Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts

Monday, December 26, 2011

My royal news preview for 2012


Belgium
What I said about 2011: Well, as much as I really like the Brabants, I do not see nothing new happening in this family. Everybody is more or less well married, full of kids and they have enough political problems to deal with already. Might be a quiet year for Belgian monarchy. 
What really happened: well, nothing special happened this year. Except a very rebel Prince Laurent but we are getting used to it. 
What about 2012: nothing special again yet... I have to confess I am a bit afraid for Queen Fabiola and King Albert II's healths.



Denmark
What I said about 2011Oh yeahhhhhhhhhh! babies, two babies on the way! maybe three (if princess Marie is pregnant sometime during the year?). How excited are we about those twins? will it be a boy and a girl? two boys? two girls? what will be the names? I am very excited. It can happen anytime soon. It can be happening now, as you read this!
What really happened: and we got babies! Two! In January! Josephine and Vincent joined Christian and Isabella for the CP couple tribe. And YES, Princess Marie is very pregnant, so we will have more babies next year. 
What about 2012: I think it will be a boy for Prince Joachim and Princess Marie (a second for her and a fourth for her husband) + big celebration (tiara-like) for Queen Margrethe II's 40th year of reign.

Liechtenstein
What I said about 2011: Well, they are like that side to each family that never call or give news. Therefore, we do not know much about them and they do not know much about us. But we hope they are still alive and well and if we get to get any news, we hope they will be full of joy.
What really happened: Tatjana had a 7th kid. God BLESS HER! Seven children in twelve years of marriage!
What about 2012Nothing.



Luxembourg
What I said about 2011What could possibly happen in Luxembourg in the future?
What really happened: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume turned 30.
What about 2012An engagement announcement for Guillaume, perhaps?

Monaco
What I said about 2011This will be a big year for Monaco. The eternal-bachelor Prince Albert II is finally getting married to his beautiful South African goddess, Charlene Wittstock. She already looks like a princess, making us, royal watchers, damn proud.
This might also be the year we see Princess Caroline finally getting a divorce after so many public appearances without her husband, Prince Ernst of Hannover. Hope they do not keep that quiet so that is does not cause a turmoil: it already is a turmoil!
I do not see any engagements for now. Caroline's three older kids, the Casiraghi gang, are all dating seriously for years but still young and enjoying life and its bliss.
What really happened: The marriage went on (unfortunately, under a turmoil of rumours...) but we all think Charlene - sorry, Princess Charlene! - already has a bunny in the oven. It would not surprise me.
Oh, and Caroline did not get a divorce (I may think now that she never will), but her husband was seen holidaying in beaches with a 23 yo. Creepy. And the Casiraghi trio is faithful to itself: dating seriously with their 3 long termn partners but not engaged.
What about 2012a babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

The Netherlands
What I said about 2011Well, I think the same as of the Brabants for the Oranje. They are all set, married and working a lot to make the world a better place. I do not think any new pregnancies will be announced this year. It will be a year of growth, but not in quantity but as of quality for the Dutch.
What really happened: nothing new. Only highlight for me was Maxima's 40th birthday!
What about 2012nothing.

Norway
What I said about 2011I do not see either Mette-Marit or Martha-Louise being pregnant this year. The first is working hard alongside her husband to promote their country, their family (their youtube channel is a success) and Martha-Louise is too busy talking to angels (and defending herself on the matter).
What really happened: nothing special for the royal family. Maybe with the exception of CP Haakon & Mette-Marit 10 year anniversary celebration that was beautiful, specially after a period of deep mourning for Norway this year.
What about 2012nothing.



Spain
What I said about 2011There has been much speculation on whether King Juan Carlos resigns or not and makes his son - Crown Prince Felipe - King. I really don't know about this. I know his health is failing on him but I do not know how ready Felipe (or Spain) is ready to be made King this promptly. Time will tell. As for kids, I don't think Letizia will be pregnant again this year. Or ever again.
And I think it would be nice to see Infanta Elena move on with her love life. But thing is that she is one of the most discreet women in the world. Even if something was going on, she would preserve herself from the hassle of spotlight.
What really happened: King Juan Carlos I did not abdicate - but his (poor) health has been in the spotlight for a long time now. Nothing new for the Prince & Princess of Asturias nor Elena. But Infanta Cristina's husband Iñaki has been in the turmoil of scandal regarding his business activities. A pity, let me tell you.
What about 2012nothing (hoping Iñaki does not go to jail...).

Sweden
What I said about 2011Could Victoria get pregnant this year, pretty please? Oh well, I would understand if she did not, as she seems to be enjoying her marriage like a young teen. And I am happy for her. But I hope a pregnancy comes along in 2011 or early 2012. Wouldn't we be ecstatic?
As for Madeleine, I hope she finds a new true love and can feel better and free to be back to Sweden on a normal basis, as she now "ran away" to New York to overcome her terrible break. I wish nothing but the best to her. Becoming more like her sister (physically) is also happening. Did you notice that?
As for Carl Orlando Bloom Philip, will he try to make his girlfriend, Sofia Hellqvist into a more... royal material? let's see what happens. I am excited!
What really happened: SHE. IS. PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What about 2012as for Princess Marie of Denmark, I also think CP Victoria and Prince Daniel will have a baby boy. Madeleine will continue in NY and, who knows, Carl Philip might introduce us officially to Sofia...

United-Kingdom
What I said about 2011Dear oh dear, this might be better than 1981. 30 years after, we finally have a wedding we are really looking VERY forward to. It will be massive, lavish but not too much and just a festival of happy tears, I feel it already. Let's not "overtalk" about it (at least, I know I won't on RO), just a constant stream of news without overdoing it. We want to be happy about the news and not vomit about William and Kate, do we agree?
I think this year can be Harry's. I mean, he is just THE bachelor, the free spirit, the grounded boy, the humanitarian, the man. The best man. His brother's best man, per se. He can grow a few years older this year. And I am pretty much looking forward to that.
And we also have the queen's Jubilee. But who could really only focus on it while we are longing for such a big wedding?
What really happened: okay, I made a mistake last year, the Jubilee is taking place in 2012. But the wedding went pretty well, watched by 2 billion people - I cried - and so did Zara's wedding to Mike Tindall. Now Prince William is The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, as predicted, is THE man. Plus, Autumn and Peter Phillips are expecting a baby.
What about 2012loads of trips for all the royal members for the Queen's Jubilee, a hopeful recovery for Prince Philip's health (he spent Christmas at the hospital) and MAYBE a pregnancy for Zara (but not for Catherine. Not yet). And Peter and Autumn Phillips might have a baby girl, a little sister to their Savannah. And Prince Harry still since and happy just like that!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

[Belgium] The Duke and Duchess of Brabant take their daughter on first speech event in Gent

Prince Philippe, Princess Elisabeth and Princess Mathilde of Belgium photographed during the inauguration at Princess Elisabeth Children Hospital on September 7, 2011 in Gent, Belgium. The little princess made her first public speech at this event.

















all photos from Zimbio

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Excitement as young European royals begin school



The first day of school is a big occasion in every child's life and it normally comes with tears and tantrums.
Even for parents, the experience can be difficult and nerve-racking.
But the young members of the Scandinavian and Belgian royal families arrived for their first day of school with big grins.
Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark's son, the second-in-line to the throne, Christian was all enthusiasm ahead of the big day.
“I’m looking forward to it!,” the five-year-old told reporters outside Amalienborg Palace.
He'll be the first member of the clan to attend a public school, his father and uncle, Prince Joachim attended private colleges.
As do his cousins, Nikolai, 12, and Felix, nine, Joachim's children with his ex-wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg (below right). Like any mum, Mary had mixed emotions, admitting: “(I'm) frightened and at the time it was something I was looking forward to so much.”
It was also a special occasion for Mary's Norwegian counterpart Mette-Marit when her son with Crown Prince Haakon, Sverre Magnus, had his first day (above left).
His elder sister Ingrid attends the same school and Marius, Mette-Marit's boy, from a previous relationship was also a pupil.
Queen Sonja, known for playing an active role in her grandchildren's life, didn't want to miss the big event and also escorted the five-year-old to meet his new friends.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, the future king and queen, beamed with happiness as they took their brood to begin classes.
Crown Prince Philippe and his wife Mathilde were accompanying their four, color-coordinated children to Sint Jan Berghmans College.
Gabriel, Emmanuel, Elisabeth and Eleonore each carried their own rucksacks and politely shook hands with their teachers.






















Thursday, June 30, 2011

Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde take 203 Belgian companies on delegation to US


For the first time for a Belgian travel delegation, ministers in charge of foreign trade of the three regions of the Plat Pays were part of the delegation. The mission was composed of 203 companies, mainly from the pharmaceutical, biotech, ICT and finance sectors.
The mission, which lasted until today, June 30, passed through New York, Washington DC and Boston. The Walloon Minister of Economy (Jean-Claude Marcourt), Brussels (Benoit Cerexhe) and Flemish (Kris Peeters) took part in the trip, that consisted mainly of companies, but also of financial institutions of all Belgian universities and industry federations. The Delegation from Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) was the most important with 77 big companies against 68 in Brussels and 50 from the Walloon Export Agency (AWEX). The mission also included a political component. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Steven Vanackere met United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon in NYC. Syria, Libya and the DRC were the hot topics on the agenda.
In Washington, the Belgian foreign minister held tallks with Vice-President of the United States, Joe Biden, as well as Senators John Kerry and John McCain.
The entire delegation comprised 383 persons. The last Belgian economic mission took place from 3 to 8 April in Russia.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Spotted: Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde in Central Park, NYC


Saturday, June 25, 2011

[Belgium] Prince Laurent's daughter, Princess Louise's first communion reunites entire Royal Family

The lovely princess Louise, 7, at her first communion at the beginning of the month


Her parents, Prince Laurent and Princess Claire
Prince Laurent's sister, Archduchess Astrid and her husband, Archduke Lorenz attended with their younger daughter, Princess Laetitia Maria.

Princess Claire and her twin sons, Princes Nicolas and Aymeric


Queen Fabiola, King Albert and Queen Paola also attended.


The Duke and the Duchess of Brabant attended with their younger son, Prince Emmanuel

Although a few months ago rumors sprang from the Prince Laurent would stop being invited to the official activities of the Royal Family, the communion of his daughter was a very special and unique opportunity that could not miss and it looks that their assistance is intended to refute the information which echoed some Belgian media.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Check out what my favorite Royal Watchers have been talking about!


Is it Maxima? Is it Mathilde? No! It's Letizia in orange!

Take a look at what my favorite Royal Watchers have been writing and talking about this week!




Monday, June 6, 2011

[The Netherlands] Princess Maxima's 40th royal birthday concert - The Belgians

What a wonderful couple! Princess Mathilde and Prince Philippe, Duchess and Duke of Brabant

What a glow this woman has!

Love her dress!


Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Check out what my favorite Royal Watchers have been talking about!


Take a look at what my favorite Royal Watchers have been talking about this week!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Check out what my favorite Royal Watchers have been talking about!



Take a look at what my favorite Royal Watchers are talking about this week


Monday, May 16, 2011

[Belgium] Philippe and Mathilde, the Duke and Duchess of Brabant, out and about in Antwerp


The heir to the Belgian throne and his wife were in Antwerp to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the King Baudouin's foundation. I wonder if late-King Baudouin's wife, Queen Fabiola, attended as well. As she has been having health issues - she is 82 - her public appearances have been more scarce.

Princess Mathilde was stunning, as always, and wearing silk Dries Van Noten large trousers. And you might have recognized the orange sandals she was wearing: she had them for the Cambridges' pre-wedding dinner.