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

Swedish RF meets Nobel Prize committee

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

• Book review: Dearest Missy (Royal Romania)
• Book review: The Royal W.E. (Princess Palace)
• Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden throughout the years in Nobel Prize Ceremonies (Order of Splendor)
• Death of Crown Prince Leka, King Leka of the Albanians (Current Royal News)
• Death of the Dowager Duchess of Hohenberg (Current Royal News)
• The Duchess of Cambridge wears Green Mulberry dress at Buckingham reception (What Kate Wore)
• Extracts from a new biography of the Queen: 'I can see you are sublimely happy with Philip... but don’t forget Papa’ (The Telegraph)
• Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg to attend Nobel Prize ceremony in Sweden (Lux-Arazzi)
• King Albert II, King of the Belgians, ready to swear in new Prime Minister (The Royal Examiner)
• Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg gives an interview (Royal Correspondent)
• Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway's 6th birthday (The Royal Forums)
• Prince William, it's time to pass the gold sticky stars around (Marilyn's Royal Blog)
• Princess Charlene wearing Akris & Louis Vuitton (Royal Fashionistas)
• Princess Christina of Sweden talks about breast cancer and life in general (Sofia's Blog)
• Princess Laurentien presents Toolkits for the Illiterate (Royalty in the News)
• Princess Mabel of Orange controversial gown and wedding (Order of Splendor)
• Queen Margrethe II of Denmark to celebrate 40 years on the throne in January 2012 (The Royal Forums)
• Queen Rania awards Teachers & Principals (Royalty in the News)
• Swedish Royal Family attends a meeting with Nobel Prize committee (Royal Correspondent)
• Thai King leaves hospital to give birthday speech (World of Royalty)

Jordan's King Abdullah II has visited the West Bank to hold talks in Ramallah with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president.

The rare visit came just days ahead of a key summit between the rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas, which are looking to cement a stalled unity deal that has drawn fierce opposition from Israel and Washington.

It was the first time the monarch visited the West Bank's political capital since August 2000, and came just days before the Palestinian leader was due in Cairo to meet exiled Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal.

But officials said little about the reasons behind the high-level visit, which saw the Jordanian monarch flying in by helicopter for a brief stay of little more than two hours.

"This was an important and historic visit with a message of support," Abbas told reporters after the king's departure, without revealing what was discussed.

"We thank the king for his strong support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian cause particularly at this time."

Speaking to reporters as the two leaders held closed-door talks, Nasser Judeh, the Jordanian foreign minister, expressed support for both the Palestinians' UN membership bid and for moves to cement a unity deal between Hamas and Fatah.

"The king has always said that strength comes from unity of the Palestinian front," he said.

"Jordan's goal is to support the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian cause and we will make every effort for the Palestinian cause and the unity of the Palestinian front."

Standing beside him, Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said reconciliation was of the greatest importance.

"For us there is no greater interest than the reconciliation and the end of the division," he said.

Earlier an Abbas adviser Nimr Hammad described the timing of the visit as "very important" and said they would discuss "all the political developments between us and the international community in order reach a common Palestinian-Jordanian understanding on the issues."

Talks had been expected to touch on the Palestinian bid to secure full state membership at the United Nations, and on the forthcoming Hamas-Fatah meeting in Cairo – both of which have met with strong US and Israeli opposition.

Under terms of their unity deal, Fatah and Hamas were to piece together an interim government of politically unaffiliated technocrats who would prepare for presidential and legislative elections within a year.

But the caretaker government was never formed, with the two sides bickering over its composition and over who would take up the role of premier.

However, the two sides appear to have reached some form of agreement which is likely to be made public after they meet in the Egyptian capital later this week, officials say.

King Abdullah paid his first visit to the Palestinian territories in May 1999 just months after being crowned king, meeting the late leader Yasser Arafat in Gaza.

In April 2000, he made his first visit to Ramallah and returned four months later, which was the last time he visited the city.

A senior Israeli official, who said they were not informed of Abdullah's plans, welcomed the West Bank visit.

"We have repeatedly called in the past for Arab leaders to travel to Ramallah in order to strengthen the peace process. Unfortunately, almost none of them have come," he said.

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Spotted: King Abdullah II of Jordan meets with British PM David Cameron at 10 Downing Street

British Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes King Abdullah of Jordan to 10 Downing Street on November 15, 2011 in London, England. His Majesty King Abdullah, who is currently on an official visit to the UK will meet Mr Cameron to discuss developments in the Arab region, and the continued efforts to sustain peace in the Middle East.

Queen Rania of Jordan on The Employment Challenge at World Economic Forum

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

• Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall's tiara at the State Banquet hosted by The Queen in honour of the Obamas (Mad Hattery)
• Can William and Catherine adopt a baby and make him/her their successor? (Royal Musings)
• Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden's style and fashion in Germany (Royal Fashionistas)
• Did you love Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge's Reiss dress at the meeting with the Obamas? here is how to rent it or buy it online (WhatKateWore)
• Duke and Duchess of Apulia, Prince Aimone and Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta, welcome a baby boy (Current Royal News)
• The Eagles to perform in Monaco the night before Royal Wedding (A Right Royal Blog)
• End of an era of ubiquitous royal tiaras in the United Kingdom? (Mandy's Royalty)
• Going once! Going twice! Sold! A bried story of royal auctions (Marilyn's Royal Blog)
• The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg's visit to Japan last week (Lux-Arazzi)
• Jordanian royals celebrate 65th Independence day (World of Royalty)
• Know more about the first and maddest Queen regent: Maria I of Portugal (Mad Monarchs)
• Little royal bridesmaids in white throughout the years and weddings (Order of Splendor)
• Most Swedes want King Carl XVI Gustaf to abdicate (Royalty in the News)
• Prince Ali of Jordan visits Palestine (The Royal Forums)
• Princess Beatrice joins family at Chelsea Flower Show (The Royal Examiner)
• Princess Maxima of the Netherlands to celebrate her birthday with a few of her closest Royal friends: check the guest list! (The Royal Correspondent)
• Rehearsal for Queen's birthday parade (Royal Insight)
• Royal Giveaway: win a Royal Wedding DVD! (Royalty with Ella Kay)
• We Three Queens: know more about Catherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour and Anne Boleyn (Princess Palace)

[VIDEO] King Abdullah II of Jordan meets President Barack Obama to discuss situation in Middle-East

(am a big fan of the King's english and voice)

(ah nothing like a frivolous comment during such difficult times)

source of the photos

[Jordan] Queen Rania continues her work to enhance education in her country

This is the young Queen Rania's most personal causes: enhancing education in Jordan. The Queen returned to share this dream with three new schools in the governorate of Al Mafraq, with the launch of the fourth stage of Madrasati, the initiative of the sovereign which oversees the modernization and improvement of education in schools across the country. A total of 93 schools, 22,000 students and 1,400 teachers in three districts of the province will benefit in this initiative. To date, have been renovated: 300 schools in Amman, Zarqa, Balqaa, Jerash, Ajloun, Madaba, Karak, Ma'an, Aqaba and Tafileh according to official sources.

During her visit to the female secondary school Mafraq, Jordan's Queen, who opted for an Arab-style dress instead of her usual set of Western designer suits, stopped at several sessions of the Madrasati forum in which discussions focused on the education sector development, both in infrastructure and curriculum, and discussed for two days issues such as the roles of teachers and health awareness in schools. Rania of Jordan said in her speech that "the King has always insisted that Mafraq should represent a model in economic development ... and hopefully it will be in the field of education."

The Queen urged all parties involved, including teachers, students and government officials, to maintain open communication channels between them to facilitate and ensure the improvements and progress. She also praised the role of teachers that despite the challenges have managed to use creative methods to inspire and educate their students: "These dedicated teachers are an inspiration to us all." The wife of King Abdullah II concluded by saying that the real value of the initiative lies in the fact that, in addition to restoration and renovation of the physical environment of schools, it provides personalized care and extra curricular needs of schools.

The Hashemite sovereign once again demonstrated her devotion to the children in her other school visits: a mixed primary school "King Abdullah II" and the primary school "Hay Al Iskan." The queen burst into gestures (caresses, encouragement, advice, attention ...) towards the kids during their tour of the classrooms and playgrounds and became interested in the explanations of the authorities on the reforms to be carried out at both sites. Just her nurturing way of being a modern Queen.

Queen Rania sat down with students and teachers at the secondary school for girls in Mafraq celebrating the release of the fourth phase of the initiative with a tasty Madrasati mansaf (a traditional Jordanian dish with lamb and yogurt and served with rice)

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

Take a look at what my favorite Royal Watchers are talking about these days

• Albert II of Monaco visit São Paulo, Brazil (The Royal Correspondent)
• The Duchess of Cambridge wears Hudson Jeans and French Soles to go grocery shopping (WhatKateWore)
• Dutch Royals attend Remembrance and Liberation Day (The Royal Forums)
• For a complete fashion coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding [dress, tiara, uniform, guests, bridal party, mother of the bride, pre-wedding & evening party, ALL ALL ALL] (Order of Splendor)
• King Bhumibol of Thailand receives spinal tap (Royalty in the News)
• Late Princess Diana dresses sell for $276,000 at auction (The World of Royalty)
• Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg visits Rwanda (The Royal Correspondent)
• Princess Haya of Jordan (sister of the King) named President of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (The Royal Forums)
• Princess Sophie of Romania showcases exhibition of her photography (Royal Romania)
• Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice lose 24-hour protection (Royal News Examiner)
• Swedish King and Queen State Visit to Poland [all you need to know] (Sofia's Blog)
• Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, visits Greenland (Current Royal News)

Who will be the next pregnant royal lady?

Well, as almost all royal houses have given us 15 years of lavish and emotional weddings, we have less and less people to get married and more and more couples we are waiting to see grow a family. Because this is what we expect from the royal peeps: find the amazing girl, give her the amazing ring, showcase it during an amazing engagement interview, tease us for months with an amazing wait and weight loss until the ceremony, throw an amazing wedding, go on an amazing honeymoon (not all of them, but most of them) and then... in a few months, get us in a frenetic and less amazing baby watching mood.

So here are the young (and not so young) couples we want to see get pregnant and have lovely babies with royal genes before 2015.

Non European Houses

Japan

I do not think "pregnancy" and "Japan" meshes well together. Let's leave Masako alone.

Jordan

With four kids, I have nothing to ask Queen Rania in this field. And I am not that familiar with all the other members of the Hashemite house.

Qatar

Sheikha Mozah has 7 kids (kids... cof cof... they are older than me) and - at least - 11 grandchildren. I think we are good there.

Saudi Arabia

Does that lovely princess I just discovered yesterday have children? Would love to know.

Non-reigning European Houses

Greece

Princess Marie-Chantal gave Crown Prince Pavlos five kids in 12 years and Princess Alexia has had four with Carlos Morales from 2002 to 2007. I think we are done here and God bless their souls. Now, you, Princess Tatiana, welcome to the family, hope you are enjoying it very much, solo with handsome Prince Nikolaos. But clock is ticking and you have at least four or five kids to deliver in the next ten years to keep up with the pace of the Greek Royal family. Do not fail on us. Little suggestion: start soon and you will be done by 2021.

Reigning European Houses

Belgium

Mathilde and Philippe have four children, amazing Astrid and Lorenz have five and younger prince Laurent did a 2 in 1 catch with his twin boys and has three children. I think that with 12 fresh and young grandchildren, King Albert II and Queen Paola can rest assured that their name will continue for several generation, Belgium existing as a united country or not.

Denmark

I do not know why, but I feel Mary and Frederik will have a fifth child. But not now. Maybe in six or seven years.

I am sure Prince Joachim is happy enjoying his three boys but Marie and him just got married three years ago, have a lot to live together and am sure they would love to have more children. So I guess, sooner than later, maybe in two or three years, Marie will make such an announcement and we'll have a fourth boy or a first girl for our beloved Joachim. Beckham style.

Liechtenstein

Hans-Adam is the head of the state but his son Alois is taking care of the house. The Liechtensteiners are a bit like the Greek: they go for the big numbers when we count the children. Hans-Adam himself, has four children. Alois, his first, has four. Maximilian has a 10-year-old boy, Constantin has three kids and Tatjana - let's breathe - has had 6 kids since year 2000. Oh Tatjana, God bless YOU! So... I do not see anyone expecting a new one anytime soon. But you know what they say, 7 is a very good and lucky and biblical number...

Luxembourg

To be pretty honest, the Luxembourgers are serious contenders for the "let's get them married" awards (need to write a POST) more than this post right here. Of course, we have precocious Prince Louis and wife, Princess Tessy who already started having children in their youth, but they are all pretty young and unmarried. Therefore, let's get Guillaume and Felix married quickly and come back to update this thread somewhere before 2015.

Monaco

Well, Charlene, I know you didn't even get married yet, but from July on, you have 15 months to get pregnant before PAII is forced to adopt Andrea as his successor. Ahhh... kidding, no pressure. But please, have babies. So that Albert can prove us he can introduce us to babies once they are born and not when they already walk or are on their way to college.

The Netherlands

Pfffffffffff.... I do not see anyone getting knocked up in here. Maxima, Laurentien and Mabel seem to be FINE just the way they are with their 3-3-2 strategy.

Norway

Mette-Marit and Märtha-Louise are busy. But I would see the first have a fourth one in less than five years. But I am less confident in this bet than on the one that Mary and Fred will go for a fifth.

Spain

Cristina already said no way Jose, she is fine with her quartet. Elena is divorced and Letizia... I do not see Letizia having more children. She lost the race with Mary - as they seemed to be in tremendous synchro in the first five years of their married life - but things changed now and we will have Leonor and Sofia FTW.

Sweden

VICTORIA VICTORIA VICTORIA.

United Kingdom

CATHERINE CATHERINE CATHERINE.

And Zara.

And Autumn. Bis.

[Jordan] King Abdullah II and Queen Rania receive UNICEF Executive Director

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Thursday met with UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. The King expressed appreciation of programs being implemented by the UN organization in Jordan and which promote services provided to children as well as the Kingdom's plans and programs in this area.

At the meeting, which was attended by Royal Court Chief Khaled Karaki, Lake hailed efforts made by Jordan to help underprivileged children, adding such efforts will enable more children to receive education and health services. UNICEF has made many accomplishments in the Kingdom in cooperation with concerned authorities such as reducing violence at schools and approving a national strategy to fight violence against children and translate it into administrative policies.

Also on Thursday, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah met with Lake. The meeting focused on the important role that Her Majesty plays in her capacity as a UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children.

Lake briefed the Queen on UNICEF’s latest programs and progress achieved in providing care to women and children locally and in the region, and in raising awareness about their rights.

"As UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate, Her Majesty has made education, especially for girls, her top priority both in Jordan and around the world," said Lake. "Her Majesty’s unwavering efforts have drawn new global attention to the rights and well-being of children, and UNICEF is deeply grateful for her commitment." The meeting, which was also attended by Shahida Azfar, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa and Dominique Hyde, UNICEF’s Representative in Jordan, included a discussion on the progress achieved on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Jordan.

source

Royal weddings from the past - King Hussein and Queen Noor (1978)

King Hussein of Jordan married Elizabeth "Lisa" Halaby on June 15th, 1978, in Amman, becoming his fourth wife and Queen of Jordan. She renounced her USA citizenship. Upon marriage she accepted Islam as it was her husbands religion, becoming known as Noor Al-Hussein (which means Light of Hussein). The Constitution of Jordan did not require her to accept Islam, but if she had not done so, her descendants would not have had succession rights. She is now known as Queen Noor, queen dowager of Jordan, upon her husband's death in 1999.

King and Queen of Jordan pay visit to Qatar to talk about present situation in Middle-East and North Africa

King Abdullah of Jordan has said that his country was working in collaboration with Qatar to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Libya.

King Abdullah who was on a brief visit to Qatar yesterday held talks with the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The talks focused on regional and international issues and ways to bolster bilateral relations.

The session was attended by the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

On the Jordanian side, it was attended by Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and Chief of Royal Hashemite Court Dr Khaled Karaki and Jordanian Ambassador to Qatar Ahmed Jalal Al Mefleh.

The Emir and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser hosted a luncheon banquet at Al Wajba Palace in honour of King Abdullah and Queen Rania.

The luncheon banquet was also attended by the Heir Apparent.

King Abdullah, in remarks to Al Sharq before his arrival in Qatar said that his talks with the Emir would focus on Arab issues in the context of the current challenges and protests in the Arab world. He also underlined the need for more coordinated efforts to address the challenges.

Asked about relations with Qatar, King Abdullah said, “Surely we will concentrate on ways to strengthen relations with Qatar and other GCC countries for the benefit of our people.”

Commenting on the role of Qatar in Libya, King Abdullah said, “I am following all the developments in Libya and I am interested in the unity of Libya and the safety of its people. What is happening there would have a negative impact on the people, who are in need of help from their Arab brothers.”

“We are aware that Qatar is playing a crucial role since the beginning of the protests to alleviate the suffering of the Libyan people. Our policy is to support Qatar in seeking the unity of Libyans. We will carry out our duty to provide more medical and humanitarian aid to the people in Libya,” he added.

“Currently we are providing humanitarian aid through out royal air force in line with the decision of the Arab League and the international community. We will coordinate with Qatar to establish mobile hospitals in Libya equipped with qualified medical staff,” said King Abdullah.

On the stalled peace process, King Abdullah said the developments in the region should not force the Arabs to stop supporting the peace process.

source

The Prince and Princess of Asturias, Letizia and Felipe, visited Jordan last week

The identical tumbling brunette hair, delicate features and svelte physiques – the resemblance between Queen Rania of Jordan and Spain's Crown Princess Letizia is remarkable.

The meeting of the two ladies – both considered to be among royalty's most stylish women, was the most anticipated moment of the Spanish princess' trip to Jordan with her husband Crown Prince Felipe.

Commentators often remark on their shared sense of style. Fitting then, that both ladies chose knee-length, sharply tailored outfits in pretty pastel tones. And both chose slingback heels.

Rania was the epitome of chic in a baby blue two piece, with contrasting peach-hued shoes and bag from Prada.

Letizia, meanwhile looked pretty in a pink dress with three-quarter length sleeves and side ruched detail by Spanish designer Felipe Valera.

The women greeted each other warmly with a kiss when they came face to face at the royal palace in Amman. But not before Letizia curtseyed to the Jordanian queen, in line with royal protocol.

Rania and her husband King Abdullah II welcomed the Spanish visitors to the palace, where they hosted an official luncheon in their honour.

Officials and dignitaries joined the group to feast on typical Arabic delicacies such as Mansaf - a traditional Jordanian dish made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice - and hummus.

Afterwards Rania posted on Twitter: "So pleased 2 welcome Spain's beautiful couple Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia. Ahlan wa Sahlan (Welcome)"

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Queen Rania breaks two-week silence on Twitter

If you are on Twitter and follow Queen Rania, you might have noticed her silence in the past two weeks. These past days have been quite unquiet - to say the least - for her country and neighbors, that are surely living a crucial turning points in their Histories. Many have been asking themselves if the monarchy will survive in Jordan or if a change of government was enough to comply to people's needs.

Today, she tweeted about Egypt, where she studied at the American University of Cairo: 

"Egypt, where I spent my university years. May you be blessed with security & prosperity for all in this new era."

@QueenRania

New photos of Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and her family

Little future queen of Norway, Princess Ingrid just celebrated her 7th birthday (already?) and her parents, CP Haakon and Mette-Marit released a couple of photos from their Christmas trip to Turkey, Jordan and India. Some of these photos were taken by the Crown Princes themselves.

New family photo for Jordan's royal family - stunning picture of King Abdullah II, Queen Rania and their kin

Aren't they beautiful and stylish? 

(and wasn't King Abdullah's height just a tiny bit photoshopped?)

In order, from left to right: Princess Iman (born on September 27th, 1996), Crown Prince Hussein (born on June 28th, 1994), Queen Rania (born on August 30th, 1970), King Abdullah II (born on January 30th, 1962), little Prince Hashem (born on January 30th, 2005 - same day as his father, just 43 years after) and Princess Salma (born on September 26th, 2000).