlands remains unchanged. It might not be possible to give a prognosis until the end of the week. Queen Beatrix and Princess Mabel visited him in the early afternoon. In the evening the family thanked for all support they received after the accident of Prince Friso.

February 20th

Last week the hearings for the court case against Iñaki Urdangarín, Duke of Palma de Mallorca, have started in Spain. He will have to appear at court on Saturday.

Emperor Akihito of Japan has left the intensive care just two days after his heart bypass operation. He is recovering well, the Imperial Household Agency said.

Pierre Casiraghi, the 24-year-old son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, was taken to the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center early on Saturday after a confrontation with Manhattan club owner Adam Hock at the trendy Double Seven Nightclub in New York. He was released from hospital late on Saturday. Both Pierre Casiraghi and Adam Hock were with a group of friends at the nightclub. The Casiraghi group is said to have been insulting the models in Hock’s group and were allegedly drinking from an expensive bottle of vodka on Hock’s table. Hock had to appear in the Manhattan Criminal Court on Sunday, but said he was just defending himself. Casiraghi’s friends however say Hock and his group were responsible for the fight. Hock will have to reappear in court next month.

February 22nd

The condition of Prince Johan Friso of the Netherlands remains unchanged. In a statement the Government Information Service said that his doctors will inform about his prognosis, as soon as they are able to. That is not the case yet.

The Duke and Duchess d’Anjou, Charles and Diana, had a daughter, Isabelle, this afternoon at Lisbon, Portugal. The little girl was named after her paternal great-grandmother, the countess of Paris. Also 22 February is the day of Saint Isabelle de France (1225-1270).

February 23rd

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden gave birth to a baby girl this morning at 4.26am at the Karolinska Hospital in Solna (Stockholm), Sweden. She is 51 cm tall and weighs 3280 gramms. Mother and daughter are doing well. Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel arrived at hospital at 0.50am. A happy Prince Daniel appeared for the media at the hospital at 7am. The happy Prince said to be very happy with the birth of the “sweet princess”: “My feelings are all over the place right now.” It all went well he added. He hopes the press will respect the privacy of the family: “We have a great need just to be our own little family right now. We want to treasure what has just happened.” The baby was delivered by a team led by Dr Lennart Nordström. He said the birth went pretty fast. A 42-gun-salute will be fired from the Skeppsholmen island in Stockholm at noon today to celebrate the birth of the new princess. On Friday salutes will be fired from Kastellholmen in Stockholm, Göteborg, Karlskrona, Härnösand and Boden.

In the early afternoon Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and their newborn daughter left the Karolinska Hospital and returned home. There will be a Council at the Royal Palace in Stockholm tomorrow where King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will reveal the names, title and dukedom of his first grandchild to the Swedish government. Riskmarskalk Svante Lindqvist will inform the media outside the Council room. Afterwards a Te Deum will be held in the chapel of the Royal Palace. The service will of course not be attended by Crown Princess Victoria and her newborn daughter. Among the guests will be family, Swedish political and public representants and staff of the royal court. The public can congratulate the couple by signing books at the Rikkssalen at the Royal Palace tomorrow between 2pm and 5pm.

February 24th

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden announced the names of his newborn granddaughter in a special council at the Royal Palace in Stockholm this morning. He was accompanied by his son Prince Carl Philip. The daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel has received the names Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary. She will be Duchess of Östergötland. After the announcement a Te Deum service was held in the Royal Chapel of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The service was attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, as well as the Westling family, and representatives from official Sweden and staff from the Royal Court. Royalcourt.se: Te Deum

The head of the team of doctors who treat Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau at the Landeskrankenhaus in Innsbruck, Austria, gave a press conference at noon about the diagnosis and prognosis of the Prince. They told that the Prince was covered by an avalanche on 17 February for about 25 minutes. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was reanimated for 50 minutes before he was finally taken to hospital. Hopes that the cold had protected his brains turned out to be in vain. Yesterday the first MRI-scan could be made and some neurological tests were done. It turns out that Prince Friso has suffered massive brain damage. It is not certain if he will ever regain conciousness. After the terrible news the royal family has requested the media to respect their privacy and give them the space to come to terms with the situation and to reorganise their lives.

February 26th

Iñaki Urdangarín, Duke of Palma de Mallorca, was questioned at the high court in Palma yesterday and today. The court is investigating an alleged corruption case against him. He was questioned behind closed doors. He told the media outside the court: “I am appearing today to demonstrate my innocence. I have carried out my responsibilities and taken decisions correctly and with total transparency.”

February 27th

The Swedish royal family released the first pictures of Princess Estelle. The pictures were taken by a family member at Haga Palace four days after her birth. Her cardigan was knitted by Alice Sommerlath, the little Princess’s great-grandmother.

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden have thanked all well-wishers. The statement says: Our deepest thanks for all the kind greetings and congratulations we have received in connection with the birth of Princess Estelle. We genuinely appreciate your support and that so many of you share our happiness. Unfortunately we are unable to thank everyone personally, due to the overwhelming number of greetings we have received.” In case people wish to give a present, they hope that people will support their Wedding Foundation.

The Prince of Orange attended the 70th commemoration of the sea-battle in the Java Sea in the Kloosterkerk in The Hague, The Netherlands. He replaced his mother Queen Beatrix, who was in the Netherlands over the weekend, but returned to Austria to be with her son Prince Friso.

Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco participated in the Academy Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles today. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and DisneyNature signed an agreement in 2010 to draw public attention to the urgency of environmental protection through the production of films and documentaries.

Also the first video and pictures of newborn Princess Isabelle d’Orléans were released today.

February 28th

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden took their newborn daughter Estelle on her first walk through the Haga Park near their home.

The German imperial family is to sell the Beau Sancy diamond. The diamond is 34.98 carat and is one of the largest and most historically-significant diamonds in the world. The diamond is to be auctioned in Geneva, Switzerland, on 15 May.The estimated price has been set between $2 million and $4 million. The diamond was once in the possession of the French, the (ancestors of the) Dutch and the British royal family. It has seldom gone on display. The diamond will be on tour at the major auction centres in April and early May.

February 29th

The country of Ecuador hopes that an expert has finally found the resting place of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Ecuadoran historian Tamara Estupinan found ruins in an area called Sigchos, including a late imperial design Inca monument. Work on the archaeological site will start this year.

March 1st

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau was taken by airplane ambulance from the Landeskrankenhaus in Innsbruck, Austria, to the Wellington Hospital in London, Great Britain. The hospital can provide the best possible care for the Prince in his current condition. Also for his wife and two daughters this option is the best, as it will provide them as much continuity and stability as possible under these circumstances. They already lived in London. Attempts will be made to start the rehabilitation process. Once again the family requested the media to respect their privacy. Once again Princess Mabel, Prince Friso’s wife, expressed her thanks for the messages of support and kindness she has received. She said in the statement: The heartfelt sympathy shown to me has been a source of great strength. I am deeply grateful.” Also Princess Mabel and her daughters have returned to London today. They were accompanied by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain will open the Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London on 27 July. She will also open the Paralympic Games there on 29 August. Both times she will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Hon Charles Armstrong-Jones was appointed the Page of Honour of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Charles was born on 1 July 1999 and is the son of Viscount and Viscountess Linley. His grandmother was the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret.

The Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace in St Petersburg, Russia, was damaged after a fire on Tuesday. The fire possibly broke out about noon in a ventilation shaft. Officials said that the 18th century palace hadn’t suffered lasting damage.

March 2nd

Prince Harry of Wales has arrived in Belize for a ten-day tour of the Carribean and Brazil in connection with the Diamond Jubilee. It is his first solo foreign visit as a representative of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.

March 3rd

The skulls of King Haakon V Magnusson and Queen Eufemia of Norway were removed from the royal mausoleum at the Akershus in Oslo on 6 February, and taken back two days later. Researchers of the University of Oslo will use modern methods to examine the samples they have taken from the skulls. A book is to be published upon the 700th anniversary of Queen Eufemia’s death on 1 May 1312. Little is known about her and it is hoped that the research will reveal a bit more about where she grew up, what she ate and drank, and possibly also the cause of death. She married King Haakon V in 1299.

Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco, has been named the new face of Gucci. She replaces actress Evan Rachel Wood.

March 4th

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, as well as Philippa and James Middleton took part in the 90 kilometer long Vasaloppet skiing race in Sweden today. The siblings of the Duchess of Cambridge took part in the Vasaloppet for charity fundraising. They raised more than £7.600 for Magic Breakfast, a charity that delivers free breakfasts to primary school children in Great Britain. James Middleton finished in 6335th position in a time of 6 hours 47 minutes and 27 seconds. Philippa ended up in 7448th position in 7.13,36. Crown Prince Frederik finished in 5794th place of 15.800 participants and it took him 6.36,32. On March 2nd Prince Carl Philip of Sweden acted as Festival Speaker of the Vasaloppet in Mora Church. He also started in the 30 kilometer race on that day and finished in 1.38,33.

Emperor Akihito of Japan has left the University Hospital in Tokyo today and has returned to the imperial palace. He was accompanied by Empress Michiko. The Emperor underwent a successful heart bypass operation on 18 February. According to the Imperial Household Agency the Emperor has started postoperative rehabilitation programs supported by his wife. He is to take rest for the rest of March. As in the past weeks his son Crown Prince Naruhito will take over the Emperor’s constitutional functions.

March 5th

The court in Palma de Mallorca has turned down a formal request of a far-right group for Infanta Cristina of Spain to be questioned in the alleged corruption investigation against her husband Iñaki Urdangarín.

March 7th

The Dutch royal family has started working again this week, two and a half week after the terrible skiing accident of Prince Friso in Austria. Princess Máxima had two engagements yesterday, and two more today. Queen Beatrix appeared in public for the first time after the accident today. She opened the new Sergeant-Majoor Scheick Barracks of the Explosives Clearing Services in Soesterberg, The Netherlands.

Prince Harry of Wales is currently visiting Jamaica on behalf of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. He spent the day at the headquarters of the Jamaican Defence Force in Kingston. He changed his schedule after hearing that six British soldiers had been killed in Afghanistan, and decided to cancel his part in an abeseiling display at the headquarters. Yesterday he ran against Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, and won. He spent the previous days at the Bahama’s and in Belize. Emperor Akihito of Japan underwent a suction procedure to have fluid removed from his lungs today. During an X-ray examination at the Imperial Household Hospital yesterday doctors found an increased pleural effusion. Since the Emperor left hospital on Sunday he suffered from shortness of breath and ate less as expected.

Mariam Aziz, the former wife of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam has accused her former bodyguard Fatimah Kumin Lim of stealing some of her jewelry worth about £12 million from her home in Kensington, London, Great Britain, and selling and replacing some of the pieces with replicas. Mrs Aziz told the High Court in London today that the bodyguard has been asked to take care of a diamond bracelet during a night out four years ago. Mrs Aziz’ 26-year-old adoptive daughter Afifa Abdullah is said to have lend Miss Lim two diamond rings at the end of 2009, but never had them returned. Miss Lim says her boss had asked her to sell the jewelry to a company in Geneva, Switzerland, to pay of Mrs Aziz’ gambling debts. However Mrs Aziz says it is the bodyguard who has gambling debts.

March 8th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has started her Diamond Jubilee tour of Great Britain by visiting Leicester today. She was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cambridge. The Tour will finish on 25th July.

The Swedish royal court has commented on articles about Princess Madeleine. They say that the costs of Princess Madeleine’s stay in the USA is being paid by private money. She works for Childhood in the USA since 2010. Only Madeleine’s official activities for Sweden are being paid for from the apanage.

March 9th

The Danish royal court announced that the daughter of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark, born in January, will be christened at Møgeltønder Church on Sunday 20 May 2012. The christening will start at 5pm.

Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has arrived in Cleveland, USA, today for medical tests. The tests had been previously scheduled, but it is not known which tests he has to undergo.

March 11th

On the last day of his 10-day tour of the Caribbean and Brazil Prince Harry of Wales said to the press that the tour has been an emotional experience for him. During his visit he learned how high the affection for his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, really is. He got a very warm reception in the countries he visited. He told that his grandmother had said before he set off: “You enjoy it. I hope you do me proud.”

Although he is still recovering from a heart bypass surgery Emperor Akihito of Japan today attended a memorial ceremony in Tokyo to mark the first anniversary of the tsunami and earthquake disaster in northeastern Japan. He was accompanied by his wife Empress Michiko. In his speech the Emperor said: “I would like to express my deepest condolences for the many people who lost their lives in this earthquake. It is my hope that the people’s hearts will always be with the afflicted people and the afflicted regions, and that everyone will continue to work towards improving the conditions of those areas.” The imperial couple attended for twenty minutes.

The police is investigating a fire at the gothic Krasna Horka castle in eastern Slovakia. Two boys aged 11 and 12 are suspected of setting the grass at the foot of the castle on fire yesterday when trying to light up cigarettes. There was an extensive fire and the roof burned down completely, as well as the interior on the top floor and the bell tower. The castle was reopened in April 2011 after extensive renovations.

March 12th

Former King Constantine of Greece, Queen Anne-Marie, Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana attended the annual memorial service in honour of the former King’s parents King Pavlos and Queen Frederika at the Tatoi cemetery today. In the past days the Greek royal office also made clear that Princess Tatiana is not pregnant, and has never been pregnant. Late October there were very strong rumours that the Princess was pregnant, and that the pregnancy even was confirmed. She hadn’t been seen in public anymore since.

March 13th

Eight motorcycle escorts from the Belgian police have been injured outside the gates of Laken palace this morning. A car drove into the motorcycles. According to the police the man wanted to commit suicide and speak to the King. The escort was waiting for the ambassador of Qatar who was on an audience with King Albert II at the palace.

The funeral service of Princess Bejaratana of Thailand, who died in July 2011 is scheduled to take place on 9 April at Sanam Luang. Her ashes will be permanently placed in the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall on 12 April. Two minor rehearsals will take place on 18 and 25 March, while the grand rehearsal is scheduled to take place on 31 March. A meeting by the funeral organising committee will take place on 24 March, and will be attended by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The public will be able to visit the main pavilion, crematorium and other buildings at the cremation site from 11 to 17 April. There will be a permanent exhibition about the princess, the only child of King Rama VI of Thailand, at the Nakhon Pathom’s Sanam chandra Palace.

March 14th

The Belgian and Dutch royals mourn the death of 22 Belgian and Dutch schoolchildren and six adults in a bus accident in Switzerland. They had been on a skiing trip and had just started their trip home when the accident happened in a tunnel near Sierre on Tuesday evening.

In a short interview with the Swedish newspaper “Aftonbladet” in the park of the Haga Palace, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden said it is a fantastic and wonderful feeling to be a mother, and that her life has been changed massively. Everything is going well with little Princess Estelle, who does not much more than eat and sleep yet. Victoria is trying to enjoy the time with Estelle as much as she can and stay at home for a while.

In an interview to CBS News Prince Harry of Wales has admitted he and his brother the Duke of Cambridge sometimes would love to be normal. He said they are both also very happy to be able to do something for people and kids who need help. Harry also admitted that it isn’t easy to find a woman who is willing to take on a public role at his side.

Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has travelled to Algeria for a vacation. Medical tests he underwent in Cleveland, USA recently were “reassuring” according to the royal palace. It is not known what kind of tests the Crown Prince underwent.

In an interview in the German newspaper “Die Zeit” Philip Kirill Prinz von Preussen, a descendant of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, said that he thinks Germany should have a monarchy again. He thinks that “emotions are the field on which a royal family can play”. Presidents can only make statements, but he thinks words are not enough. Monarchs are according to him financially independent, don’t accept presents from friends and have a public life. A royal family also leads to a more stable country.

March 15th

The police has recovered the car Alisa Dmitrijeva was last seen in. Her body was discovered at the royal Sandringham Estate on New Year’s Day.

Three weeks ago a court in Göttingen, Germany, judged that Désirée Nick, the former partner of Prince Heinrich von Hannover, can talk further to the press about their relationship. Prince Heinrich wanted to silence her, so she wouldn’t talk about their private relationships in the press anymore. The Prince and Ms Nick have a son together. A court in Berlin has judged today that Prince Heinrich’s wife Princess Thyra von Hannover is not allowed to say anymore that Ms Nick didn’t have a relationship with her husband.

March 16th

An archaeological team of the university of Cambridge have found the remains of an Anglo-Saxon princess in a field near Trumpington, a few miles south of Cambridge. It is not known yet who she was, but she died at the age of about 16. She was buried on a special high funerary bed, fully dressed and also had a chatelaine and purse to her leather belt. Also a Christian cross was found upon her chest. Near her two other women and another individual were buried. It is thought they died around 664 AD. The women might have been nuns.

March 17th

Queen Beatrix, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Prince Bernhard, Princess Annette, Prince Floris and Princess Aimée van Oranje-Nassau, van Vollenhoven volunteered during NL Doet – the national volunteers days – yesterday. They helped in a centre for assistance dogs. The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima painted the clubhouse of the girls scouts in Leidschendam. Today Prince Constantijn helped cleaning the Museum De Heksenwaag in Oudewater.

March 19th

King George Tupou V of Tonga died yesterday afternoon at 3pm in Hong Kong. His brother, Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka was at his bedside. The King leaves an illegitimate daughter. The cause of death isn’t known yet. He had surgery in the USA to have a kidney removed last year, after he was diagnosed with a tumour. Last month he had visited Pople Benedict XVI.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has sent a message to Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka of Tonga on the occasion of the death of King George Tupou V. She expressed her sadness over the death of the King, who as she wrote was a “true statesman who served his country with distinction.”

The Duchess of Cambridge held her first public speech during the opening of the Treehouse children’s hospice in Ipswich. She has become a patron of the East Anglia Children’s Hospices, which runs the new hospice.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands has said yesterday that they will not try Jorge Zorreguieta, the father of Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, for his role in the argentinean Videla-regime between 1976 and 1981.

Emperor Akihito of Japan will have fluid removed from his lungs for the second time tomorrow at the Imperial Household Hospital in Tokyo.

March 20th

The state funeral of King George Tupou V of Tonga will take place on 28 March 2012. He will be buried at the royal tombs at Mala’e Kula, Nuku’alofa. Overseas dignitaries, including members of royal families are expected to attend. The King’s body will arrive in Tonga on 26 March on board of a special commercial aircraft chartered by the Chinese government, which will fly directly from Hong Kong to Fua’amotu International Airport in Tonga. Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi is to leave for Hong Kong today to oversee the arrangements. The King will lie in state at the Royal Palace for two days. The people will be able to pay their final respect. A three-month mourning period has been declared in Tonga from 19 March to 19 June 2012. The King upon his death was automatically succeeded by his brother Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka, but he hasn’t formally declared the new King yet.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the celebration of her Diamond Jubilee at the British Parliament in Westminster Hall, London. As a gift she received a stained glass window designed by British artist John Reyntiens. She remembered the twelve Prime Ministers she has dealt with during her long reign. She also thanked her husband and children for their support.

Princess Estelle of Sweden will be christened at the Slottskyrkan in Stockholm on 22 May, it was announced by the Swedish royal court this afternoon. She will be christened by Archbishop Anders Wejryd.

March 21st

The Danish royal family released the first official pictures of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark with their son Henrik and the newborn Princess, who is yet to be named. Also Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix, Prince Joachim’s sons by his first wife, took part in the photo shoot. The pictures were taken by Steen Brogaard.

The Duke of Cambridge has returned to Great Britain after a nearly seven-week deployment as a rescue helicopter polot at the Falkland Islands.He will be on leave for a few days before rturning to work at the RAF air base in Anglesey.

The state funeral for the King of Tonga has been moved from 28 to 27 March. The date change happened on request of the new King, Tupou VI, who arranged the funeral. As the King’s body will still be flown from Hong Kong to Tonga on Monday, he will only lie in state at the royal palace for one day.

March 22nd

King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands today and yesterday have attended emotional memorial services for the victims of a fatal bus crash in Switzerland last week. 28 People died in the crash, among them 22 Belgian and Dutch children. Yesterday’s service was being held in Lommel, while today’s service was held in Louvain, both in Belgium.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands paid a three-day state visit to Luxemburg. She received a hearty welcome by her far cousins Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxemburg.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall started a visit to Scandinavia on 20 March as part of the commemorative activities marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. They started with a three-day stay in Norway, where they were received by King Harald V and Queen Sonja. The banquet at the Royal Palace this evening was also attended by Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway as well as by Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner. Tomorrow they will visit the town of Bergen.

March 23rd

In Tonga the funeral procession for the King of Tonga, who died last Sunday, was rehearsed. The actual funeral will take place on Tuesday. The government said in a statement today that 26 and 27 March will be declared a national public holiday. This gives the people of Tonga the possibility to say goodbye to their King.

March 24th

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall concluded a three-day visit to Sweden. A lunch yesterday at the Royal Palace in Stockholm was also attended by Crown Princess Victoria, who had her first official engagement just a month after giving birth to her daughter Estelle. Also King Carl XVI, Queen Silvia, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine were present.

Reigning Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline of Monaco, as well as Charlotte Casiraghi, attended the annual Rose Ball in Monaco. To honour this years Olympic Games the theme was London in the Swinging Sixties. Nearly €300.000 was raied for the Princess Grace foundation.

March 26th

New pictures of Princess Estelle of Sweden, this time with her parents Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, were released by the Swedish royal court. They were taken at the Haga Palace by photographer Kate Gabor. The Swedish royal court also released new official portraits of King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine.

The body of the late King George Tupou V of Tonga has returned to Tonga this afternoon in a China Southern jet. His brother, King Tupou VI, accompanied him. At Fua’amuotu International Airport the royal coffin draped in the Tongan royal standard was borne off the plane by members of the royal guard. Members of the family and nobility watched while the coffin was placed in a van and driven to the royal palace at Nuku’alofa. He will lie in state in the throne room. The royal casket was placed on a catafalque and is guarded by Royal Guards. The royal family attended a vigil and prayer service.

There are serious plans to build a theme park at Montereau, France, about Emperor Napoleon I. It is to be called Bivouac. The first stone is to be laid on 18 February 2014, the 200th anniversary of the battle of Montereau. It is thought that there will be enough money raised by then to actually build the park.

March 27th

In a letter on the royal website Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau have once again thanked the people in the Netherlands and abroad for all the supportive words, wishes of hope, prayers and flowers they have received after the terrible accident of Prince Friso in February. They said that all the support has helped them to deal with these difficult and uncertain times.

Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco paid a three-day visit to Lapland. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation since June 2010 is a partner of the University of the Actic. The Princely couple was shown the progress and results of projects in the area managed by the Arctic Council and other organisations.They also saw how the local people try to adapt to climate change in the area.

The body of King George Tupou V of Tonga was placed on a large black and gold wooden bier at noon and was carried to the nearby royal tombs. The procession was led by a guard of honour (Tonga Defence Services), royal musicians, officiating clergy and church leaders. After them the bier followed. The members of the royal family followed behind. Meanwhile the Free Wesleyan Church bell began to toll. At the royal tombs area a three-hour church service took place. Among the guests were the Duke of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Hitachi of Japan, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Masiofo Filifilia of Samoa, Maori King Tuihetia and Makau Ariki Atawhai, Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Jeffrey Mateparea, the Governor- General of Australia Quentin Bryce. Guests and friends had been able to say goodbye to the King in the morning.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall ended their Scandinavian tour today. They arrived in Denmark on 24 March and left today. A banquet took place yesterday evening. The Crown Princely couple accompanied the British couple to several events.

March 28th

Prince Harry of Wales has moved into a small apartment at Kensington Palace, London, recently. He used to live at Clarence House, the residence of the Prince of Wales. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will move into an apartment at Kensington Palace in 2013, after the renovation has been completed.

New portraits of Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane of the Netherlands were released today. The pictures were taken by their father the Prince of Orange earlier this month.

March 30th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has become a great-grandmother again. Peter and Autumn Phillips had their second daughter, Isla Elizabeth, yesterday at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. She weighs 7lb 4oz. The whole family is said to be delighted about the new arrival. Peter Phillips was present at birth. The newborn baby will be 13th in line to the British throne. The couple’s elder daughter Savannah was born on 29 December 2010.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and part of her family attended a memorial service at Windsor Castle to remember the 10th death anniversary of the late Queen Mother and Princess Margaret of Great Britain. The service at St George’s Chapel was led by the Right Reverend David Conner, Dean of Windsor. At the end of the service the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and other senior members of the royal family visited the graves at King George VI memorial chapel.

Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane of the Netherlands will appear on the yearly Dutch children’s postal stamps. The design of the stamps will be revealed on 26 September. From 7 November children will deliver the stamps with their customers. The pictures that were used for the stamps were made by the Prince of Orange himself. Exactly fourty years ago the Prince and his brothers Prince Friso and Prince Constantijn appeared on the stamps. Then it was their father Prince Claus who made the pictures.

In an interview published on the website of the Swedish royal family Princess Madeleine of Sweden says she is sad about the accusations that she lives a luxurous life in New York. She is busy with her work for the Childhood foundation. She works there for free. Her stay in New York is financed privately and the Swedish state only pays for her expenses when she travels on behalf of Sweden. Madeleine will continue to promote the interest of Sweden in the USA. She intends to stay in the USA longer and has registered there also. She will soon return to the USA, but will be back for the christening of her little niece Princess Estelle in May.

March 31st

As usual both the Swedish and Norwegian royal family took part in Earth Hour. The royal palaces, as well as some other smaller palaces, were covered in darkness from 20.30 to 21.30 this evening.

April 1st

According to the author Lady Colin Campbell, who is currently writing a biography about the late Queen Mother, she wasn’t the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. The family cook Marguerite Rodiere according to the author was her mother, as the Countess couldn’t have any more children (she already had eight). That would also explain the fact that the Queen Mother was christened Elizabeth Angela Marguerite, and was later nicknamed “Cookie” by her in-laws the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Emperor Akihito of Japan will take more rest than expected after his heart bypass operation in February. He will spend some time at the imperial villa in Hayama later this week and will have a medical exam after his return to Tokyo.

April 2nd

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau will not attend the Queen’s Day celebrations in Rhenen and Veenendaal on 30 April. Her husband Prince Friso is still in a coma and is being treated at the Wellington Hospital in London after a skiing accident in Austria in February. The programme of Queen’s Day was published today.

King Tupou VI of Tonga has bestowed the title of Crown Prince Tupouto’a on his eldest son Prince ‘Ulukalala on Friday 30 March 2012 at his residence at Liukava.

April 4th

The new wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were unveiled for the first time today at Madame Tussaud’s in London. The “Duchess” is wearing her engagement outfit. Wax figures were also unveiled in New York and Amsterdam. In New York the “Duchess” wears an Alexander McQueen dress, while she wears a black lace Temperley London dress in Amsterdam.

April 5th

The Prince of Venice will have surgery again at a hospital in Geneva, Switzerland, tomorrow to remove cancer. In December 2010 he was diagnosed with an aggresive form of cancer. He had a tumor in his nasal septum removed.

April 6th

Mariam Aziz, the former wife of the Sultan of Brunei, has won a High Court case against her former bodyguard Fatimah Kumin Lim in London yesterday. The bodyguard is said to have stolen rare diamonds worth £12 million and had them replaced by cheap replicas. After a three-day hearing the judge called the “contradictory” and “fanciful” tales of the bodyguard “simply not capable of belief”.

April 8th

King Harald V Of Norway is quite popular in his country. In a poll for the newspaper Dagbladet it emerged that 93% of the people being questioned think the King is doing a good job for Norway, while only 1% thinks he is doing a poor job. Queen Sonja is doing a good job according to 81%, while 89% thinks the same of Crown Prince Haakon and 75% of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

The Spanish royal family attended the Easter mass at the cathedral of Palma de Mallorca today.

According to her medical team the health condition of Crown Princess Masako of Japan could easily worsen in case she is suffering from fatigue. They say her condition hasn’t gotten worse at all, but she should take rest before expanding her public activities.

April 9th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has made her daughter-in-law the Duchess of Cornwall a Dame Grand Cross in the Royal Victorian Order. She will be invested with the insignia at a later date. The announcement came on the 7th wedding anniversary of the Duchess and the Prince of Wales.

The British royal family attended the traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor today. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were accompanied by several members of their family.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has shortly left the Siriraj hospital today to attend the cremation of his cousin Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda. The King, sitting in a wheelchair, and his wife Queen Sirikit lit candlies and incense at the royal crematorium. The actual cremation took place in the evening after a day of ceremonies including three processions and a symbolic cremation. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn were present also.

April 10th

Felipe Juan Froilán de Marichalar y de Borbón, the 13-year-old son of Infanta Elena of Spain, shot himself in the right foot yesterday while learning how to use a small caliber shotgun. He was on the patio of the family’s estate in Soria together with his father when it accidentally went off. He was being treated at the Soria Santa Barbara hospital before being transferred to a hospital in Madrid. He will need to stay in hospital for a few days. Infanta Elena visited her son in hospital with her mother Queen Sofia of Spain, and said that her son is doing fine. His father Jaime de Marichalar might be fined, because legally children under 14 are not allowed to use firearms.

Emperor Akihito of Japan will resume his official duties today, the Royal Household Agency said. His health was checked yesterday and the tests showed that the Emperor is steadily recuperating after his heart bypass surgery in February.

April 11th

84-year-old Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah was officially proclaimed the 14th King of Malaysia today by the prime minister of Malaysia in a lavish and traditional ceremony. In his oath the new King swore to rule the country in a fair manner, uphold the Islamic faith and ensure a just government. He also called for equality in his multi-cultural country. He was installed already as a king in December. He is the first person to hold this position in Malaysia, where a new King is choosen every five years.

Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, was taken to hospital today for precautionary checks. She fell off her pony at Windsor in the morning, but according to a spokesperson of Buckingham Palace is doing fine. She broke her left arm and could go home after treatment. The countess of Wessex cancelled her presence at the opening of The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester to be with her daughter.

April 12th

The annual report of the Norwegian Royal Court was submitted to the Presidium of the Storting, the Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs, and the Office of the Auditor General of Norway two days ago. The report shows the activities of the Norwegian royal family in 2011, the accounts for the Civil List (surplus of NOK 11.046,053) and information about the staff of the royal family. In 2011 King Harald V attended 204 official events, and Queen Sonja 99. Crown Prince Haakon carried out 183 official events and Crown Princess Mette-Marit 63.

April 14th

King Juan Carlos of Spain is in the USP San Jose hospital in Madrid recovering from an operation. His arthritic right hip was replaced yesterday. He fractured his hip in three places on Friday morning in a fall during a private visit to Botswana, where he had been hunting elephants. Doctors said today they will start physiotherapy this evening already.

April 15th

The Spanish people are angry at their King. In a time of crisis he undertook an expensive hunting trip to Botswana and was hunting elephants. Many people think he should step back as an honorary president of the Spanish branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature. The King is said to have been accompanied by his mistress Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn née Larsen.

April 16th

The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands have bought a villa west of Kranidi, Greece. There are three houses with a wonderful view at the sea. There is a swimming pool, a private beach and harbour. The Government Information Service let know that Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been informed about the purchase.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark today celebrated her 72nd birthday. She and her family appeared at the balcony of the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen at noon. The little daughter of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie made her first appearance on the balcony. Royal Portraits: Queen’s Birthday at Copenhagen

Queen Sofia of Spain has returned from Greece, where she spent the Orthodox Easter. Upon arrival she visited her husband King Juan Carlos at hospital. When leaving she told the press that her husband is recovering well. The authorities in Botswana confirmed today that the King was in the country and had a hunting permit to shoot elephants.

April 17th

Felipe Juan Froilán de Marichalar y de Borbón has left hospital in Madrid. He was admitted to hospital earlier this month after accidentally shooting himself in his foot. In a statement it was said that he will continue to receive care and undergo rehabilitation at home.

April 18th

Walking on crutches King Juan Carlos of Spain left the USP San José hospital in Madrid today. In front of the television cameras he apologised for his recent behaviour. He said: “I am very sorry. I made a mistake and it won’t happen again.” The King further said to feel well and hopes to get back to work soon.

In Sweden a new royal magazine, called “Kungliga Magasinet” was officially released at the Café Opera in Stockholm. The magazine was started by royalty journalist Roger Lundgren.

April 19th

The Danish royal court released new official portraits of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark. The pictures were taken by Jacob Jørgensen.

April 20th

The Swedish royal court opened a special christening section at their website upon the occasion of the christening of Princess Estelle of Sweden on 22 May.

April 21st

The Danish royal court has released a series of pictures of Princess Isabella in connection with her fifth birthday today. The pictures were taken at the hunting lodge at Trend, Northern Jutland, Denmark. They were taken by Crown Princess Mary.

April 22nd

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain this year an archive with letters, journals, paintings and photos of the life and reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain has been put online. The material in the Queen Victoria Scrapbook – Diamond Jubilee 1897 comes from the Royal Archive.

April 24th

Crown Princess Mette-Marit took the bike today from Skaugum in Asker to the Royal Palace in Oslo in connection with the action “Sykle til Jobben” (Cycle to work). She was accompanied by some people of the media and representants of the action.

April 25th

The annual report about the work of the Danish royal family during 2011 has been published today. The report gives an insight into the activities and events, as well as an account of the budget, in 2011.

April 26th

“Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are very happy to announce the engagement of their son, His Royal Highness Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke, to Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy”, the Grand-Ducal Court surprisingly announced this morning. The official engagement will take place tomorrow. In a short speech Prime Minister Jean- Claude Juncker said that the event was an important moment for the country. The wedding will take place later this year. The bride-to-be was born at Ronse/Renaix, Belgium on 18 February 1984 as eight and youngest child of Count Philippe de Lannoy, head of the family, and his wife née Alix della Faille de Leverghem. She studied German Philology at Louvain, Belgium, and did her master studies at Berlin. After returning to Belgium from Berlin she has worked for an investment company.

The chief of the Imperial Household Agency said today that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan have both expressed their wish to be cremated. That way they would minimize the impact on the lives of citizens. The agency said they are considering the cremation and the possibility of placing their ashes in one tomb after the cremation.

A set of pearl earrings, given by King Carol II of Romania to his mistress (later third wife) Elena Lupescu have been sold at auction at Woolley and Wallis in Salisbury for £1,618.000. After her death in 1977 Elena Lupescu left the earrings to a female friend, who didn’t wear them. Her heirs had them valued last February.

April 27th

In Luxemburg the engagement of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy was celebrated. In the late morning a short photosession took place at the Grand- Ducal Palace in Luxemburg-City, with the couple and the Grand-Ducal couple. Also a reception took place. In the late afternoon another photosession took place at Berg Castle, the future residence of the couple. Here also the bride-to-be’s parents were present, as well as Grand Duke Jean, Prince Felix, Prince Louis and Princess Tessy of Luxemburg. Monarchie.lu: Engagement of Hereditary Grand Duke GuillaumeDutch Photo Press: Engagement in Luxemburg

Princess Eugenie of York has taken on her first patronage. She has become the patron of the Royal National Ortopaedic Hospital Redevelopment Appeal. Eugenie was succesfully operated at the hospital to treat scoliosis at the age of 12, and she very much believes in the appeal and wants to support it. It is hoped enough money will be raised to have among others an accomodation unit built for families of children being treated in the hospital. The accomodation unit is to be called the Princess Eugenie House.

King Juan Carlos of Spain underwent surgery on his right hip yesterday at the San Jose Hospital in Madrid to reduce a dislocation. His hip was replaced earlier this month after a fall during a private hunting trip in Botswana. The King let hospital already today.

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, her husband Ari Behn and their three daughters are moving to London. According to the Royal Palace she is nog planning to start any commercial operations there. She will continue carrying out her official duties in Norway. The children will visit an English school, where they will have the opportunity to learn the language well.

April 28th

Prince Ernst August of Hannover is going to the European Court of Human Rights. The cigarette company Lucky Strike made a poster showing a crushed cigarette packet with the text “Was that Ernst? Or August?”. The poster appeared after the Prince was being accused of having assaulted a cameraman and a Kenyan nightclub owner. The Prince is joined by German popstar Dieter Bohlen. They think that the advertisements of Lucky Strike violate their human rights, and the Prince says the addvertisement shows him as a “brutal hooligan”.

April 30th

The Dutch royal family visited Rhenen and Veenendaal on the occasion of the yearly Queen’s Day. By sunny Spring weather the family walked through both towns and watched the many activities. They also received many gifts from the enthusiastic audience. At the end of the tour Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands said that it had been a wonderful day. She refered to the fact that not all family members had been able to come with her. Of course her son Prince Friso remains in a coma after an avalanche-accident in February and also his wife Princess Mabel wasn’t there. Also missing was Princess Anita van Oranje-Nassau, van Vollenhoven because of pneumonia. Pieter van Vollenhoven, who celebrated his 73rd birthday, only arrived halfway the programme in Veenendaal, because he suffered from an inflammation of his foot and wasn’t able to walk that far. Royal Portraits: Queensday 2012Royal Press Europe: Queensday 2012

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden celebrated his 66th birthday today. The King appeared at the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where the music corps of the Royal Navy played him a few songs. He received gifts from children. Also Queen Silvia and Prince Carl Philip were present. The three of them appeared on the balcony of the palace, and then were accompanied by Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and little Princess Estelle. It was Estelle’s first official appearance.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will pay a visit to Canada from 20 to 23 May as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour. They will visit the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

May 3rd

The Grand-Ducal court in Luxemburg announced that the wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxemburg and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy will take place on 20 October 2012. It wasn’t announced where the wedding will take place, but presumably it will be the Cathedral in Luxemburg-City.

63-year-old Mark Phillips, the former husband of the Princess Royal, is to divorce his second wife Sandy Pflueger. He has fallen in love with equestrian Lauren Hough (35) from the USA. In a statement it said: “Captain and Mrs Mark Phillips are separating and divorce proceedings have commenced. The couple have a daughter, aged 14, and the care and support of her is Captain Phillips’s main concern at this sensitive time. Captain Phillips therefore requests that all parties respect their privacy in the months ahead.”

May 4th

Prince Henrik of Denmark, son of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, celebrated his 3rd birthday today. On that occasion several new pictures were released.

May 5th

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands attended the National Commemoration in Amsterdam yesterday evening. Princess Margriet and Pieter van Vollenhoven, as well as their son Prince Pieter-Christiaan, were present at the commemoration at Rhenen. Today Liberation Day, the end of World War II in the Netherlands, will be celebrated. The Prince of Orange will attend the 5 May-lecture, for the first time given by the German President, Joachim Gauck. The President and Queen Beatrix in the evening attended the Liberation Concert in Amsterdam.

May 6th

The Swedish royal court today announced that Count Carl Johan Bernadotte af Wisborg has died on 5 May at 9pm at the Ängelholms sjukhus, aged 95. He was born in 1916 as youngest son of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden and his first wife Crown Princess Margareta. The Swedish royal family will miss their dear and beloved family member, who was kind and had humor. The statement says: “We will remember Carl Johan as an esteemed and amiable relative we have always valued highly, not at least because the knowledge on our family’s history he so generously shared with others.” His first wife Kerstin died in 1987. His second wife Gunilla née Countess Wachtmeister af Johannishus survives him, as well as an adopted son and daughter. He was the last surviving great-grandchild of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. He also was the longest-lived of her male descendants.

According to reports the sixth wife of King Mswati III of Swaziland, Angela “LaGija” Dlamini, has left the royal compound last night and left for her parents in Hhohho, Northern Swaziland. According to the Swaziland Solidarity Network the reason is years of emotional and physical abuse by her husband. In the past also his wifes Delisa Magwaza (Inkhosikati LaMagwaza) and Putsoana Hwala (Inkhosikati LaHwala) have left the King. The King’s 12th wife, Inkoshikati LaDube was placed under house arrest in 2010 after an alleged affair with the minister of justice of Swaziland.

May 7th

Sayako Kuroda, daughter of the Japanese imperial couple, has become a special sacred priestess at the Ise Shrine. The shrine enshrines the ancestral gods of the imperial family. She took the post on 26 April and will assist her aunt Atsuko Ikeda, who is the most sacred priestess at the shrine presiding over rituals. Sayako is to visit the shrine later this month to offer prayers.

May 8th

Prince Harry of Wales has received the 2012 Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership of the Atlantic Council for his work with Help for Heroes and other veteran’s charities. He received the award during a dinner in Washington DC. In his speech Prince Harry said: “So many lives have been lost and so many changed forever by the wounds that they have suffered in the course of their duties. They have paid a terrible price to keep us safe and free.” He said that both the USA and Great Britain should do everything to help the wounded servicemen and their families.

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau has quit her job as Chief Executive Officer of The Elders with immediate effect. She will remain on board as a senior adviser. She resigned because of her personal situation. Her husband, Prince Friso, is in a coma in hospital after having been caught by an avalanche during the family’s skiing vacation in Lech, Austria, in February.

The funeral of Count Carl Johan Bernadotte af Wisborg will take place at the Maria Church in Båstad, Sweden, on 14 May 2012. His coffin afterwards will be transported to Stockholm, where it will be placed in the Royal Chapel. A memorial service will be held there on 15 May. He will be privately buried at the royal cemetery at the Haga Park.

An imperial collector paid 6250 Euros for underwear once worn by Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph II. The underwear was auctioned yesterday by the Dorotheum auction house in Vienna, Austria. A ceremonial staff used at the coronation in Hungary of Emperor Franz II in 1792 was sold for 61.300 Euros.

May 9th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain attended the State Opening of Parliament today. She wore the Imperial State Crown and looked majestic. In her 57th speech during 60 years of reign she revealed the plans of the British government for the year ahead. She only missed the parliamentary opening when she was pregnant with the princes Andrew and Edward. Among others the Queen this year confirmed that the British government will introduce a Bill to change the laws of royal succession.

May 10th

The Prince of Wales surprisingly acted as weatherman for BBC Scotland during a tour of BBC Scotland’s headquarters. Also the Duchess of Cornwall gave it a try, but wasn’t so successful as her husband. The couple visited the broadcaster as part of their Holyrood Week.

The Duke and Duchess of Parma had their first child, a daughter, on 9 May at 5.30pm at the Bronovo Hospital in The Hague, The Netherlands. She received the names Luisa Irene Constance Anna Maria, and will be called Luisa in daily life. She is 52 cm tall and weighed 3160 gramms.

May 12th

The Grand-Ducal House of Baden celebrated its 900th anniversary yesterday in Baden-Baden, Germany. Among the guests were Margrave Max and Margravine Valerie, Hereditary Prince Bernhard, Hereditary Princess Stephanie and their three sons, as well as Princess Caroline of Monaco, Herzog Carl von Württemberg, Fürst Heinrich zu Fürstenberg and Fürst Karl Friedrich von Hohenzollern. Several exhibitions will be held in Baden on the occasion of the anniversary.

Princess Felipa of Bavaria married film producer Christian Dienst today at the Wieskirche in Steingaden, Bavaria, Germany. Unfortunately for the bridal couple, guests and onlookers it rained a lot. Among the guests were members of the Bavarian royal family, former German minister Baron Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg and his wife Stephanie, Fürst Alexander and Fürstin Nadja-Anna zu Schaumburg-Lippe. Royal Press Europe: Wedding of Princess Felipa von Bayern and Christian Dienst

May 14th

Madame Tussauds in London unveiled a new wax figure of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain today on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee. It is the 23rd wax figure of the Queen since her accession to the throne in 1952.

May 15th

The Imperial Household Agency announced that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan will attend the Diamond Jubilee lunch on Friday to celebrate the jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. They will arrive in Great Britain on 16 May. Among the guests will also be King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxemburg, Prince Louis and Princess Tessy of Luxemburg.

According to a BBC poll 79% of the English people say that the religious role of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain remains relevant. According to 73% she should stay as the supreme governor of the Church of England and keep the title of Defender of the Faith. 25% thinks that the British monarch should not have any faith role.

Count Carl Johan Bernadotte af Wisborg was buried today at the family cemetery near the Haga Palace in Stockholm, after a private service at the chapel of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The funeral service took place yesterday at the Maria Church in Båstad. Among the mourners were the widow, children and grandchildren of the deceased, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik and Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Désirée Baroness Silfverschiöld and her son Baron Carl Silfverschiöld, Princess Margaretha Mrs Ambler, Princess Birgitta of Hohenzollern and Princess Christina Mrs Magnuson.

From 10 to 15 May Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark paid an official visit to South Korea. The trip was meant to increase business posibilities between both countries. A big delegation of Danish business people travelled along with the royal couple.

The “Beau Sancy” diamond has been sold at auction ath Sotheby’s in Genève, Switzerland, for 9,042.000 Swiss Francs. The seller was Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia. The buyer remains anonymous. Maria de Medici, Queen of France, wore the pear-shaped, rose-cut 34,98 carat diamond at her coronation in 1610. Afterwards the diamond was in the possession of the Dutch and English royals.

According to a poll by Gallup among people in Swaziland 43% of the population of the country disapproves the leadership of King Mswati III of Swaziland. He is therefore one of the least popular leaders in Africa.

May 16th

Queen Sofia of Spain has cancelled her attendance at the Diamond Jubilee lunch at Windsor Palace on Friday. The Spanish government has issued a complaint to the British ambassador in Madrid last week, because the Earl and Countess of Wessex are planning to visit the island of Gibraltar in June. They will visit Gibraltar in name of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain a big jewelry exhibition will go on display at Buckingham Palace. It will be opened from 30 June to 8 July and from 31 July to 7 October. The exhibition includes personal jewels of the Queen. However on show are also seven of the nine principal stones cut from the Cullinan Diamond, the world’s largest diamond ever found.

May 17th

The Norwegian royal family celebrated National Day today. In the early morning Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their children watched the Children’s Parade outside the Skaugum Estate at Asker where they live. Princess Ingrid took part in it herself also for the first time with her class. Later this morning the whole royal family greeted the Children’s Parade in Oslo from the balcony of the royal palace. For the first time Prince Sverre appeared with the family on the balcony. Royal Press Europe: National Day of Norway

Further details of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June have been made public. The procession of boats will take place between 2pm and 6pm. It starts upriver of Battersea Bridge and finishes downriver of Tower Bridge. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain herself, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will board the tender of the Royal Yacht Britannia at Chelsea Pier. At Cadogan Pier they will board the Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, and will be met by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales. Other members of the royal family will travel on three other vessels. After more than three miles the royals will disembark and go aboard the HMS President to watch the flotilla passing.

In an ABC special called “The Real Queen By Her Own Royal Family”, made on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain some of her children and grandchildren speak about her. The Duke of Cambridge says: “As I learned from growing up, you don’t mess with your grandmother.” His brother Prince Harry of Wales said: “Behind closed doors, she’s our grandmother. It’s as simple as that.” Also the Duke of York and his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are said to have given interviews.

May 18th

On the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain hosted a lunch at Windsor Castle today for other monarchs, as well as representatives of monarchies attended. It was a very rare big royal gathering. 99 people attended the lunch including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra of Kent. The guestlist for the lunch included Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians, Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Reigning Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxemburg, Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, the King and Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, The Sultan and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha of Brunei, King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, Sheikh Nasser Mohamed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho, the royal couple of Malaysia, Princess Lalla Meryem of MOrocco, the Emir and Sheikha Mozah of Qatar, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, King Mswati and Inkhosikati LaMbikiza of Swaziland, Crown Prince and Princess Srirasmi of Thailand, the King and Queen of Tonga, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, former King Simeon II and Queen Margarita of Bulgaria, former King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, former King Michael and Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katharine of Serbia. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands didn’t attend the dinner at Buckingham Palace in the evening. Also the King of Bahrain didn’t attend and left Great Britain right after the lunch. The black-tie dinner was hosted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Bna.bh: Group Picture

May 19th

A military parade with 2500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force was being held at Windsor, today, on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Six military bands played and 78 aircrafts took part in a fly past. The parade was followed by a private lunch at Ascot hosted by Lady Elizabeth Shakerley. Among the royal guests today were also the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Prince Louis and Princess Tessy of Luxemburg, Prince Radu of Romania, Princess Elena of Romania and Alexander Nixon Philips, as well as Prince Nicolae of Romania.

May 20th

The daughter of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark was christened Athena Marguerite Françoise Marie today at the church of Møgeltønder, Denmark. She wore the same christening gown of cream-colored jacquard woven Swiss cotton as her brother Prince Henrik in 2009. It was designed by Henrik Hviid for Henrik’s christening. Athena’s godparents are Gregory Grandet, Edouard Cavallier, Carina Axelsson, Julie Mirabaud, Diego de Lavandeyra and Henriete Steenstrup. Among the guests were Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary with Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein- Berleburg, Count Ingolf and Countess Sussie af Rosenborg, Countess Marina af Rosenborg, Count Valdemar af Rosenborg, Michael Iuel and his wife Désirée née Princess zu Schaumburg- Lippe, Prince Christian and Princess Lena zu Schaumburg-Lippe. After the christening a reception took place at Schackenborg Castle. Kongehuset.dk: Order of ServiceKongehuset.dk: Pictures of the christeningRoyal Portraits: Christening Princess AthenaKongehuset.dk: Video

May 21st

The official pictures of the christening of Princess Athena of Denmark were released today. They were taken by Steen Brogaard at Schackenborg Castle, where her parents Prince Joachim and Princess Marie reside. Kongehuset.dk: Official christening pictures

May 22nd

Princess Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary of Sweden, daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, was christened today at the royal chapel of the Royal Palace in Stockholm by Archbishop Anders Wejryd with spring water from the island of Öland. Estelle wore the family’s christening gown from 1906. Her godparents are Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, the Prince of Orange, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Anna Westling Søderstrøm. At the end of the christening Princess Estelle was decorated with the Order of the Seraphim by her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf. After the christening Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel with Princess Estelle appeared shortly outside with the grandparents and godparents. A reception took place at the Royal Palace. Among the christening guests were King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxemburg and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Princess Märtha Louise and Ari Behn, Princess Margaretha Mrs Ambler, Princess Birgitta von Hohenzollern, Princess Désirée Baroness Silfverschiöld, Princess Christina Mrs Magnuson and Tord Magnuson, Eckbert and Désirée von Bohlen und Halbach, Baron Carl and Baroness Maria Silfverschiöld, Baron Hans, Baroness Christina Louise and Baron Ian De Geer, Baroness Hélène Silfverschiöld and Fredrik Diterle, Gustaf Magnuson and Vicky Andrén, Oscar and Emma Magnuson, Victor Magnuson and Frida Bergström, Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg, Countess Gunilla Bernadotte af Wisborg, Count Bertil and Countess Jill Bernadotte af Wisborg and Dagmar von Arbin. Also family members of Prince Daniel attended, as well as President Sauli Niinistö of Finland and his wife, and Dorrit Moussaieff, wife of the President of Iceland. Also Prince Carl Philip’s girlfriend Sofia Hellqvist, as well as Princess Madeleine’s boyfriend Chris O’Neill attended. Royalcourt.se: Christening website with information, video and picturesSofia’s Blog: Princess Estelle’s christening live blogRoyal Portraits: Christening Princess Estelle

The British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said yesterday that a first-born daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would become Queen of Great Britain, even if she will be born before the new laws of succession have been passed. Already in October 2011 the 16 countries who share the Queen as head of state agreed about the changing of the law of succession, and effectively the new rules are already in place, Mr Clegg said.

In a documentary for ITV1 about his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the Duke of Cambridge said that the original guestlist for his wedding contained 777 names he and his wife didn’t know. He went to speak to his grandmother about it, and she said he should start making a list himself and add all his friends on, and in due course names would be added. She thought it was their day. The Duke also says that because he was so nervous and the crowds outside Clarence House had been singing and cheering all night long, he did probably only get half an hour of sleep the night before his wedding. He said that he and his grandmother have become a lot closer to each other over the years, also he understands his own and her role a bit better than when he was young. The documentary will be broadcasted on 1 June at 9pm.

May 23rd

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Canada from 20 to 23 May on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The visit included the Victoria Day celebrations on 21 May, the day the Canadians mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate the start of the Summer. The couple arrived in New Brunswick on 20 May and visited Gagetown and Saint John on 21 May. They continued their tour in Toronto on 22 May and Regina in Saskatchewan on 23 May.

Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, today carried the Olympic torch on horseback across the Cheltenham racecourse. Zara’s mother, the Princess Royal headed the delegation that attended the handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame at the Panathenaic Stadium in Greece on Thursday. Previously the flame had made a 3000 kilometer tour in eight days through Greece. They flew back to Great Britain with the flame on Friday. The Olympic Flame will be carried across Great Britain by 8000 torchbearers until it reaches the Olympic Stadium on the eve of 27 July for the opening of the Olympic Games in London.

Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco have sued the British newspaper The Sunday Times for a front page story, which was published the day after their wedding, in which was claimed that the Prince was involved in serious criminality, had links to people involved in organised crime and turns a blind eye to financial corruption in his country. The Princely Couple thinks the story caused substantial damage to their reputation and was also very hurtfull. The couple is demanding unlimited damages of more than £300,000 from the publishers of the newspaper.

The Liechtenstein parliament (Landtag) has rejected an initiative to change the Constitution and restrict the veto right of the monarch. 18 Members of parliament voted against changing the Constitution, 7 members were in favour. The issue was discussed for 40 minutes. The parliament and the government have agreed to make the final decision in favour or against the initiative before 1 July.

May 24th

The private diaries of Queen Victoria of Great Britain have gone online. Everybody can read them for free. The Queen wrote her diaries from the age of 13 until shortly before her death. There are 141 volumes with more than 43.000 pages.

May 25th

The Swedish royal court released the official pictures of the christening of Princess Estelle on Tuesday. They were taken by photographer Bruno Ehrs. The series includes a three-generation picture with King Carl XVI Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has left Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, for the first time in more than two years, for a few hours. He visited the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and paid homage to the 16th century Queen Suriyothai and inspect irrigation activities and watch folk dancing. The King is staying in hospital since September 2009, but his health seems to have improved lately.

May 26th

A huge 100 metres wide and 70 metres high image of the British royal family has been put up beside the Thames River near Blackfriars Bridge in London on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The picture show the family waving to the crowds at the Silver Jubilee in 1977. It will be there until the end of June.

The Jansløkka School in Asker, where Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway go to school, went on strike. Therefore Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit decided to take their children with them on a three-day tour of Møre og Romsdal county, that started on Thursday. Prince Sverre took part in the programme on all three days, while Princess Ingrid Alexandra arrived at the end of the first day. Marit Tjessem, the mother of the Crown Princess, came along too to help keeping an eye on the children.

Crown Prince Nayef Al-Saud of Said Arabia has left his country. He went abroad for a personal vacation. Also some medical tests have been scheduled. He already spent a month in the USA for medical tests in April. It is not known which tests have been carried out.

Count Charles Alexander von Faber-Castell married religiously Melisa Eliyesil at the Martin-Luther-Church at Stein, Germany. The couple married civilly already in September 2011. The bride was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on 16 July 1984. She has a Turkish father and a Colombian mother. The couple met during their studies in New York. Among the wedding guests were Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie of Prussia and Fürst Alexander and Fürstin Nadja-Anna zu Schaumburg-Lippe, Hereditary Prince Donatus and Hereditary Princess Floria von Hessen. Royal Press Europe: Faber-Castell wedding

May 27th

All members of the British royal family are to attend the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday 3 June. Only Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter Zara Phillips won’t be present. She is competing that weekend and will make a last attempt to qualify for the British equestrian team for the Olympic Games. She failed to qualify for the Olympics of 2004 and 2008.

The Duke of Cambridge shared his favourite picture of himself and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on Historypin.com. It is a picture of him taking part in the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in 2004. He said it had been very special for him that she was present for his graduation. He says about her: “These qualities of selflessness and duty are values that The Queen has continuously demonstrated over the last 60 years and are qualities that remain very important to me.”

May 28th

The first pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Parma together with their newborn Luisa were released. The pictures were taken by Jeroen van der Meyde in a parc in The Hague, Netherlands.

May 29th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has appointed her grandson the Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, to be a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. The order will be presented to him soon.

May 31st

The celebrations of the 75th birthdays of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway today started with a performance by the Royal Guard Norwegian Military Drill Team and more than 3000 children singing the traditional Norwegian birthday song in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo. The royal couple, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their children, Princess Märtha Louise and Ari Behn and their children, Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner and her husband listened from the balcony of the palace. They also received representants from official Norway. In the evening there was a free gala performance on the roof of the Opera House in Oslo. Royal Press Europe: 75th birthday of King Harald and Queen Sonja

June 1st

The BBC broadcasted “A Jubilee Tribute” today, a personal tribute by the Prince of Wales to his mother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The tribute showed previously unseen private home video movies and other royal films. The Prince of Wales shared his thoughts and memories in a very personal way, and especially remembered her coronation in 1953.

Princess Mako of Japan, granddaughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, will be studying at a university in Great Britain from September 2012 to May 2013 the Imperial Household Agency announced. She hasn’t chosen a university yet. She is likely to study fine arts, as she is interested in the restoration and conservation of artworks. She is currently studying at the International Christian University of Tokyo.

June 2nd

The Diamond Jubilee weekend, with four days of celebrations, has started today. The British royal family attended the Epsom Derby. Queen Elizabeth II presented the trophies for the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup. Around the course people held jubilee-themed picnics. The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales had military commitments, and had to miss the start of the weekend.

June 3rd

Despite of the heavy rain more than a million people enjoyed the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in London. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales enjoyed the pageant from royal barge Spirit of Chartwell, where they managed to keep quite dry. The flotilla with about thousand big and small boats. When the royal barge passed Tower Bridge it opened a full 90 degrees especially for the royals. It opened halfway for the other boats. British Monarchy: The Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

Another British Diamond Jubilee was born recently. Lady Davina and Gary Lewis had their second child, a son. His name is not known yet. The baby is a grandson for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

June 4th

The Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalised at the King Edward VII Hospital in London with a bladder infection this afternoon. The infection is being accesses and treated. He will stay in hospital for a few days. Buckingham Palace said: “He is, understandably, disappointed about missing this evening’s Diamond Jubilee Concert and tomorrow’s engagements.”

Tonight a splendid concert was held at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Many famous artists performed in front of a part of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Playing were among others Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Bassey, Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Madness played a few of their hits from the roof of Buckingham Palace. A great lightshow lit the walls of the palace and at the end of the evening there was wonderful fireworks. At the end of the event, the people near the Queen Victoria Memorial and at The Mall, heard the heartfelt tribute by the Prince of Wales, who started his speech with “Mummy”. He told the crowds that they were “celebrating the life and service of a very special person”. He said: “The only sad thing about this evening is that my father cannot be here with us because unfortunately he’s been taken unwell.” But he said that he might hear them in hospital, after which the people started cheering and chanting “Philip, Philip”. The Queen afterwards lit the final Jubilee beacon at the Mall. British Monarchy: Diamond Jubilee Picnic and Concert

June 5th

The British royal family attended a service of thanksgiving on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning. The service was followed by a reception at Mansion House hosted by the Lord and Mayor of London. The Queen, Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales drove back to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession. The day ended with a balcony scene and a RAF flypast. Like yesterday The Mall in London was crowded with people. British Monarchy: The Ceremonial DayThe Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon

In a special two-minute broadcast Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain said to be “deeply touched” by the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, in which so many people took part. She especially thanked the people who had organised all the celebrations.

With her family Princess Astrid of Belgium celebrated her 50th birthday already on Saturday and got a huge birthday cake with 50 candles. But today was the day she really officially became 50. Several nice pictures were released by the palace.

Princess Maha al-Sudairi, the former wife of Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, has been caught flying the five-star Shangri-La hotel in Paris in the middle of the night. She left the hotel on Friday with her 60-stong entourage and all her luggage without paying the huge hotel bill. She had been staying at the hotel since December 2011.

June 6th

The Swedish royal family celebrated national day. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine attended the Open Palace event, and opened the gates of the palace. Entrance is free on national day. On this day Prince Bertil, who died in 1997 and was born 100 years ago, was remembered with an exhibition at the palace. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended celebrations in Visby, Gotland, during the day, while Prince Daniel went to Malmö. In the evening the whole family including Crown Princess Victoria attended the celebrations at Skansen, Sweden. Royal Portraits: National day in SwedenRoyal Portraits: National day in Sweden 2

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the Duke of York visited the Duke of Edinburgh at the King Edward VII Hospital. Buckingham Palace said that his condition has improved considerably, and that he is in good spirits. He is being treated for his bladder infection with antibiotics.

Prince Tomohito of Mikasa died today aged 66. He was a cousin of Emperor Akihito of Japan. He had been hospitalized since December. The Prince had already suffered from throat and tongue cancer since 1991, and had had surgery 16 times. He lost his voice in 2008. He wrote a book about his fight against cancer and in 2007 also revealed that he was fighting alcoholism. He leaves his wife and two daughters.

June 7th

The Duke of Cambridge has qualified to command a Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter, it emerged today. Until now he was a co-pilot. He has passed the captaincy tests on 29 May.

In Stockholm the 30th anniversary of the Marianne and Sigvard Bernadotte Art Awards was celebrated with a big gala. Among the performing artists was Eurovision Songcontest winner Loreen. Among the guests were Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Princess Christina and Tord Magnuson, Empress Farah of Iran, Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Leka of the Albanians and his fiancée Elia Zaharia, the Duke and Duchess of Bragança and the Duchess d’Orléans.

June 8th

The funeral of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa will be held at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Graveyard in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward on 14 June. The funeral will be hosted by his eldest daughter Princess Akiko. A two-day wake is to be held in the two previous days.

June 9th

The Duke of Edinburgh has left the King Edward VII Hospital in London today. He said goodbye to the staff before walking out. He stepped into a car and smiled and waved at the well-wishers outside. He will celebrate his 91st birthday tomorrow in private at Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace announced that he continues to make a good recovery and will continue his convalescence at home.

June 11th

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were greeted by huge crowds at the start of their Diamond Jubilee tour in Gibraltar today. They will pay a three-day visit. The visit has sparked huge protests from Spain. The two countries have battled each other for many years already over the ownership of the rock.

The British Equestrian Federation has confirmed today it has formally nominated Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and her horse High Kingdom for the British equestrian team for the Olympic Games in London. The nomination has yet to be ratified by the British Olympic Association. Both of Zara’s parents, Mark Phillips and the Princess Royal, have taken part in the Olympics in the 1970s. Her father won a gold medal in 1972, and a silver one in 1988.

A letter written by Emperor Napoleon I in English has been sold for € 325.000 at the auction house Osenat in Fontainebleau, France. The letter was written on 9 March 1816 at the island of Saint Helena to Emmanuel comte de las Cases.

Chinese archaeologists have dug up 102 new terracotta warriors and war horses, two sets of chariots, weaponry, drums and a shield from the No 1 Pit of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang of China at Xi’an during a recent excavation, that took place from 2009 to May 2012. Also in the 9901 Pit more than 20 terracotta figures have been unearthed since August 2011.

June 12th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain hosted a Jubilee garden party at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, today. 3500 guests had been invited in recognition of their contributions to local communities. Before the garden party Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke of Edinburgh wouldn’t take part, and wouldn’t accompany his wife on her visit to Nottingham either in the next two days. However the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will accompany her these two days.

June 13th

The Irish government said today that the Lia Fail standing stone (Stone of Destiny) has been damaged. The stone according to legends served as the coronation stone for the Irish high kings. The stone was struck at eleven places. The police is investigating the vandalism, that likely happened during the weekend.

June 14th

Jewellery belonging to Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson, has been stolen from her apartment in Stockholm. A 19-year old family friend has admitted the theft and is said to have stolen the key to the safe in April. He has allegedly sold the majority of the jewelry to two marijuana dealers and threw a tiara off a bridge in Stockholm into the water. Among the items were pieces of jewellery the Princess had inherited from her mother.

Prince Tomohito of Mikasa of Japan was buried at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Graveyard in Tokyo this morning. The main mourners were his daughters Akiko and Yoko. Among the mourners were the parents of the deceased Prince and Princess Mikasa, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako. The Prince was cremated afterwards and the ashes were buried in the afternoon next to his younger brother Prince Takamado who died ten years ago. Prince Tomohito died on 6 June of multiple organ failure, specifically the liver.

June 16th

Trooping the Colour marked the official 86th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain today. For the Duke of Edinburgh it was his first public engagement since his hospital stay a week ago. The royal couple travelled in a covered Glass Coach instead of in an open-topped ivory-mounted phaeton carriage as had been planned. According to Buckingham Palace the move was made to protect the Duke from the “unpredictable weather”. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Kent rode behind them on horses, accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort from the Household Cavalry. The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge travelled in an open carriage to the Horse Guards Parade. Also present were the Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. After the ceremony the whole family appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has awarded her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, the highest ranks in all three British armed forces. He has been appointed honorary five-star rank and is now a Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Princess Carolina de Bourbon de Parme and Albert Brenninkmeijer married today at the Basilica de San Miniato al Monte in Florence, Italy. The wedding dress was designed by Dutch designer Addy van den Krommenacker who had been allowed to use the original lace of the wedding dress of the bride’s mother Princess Irene of the Netherlands. Therefore he had named the dress “Irene”. Among the guests were many members of the Bourbon Parme and the Dutch royal family, as well as Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie of Prussia, Hereditary Prince Alexander von Isenburg and Prince Aloys-Konstantin zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg. Royal Portraits: Wedding in FlorenceRoyal Press Europe: Wedding of Princess Carolina and Albert Brenninkmeijer

Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia died somewhat unexpectedly in Geneva, Switzerland, today. He will be buried at Mecca, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow after the funeral prayers have been performed at the Holy Mosque. He only had been appointed the Crown Prince after the death of his half-brother in October 2011. A new Crown Prince is expected to be named within the next days.

June 18th

The Order of the Garter Service was held at Windsor Castle today in presence of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The order is limited to 24 knights, and there were no new appointments since last year.

76-year-old Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has been appointed the new crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, following the death of Crown Prince Nayef on Saturday. He will also become the Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense. Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz will succeed Prince Salman as Minister of Interior.

June 19th

During a press conference Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, has said she will stay with the other British athletes in the athlete’s village during the Olympic Games. There will be no extra security. However the team, including Zara, will skip the opening ceremony of the Games, because their competition will already start the next day. Zara said that her family, including her grandmother, are very proud of her selection and are right behind her.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan have visited the grave of the Emperor’s cousin Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, who died a few weeks ago. They offered prayers at his tomb. They were greeted by the Prince’s mother Princess Mikasa, and the prince’s eldest daughter Princess Akiko.

June 20th

More details of the upcoming wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxemburg and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy have become known. The civil wedding will take part on Friday 19 October at the Town Hall at 3.30pm. In the evening there is a gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace. The religious wedding will be held on Saturday 20 October at 11am in the Cathedral of Luxemburg. Afterwards, around 1pm, a reception will start at the Grand Ducal Palace.

June 21st

The Duke of Cambridge celebrated his 30th birthday today. It is reported he will now inherit up to £10 million from his late mother Diana Princess of Wales.

June 22nd

Reigning Prince Albert II of Monaco has put up a part of his father’s car collection for auction. They will be auctioned on 26 July at Prince Albert’s car museum in Monaco. The cars by for example Mercedes, Citroen, Bentley, Panhard and Porsche are being sold due to a comprehensive reorganisation of the collection.

The Grand Ducal House of Luxemburg announced that the modernisation of the family laws has been completed, including the family pact. As already announced a year ago, in the future the first-born child of the Grand Ducal couple will accede the throne, whether it is a boy or a girl.

In the evening before the Luxemburg national day Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his sister Princess Alexandra visited the town of Esch-sur-Alzette. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa visited Differdange. In the late evening they attended the torch-light procession and the fireworks in Luxemburg-City, together with Prince Felix.

June 23rd

The Grand Ducal Family of Luxemburg, exclusing Prince Sébastien, celebrated national day today. First they attended the traditional Te Deum at the Cathedral. Afterwards Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume watched the military parade. Guillaume’s fiancée Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy wasn’t present, as she is officially not a member of the family yet. Royal Press Europe: National Day Luxemburg

June 26th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived for a two-day Diamond Jubilee visit to Northern Ireland. Due to security reasons very few details about the visit have been released. In Enniskillen the Queen was met by a cheering crowd. She attended a service of thanksgiving for her Jubilee at St Macartin’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and met with victims of an IRA bomb attack on Remembrance Sunday 1987.

The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster in London will officially be renamed the Elizabeth Tower, in honour of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The tower is best known under its nickname Big Ben.

June 27th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has shaken hands with Martin McGuinness, former IRA commander, during a visit to Belfast. He was allegedly part of the IRA at the time they murdered Lord Mountbatten, uncle of the Duke of Edinburgh. McGuinness nowadays is deputy first minister of Northern Ireland and member of the Sinn Féin party. He told the press the meeting had been very nice. After the meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh joined a garden party in the gardens of the parliament buildings.

June 29th

The office of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall has published its 2012 Annual Review. According to the review the couple undertook 804 joint and solo official engagements in Great Britain and abroad in 2011. The Prince’s private income from the Duchy of Cornwall in 2011-12 rose three per cent to £18.3 million. More money was spent on official travels because there were more overseas visits by the the couple, as well as by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales.

June 30th

Together with other UNAIDS ambassadors Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has made an appeal on Ukrainian television to join the fight against HIV and AIDS. The Ukraine is the European country that ist most severely challenged by the illness.

A mourning outfit Queen Victoria of Great Britain wore after the death of her husband Prince Albert was sold at auction at Hanson’s Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, Great Britain for more than £6,000. The buyer was a US collector.

July 1st

The people of Liechtenstein have voted in a referendum today against reducing the power of their princely family. Only 24% voted in favour of abolishing the right of the head of state of Liechtenstein to veto legislation. Hereditary Prince Alois, regent of Liechtenstein, said to welcome the clear result. He says it is a good base for meeting future challenges facing the principality. Reigning Prince Hans Adam II said to be “Happy and grateful that a large majority of the population wanted to continue the 300-year-old effective partnership between the people and the royals”.

July 2nd

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in Scotland by hosting events in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth for the next five days. Today she traditionally was handed over the keys of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. She also visited the National Portrait Gallery. The Queen is accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The British royal house has published the Queen’s Official Expenditure for 2011-2012. The total expenditure was £32.3m. That means that over the last three years the expenses have decreased by 26%, a year earlier than agreed.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have started a three-day visit to Cornwall. The tour celebrates both the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the 60th anniversary of the prince as Duke of Cornwall.

July 3rd

Princess Eugenie of York has graduated from Newcastle University. She earned a 2:1 in her combined English literature and History of Art BA Honours. Eugenie said her time as a student had been a fantastic experience, and that her parents are very proud of her. She is planning to get herself a job and hopes to be working in the art world.

The Spanish football team, that won the final of the European Championships Football on Sunday, was received at the palace in Madrid by the Spanish royal family. King Juan Carlos II told the team that he was very proud of them. The little princesses Leonor and Sofia were dressed in Spanish football shirts with their name printed on the back. After the reception at the palace the Spanish football team was driven through the centre of Madrid in an open top bus.

July 4th

Today Princess Caroline of Monaco confirmed the engagement of her eldest son Andrea Casiraghi. In a statement she said: “I have the pleasure to announce to you the engagement of my son, Andrea Casiraghi, to Miss Tatiana Santo Domingo.”. There already had been rumours for some days. According to the Italian Vogue Magazine the wedding is to take place in 2013. The couple already has been together for seven years. Tatiana was born on 24 November 1983 as daughter of the late Julio Mario Santo Domingo Braga and of Vera Rechulski. She is from Brazil.

July 5th

The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Stathearn was officially installed as a Knight of the Thistle during a ceremony in the Thistle Chapel of St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. The service was attended by his wife the Duchess of Cambridge.

July 6th

In an interview with the TV-channel News 24 former King Gyanendra of Nepal has expressed his wish to return to his country as a King. He said that six years ago he agreed with the political parties in Nepal that he would become a constitutional monarch. However in 2008 the monarchy was abolished.

Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and her horse Digby have been selected as a member of the Danish dressage team for the Olympic Games in London, that start later this month. She also took part in the Olympics four years ago, and won a bronze medal back then.

July 7th

The yearly summer photosession of the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands and their daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane took place today at the Seringenberg in Wassenaar, near the family’s home. Royal Portraits: Photosession in Wassenaar

38-Year-old Princess Sara bint Talal bin Abdulaziz of Saud Arabia has asked for political asylum in Great Britain. She fears that she is not safe anymore in her own country. She is currently staying in a five-star London hotel, together with her four children, two dogs and a security team. The Princess has been living in London since 2007 after a row with her father. She says that she has been physically and mentally abused and that her assets have been frozen.

July 8th

96-Year-old Prince Mikasa, uncle of Emperor Akihito of Japan, has suffered congestive heart failure on Saturday evening. He was moved to the Intensive Care unit. He already stayed at the St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo since 15 June, the day after the funeral of his son Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. He originally was admitted to hospital because of fatigue, but developed a mild fever and symptonms of a cold afterwards. Therefore they kept him in hospital a bit longer.

Tonga has declared Thursday a national holiday. On this day Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ukukalala will marry Sinaitakala Fakafunua.

July 9th

The Prince of Wales visited RAF Valley with his son the Duke of Cambridge on the first day of a four-day visit to Wales. At Aberystwyth the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall met with flood victims of floodings at Ceredigion last month, and met emergency crews.

Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco have started a two-day official visit to Germany. They were received at the residence of President Joachim Gauck and Mrs Daniela Schadt in Berlin. There also an official dinner took place in the evening. On Tuesday the couple will visit Stuttgart.

July 12th

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala of Tonga today married the Hon Sinaitakala Tu’imatamoana ‘i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua Tuku’aho at the Centenary Church, Saione in Nuku’alofa. About 2000 people attended the wedding ceremony. The wedding celebrations already started on 6 July with a ball at the International Dateline Hotel. The Ma’utohi ceremony to mark the issuance of the marriage license was held at the royal palace on 10 July, followed by a luncheon and a reception at the Siumafua’uta Residence in Ma’ufanga. After today’s wedding followed a reception at the Mala’e Pangai. A ball will be held at the International Dateline Hotel tomorrow. The wedding celebrations will be closed with a thanksgiving service at the wedding church on Sunday 15 July, followed by another luncheon.

The Danish royal family will attend the Olympic Games in London in a few weeks time. Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte will attend the opening ceremony. Prince Joachim and Princess Marie will arrive in London later on. The Queen will host several receptions at the royal yacht Dannebrog.

The Imperial Household Agency said today that 96-year-old Prince Mikasa of Japan underwent surgery to correct a defective heart valve yesterday afternoon at the St Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo. The operation was successfully, doctors said.

July 13th

It has been confirmed that the company Mayhoola for Investments, controlled by the Qatar royal family, has bought the Valentino Fashion Group. The company reportedly paid $858 million.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has been treated for a minor brain bleed. His heartbeat and blood pressure have returned to normal. Doctors have advised him not to have public engagements for the time being. A small amount of blood was found in his brain after he was observed having a spasming of his right hand and a slightly faster heartbeat.

July 14th

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden celebrated her 35th birthday on the island of Öland today. She was cheered by several thousands of people in front of Solliden Palace. Crown Princess Victoria was accompanied by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Prince Daniel and her little daughter Princess Estelle. In the evening the King, Queen, the Crown Princess Couple, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine attended a concert at Borgholm. Among the performing artists was this year’s Eurovision Songcontest winner Loreen, who is from Sweden. Royal Portraits: Victoria’s Birthday – SollidenRoyal Portraits: Victoria’s Birthday – Borgholm

Peter Phillips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, has recently started his own sports management company, called SEL UK Ltd. Among his new clients is his sister Zara Phillips, who is to compete in the Olympic Games in London in a few weeks time.

July 17th

The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry has changed its name to The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the end of the first full year in operation for the foundation. The new has been chosen because the Duchess of Cambridge had been added as a patron. The Foundation has spent over £1.3m on charitable activity in this inaugural year of grant-making and donations were distributed to 26 charities in 2011. The foundation also has a new website.

The Royal Palace in Madrid has announced that the salaries of King Juan Carlos of Spain and the Prince of Asturias will be reduced by about 7%. The royal family has also cut its budget in the past year.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has officially released the first smartphone application of the Swedish Royal Court. The app is a full guide to the Swedish royal palaces. The king said he hoped that “more people can share in our common history”.

Pierre Casiraghi, son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, is sueing Jeffrey Jah, owner of the nightclub Double Seven in New York, as well as its patron Adam Hock and his lawyer Joseph Tacopina. Pierre Casiraghi was beaten up during a visit to the nightclub in February.

The Royal Household Bureau of Thailand said that the cerebral bleeding of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has stopped. His condition is improving.

July 20th

The Danish royal family held their annual photo session at Gråsten Castle today. Prince Joachim and Princess Marie and their children had to cancel their attendance. One-year- old Princess Josephine also wasn’t present, because she was ill. In her absence it was her twin brother Prince Vincent who stole the show. Royal Press Europe: Danish Royal Family poses

July 21st

National day was celebrated today in Belgium. Already yesterday evening the royal family attended the concert “Prelude to the National Day”. This morning the royals attended a Te Deum in several Belgian towns. King Albert II, Queen Paola, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde attended the service in the catheral of Brussels. In the afternoon the whole family attended the military parade in front of the royal palace of Brussels. Prince Laurent and Princess Claire took their 6-year-old twin sons Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric with them. Royal Portraits: National Day Belgium

King Juan Carlos of Spain is not longer the honorary patron of the Spanish branch of the WWF. In a general meeting the members of WWF Spain voted in favour of ending his position. In April the King went on an elephant-hunting trip in Botswana, which was heavily criticized.

July 22nd

The Royal Collection has donated £300,000 to The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. With the donation they wanted to thank the Duchess of Cambridge for lending her wedding dress to Buckingham Palace for the summer opening of 2011. The dress was a huge attraction. Last week it emerged that the dress helped raising £10 million in ticket sales. A record number of 626,678 visitors saw the summer opening of 2011, 52% more than in 2010.

The British royal family will attend events at the Olympic Games of London 2012 almost every day. They royal supporters will be led by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who are ambassadors for Team GB. Prince Harry is expected to watch beach volleyball and athletics. The Duchess of Cambridge is fond of hockey and tennis. And the Duke of Cambridge loves tennis, water polo, swimming and football. They will of course also watch their cousin Zara Phillips competing in the three-day eventing, together with the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Cornwall. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will mainly be active in the first days of the games before their annual summer break in Scotland. All senior members of the family will attend the opening ceremony on Friday night following a reception at Buckingham Palace for foreign heads of state and government attending the games. The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and the Princess Royal will attend the closing ceremony.

The Norwegian royal family has remembered the victims of the bomb attacks in Oslo and the killing at the island of Utøya a year ago. King Harald V laid a wreath at the government center on behalf of the whole family. All of them were attending the ceremony. The King, Queen Sonja and Princess Märtha Louise then attended a memorial service at the Dom Church in Oslo. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended the service at Hole Church. Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise also attended a memorial concert at the town hall square in Oslo.

Prince Felix of Denmark celebrated his 10th birthday today. Several birthday pictures were released.

Queen Sirikit of Thailand, who will celebrate her 80th birthday next month, has been told by her doctors to take some rest. She felt dizzy and slightly staggered earlier today. Examinations showed that there was a slight reduction in the blood flow to her brain. Her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was found to have bleeding in his brain’s outer membrane that caused twitching in his hand just over a week ago.

July 23rd

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for members of the International Olympic Committee. The 124th IOC Session will start tomorrow.

July 24th

Maria Emanuel Margrave von Meissen, head of the Royal House of Saxony, died peacefully yesterday at his house in La Tour de Peilz, Switzerland. He was born in 1926 as the eldest child of Crown Prince Friedrich Christian of Saxony and his wife Princess Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis. He married in 1962 Princess Anastasia von Anhalt. The couple didn’t have children. Prince Alexander, the eldest son of the margrave’s sister Princess Maria Anna, will be the new head of the family.

July 26th

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales have welcomed the Olympic flame at Buckingham Palace today. Thousands of people stood outside the palace gates.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark ran 390 yards with the Olympic torch in Notting Hill, London, this afternoon. He also carried the Olympic torch in 1994 when it passed through Denmark. He is already in London to attend the 124th IOC Session.

On the first day of their visit to London Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium and their children Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore posed at Kensington Gardens in London. Later on the princely couple took their three eldest children for a visit to the Lion King musical. Belga: Belgian royals in London

July 27th

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain hosted a reception for heads of state, royals and other dignitaries at Buckingham Palace in the early evening. In her speech the Queen promised that Great Britain will live up to its tradition of fair play and bring a spirit of togetherness to the Olympic Games.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain opened the 30th Olympic Summer Games in London tonight with the words: “I declare open the Games of London, celebrating the 30th Olympiad of the modern era.” She herself was unexpectedly one of the big stars of the opening ceremony. In a video shown in the Olympic Stadium Daniel Craig – as James Bond – enters Buckingham Palace and is taken to the Queen’s office. He is escorting her out of the palace to a helicopter. The Queen’s corgis, who surrounded them all the time, are left outside the door and are not allowed to come. The Queen and James Bond set off in the helicopter and fly to the Olympic Stadium. They jump downwards on parachutes above the stadium. In reality the parachutists were stand ins, and soon after the jump the real Queen – in the same outfit – enters the stadium. The short film was already shot on March 27 and it took only one take. BBC director Nicholas Brown said: “The Palace was terrific about the shoot and we were delighted and honoured that the Queen was involved.” It was the very first time the Queen acted on film.

The 60th birthday of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand will be celebrated in Bangkok and in spots around the country starting today. The festivities will end in December. Tomorrow the Crown Prince, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit will attend a special ceremony at the Amarin Winitchai Hall at the Royal Palace and light candles by the Buddha image devoted to the Crown Prince. Prayers will be offered also. A special concert was held already last week. There is an official website on which people can congratulate him (unfortunately only in Thai language), and also a special set of stamps will be issued tomorrow.

July 28th

The Swedish Royal Family sends their greetings from Solliden.

The House of Monaco in London, at 18-22 Haymarket, among others shows the private collection of sixteen Olympic torches of Reigning Prince Albert II of Monaco. The house will be open from 29 July to 12 August 2012.

July 29th

A 28-year-old close relative of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain was off-loaded from a plane before taking off from Heathrow (London) to Bahrain. He was trying to enter the flight deck to complain about the poor service on board of the British Airways flight. According to Scotland Yard the man was arrested because it was suspected he was drunk and disorderly. He was released on bail.

July 30th

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has cancelled her trip to the Olympic Games in London. A spokesman for the royal court said: “She has chosen to prioritize Princess Estelle, the trip would have been too tough to make with such a small child.” Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip will arrive in London as planned this evening.

July 31st

The British team has won a silver medal in the team eventing. One of the members of the team was Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. In the individual competition Zara Phillips ended on an eight place. The medals were presented by the Princess Royal, who gave her daughter a big hug and kissed her. Princess Haya of Jordan presented the flowers. Zara Phillips was excited about winning a medal: “It is disappointing we didn’t get gold, but the team has been awesome. It has been a real honour to ride with everyone. We have had an amazing week.” Among the royals cheering the team were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York, Zara’s husband Mike Tindall and her brother Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn.

The tomb of a 1,300 year-old Mayan prince was discovered 1,5 metres below the royal palace of Uxul in Campeche, Mexico, by researchers of the University of Bonn. It also contains burial offerings, like four ceramic plates and five ceramic cups decorated with beautiful paintings.

August 1st

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Harry of Wales have visited the Olympic Villages. They took the opportunity to wish the British athletes luck.

King Juan Carlos II of Spain has bruised his nose when falling over this morning while he was inspecting the miliitary top brass in Madrid. He was able to complete his visit.

August 2nd

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has completed her “Executive Master of Management” degree from the Norwegian Business School BI. The Crown Princess is said to be relieved and happy that her work has been approved. She however doesn’t want to reveal what the subject was.

August 3rd

Both the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales had no idea about the role of their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, they said in an interview with the BBC. They were as much surprised as anybody else when she was shown heading to the Olympic Stadium in a helicopter with James Bond, and then apparently jumped out of it on a parachute. Prince Harry said: “Both of us were slightly surprised with our grandmother’s secret hobby that she had of parachuting which went down unbelievably well.” The Duke of Cambridge said that it was wonderful to see the British athletes collect medals, but so far he felt most proud when his cousin Zara Phillips won a silver medal in the eventing competition.

Reigning Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco returned to Monaco for the 64th Monaco Red Cross Gala at the Sporting Monte-Carlo this evening. The Princely couple spent some days in London to attend the Olympic Games.

August 4th

Princess Mako of Japan will study at the College of Humanities and Social Science of the University of Edinburgh from Septembr until May. She will take courses in art and other subjects. She will stay in a dormitory. She will leave for Scotland on 24 August and likely will return in June 2013 to continue her studies at the International Christian University of Tokyo.