[Monaco] First National Day for Charlene as a Princess

It was arguably the biggest event since her wedding in July of this year. But Princess Charlene of Monaco was the epitome of cool as she celebrated her nation's first National Day in an official capacity.

The blonde South African has accompanied Prince Albert to the celebrations in previous years, but this was her first appearance as a princess.

And, despite having to recently deny runaway bride reports on a US chat show, Albert and Charlene looked blissfully happy as they led the festivities.

The morning ceremonies saw the pair take to the balcony in Monaco Palace Square.

Elegant in beige, Charlene smiled and waved to the crowds in the square below as Albert stood proudly by her side.

The royals looked close as they exchanged intimate smiles and entwined hands in a show of unity.

It was a family affair as Albert's sisters - Princess Stephanie and Caroline – strolled alongside their new sister-in-law during the parade.

Caroline's daughters, Charlotte Casiraghi and Alexandra were also in attendance.

The patriotic party culminated in a concert at the Grimaldi forum where Charlene opted for muted glamour in a brown, floor length gown and sleek up-do.

Then the princess was presented a bouquet of flowers by children dressed as Pierrots.

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[Norway] Crown Prince Haakon's family face snow and cold in fun little week

Many of us seek for the beach, sun and sea when summer comes. But Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were, the other week, at Galdhøpiggen with the family - in the snow and cold.

As shown in the photos, it was not sunny and warm all over Norway - even though it is in the middle of summer. Although these were no real vacations, you can not really say that Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's visit to Galdhøpiggen was like any other week.

Up the hill

The couple, together with their children, had been looking up winter clothes for their trip together. They all had the goal to climb Galdhøpiggen situated 2469 meters above sea level.

Integration Project
The whole travel was in fact an integration project - to the peak - where the Crown Prince and hundreds of others would get to the top of the mountain together. To demonstrate what can be done by joining forces.

In the snow
We see here the pictures both Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus (that travelled on the Crown Prince's back, as you can see on the first picture) together on the mountain slope.

Everybody looked like they were having a lot of fun!

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Spotted: Duke and Duchess of Brabant, Philippe and Mathilde celebrating Easter in Spain

Semana Santa is a very special week in Spain, filled with religious celebrations all over the country for Easter time. This year, the Duke and Duchess of Brabant, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde, decided to spend it there with their four children, Elisabeth (9), Gabriel (7), Emmanuel (5) and Eléonore (who just celebrated her 3rd birthday on April 16th).

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Maxima and Willem escaped from the snow to spend Christmas in Argentina

She speaks fluent Dutch and is hugely popular in her adopted homeland Netherlands. But there are times when Crown Princess Maxima must feel the call of home, especially at this time of year when summer is just beginning in Argentina and northern Europe is under a blanket of snow.

So, the charismatic royal and her husband Willem-Alexander are escaping the chill by spending Christmas in Patagonia. And Maxima looked thrilled to be back on native turf as the couple posed for pictures with their adorable daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane.

The photoshoot in the spectacular setting of the Residencia El Messidor – the official mansion of the province's governor, which is located in Nahuel Huapi national park – was held amidst a playful atmosphere, with the girls picking daisies to offer their mum.

The trip means the girls can spend time with their maternal grandparents, Jorge Zorreguieta and Maria del Carmen Cerruti, who are flying in from the capital Buenos Aires.

There is a suggestion that Queen Beatrix will join them for some southern sunshine – although that has not been confirmed by the Dutch royal family.

Enamoured of the breathtaking scenery in the area just near the Chilean border, the royals bought a $3.5 million ranch there a few years ago.

Set in tranquil countryside on the banks of River Pichi Leufu, Maxima's estancia or estate is an ideal spot for fishing and kayaking. It's the perfect retreat for a couple craving some peace and quiet away from the hurly burly of public life. The location also allows them to catch up with her brother Martin, the owner of a gourmet restaurant in a nearby town, who found the property for them.

from Hellomagazine.com