Young royal (and almost) princely couples we like

Beatrice Borromeo & Pierre Casiraghi, dating since 2008. They met in Italy.

Dave Clark & Princess Beatrice.

Charlotte Casiraghi and Alex Dellal, a London art dealer.

Chris O'Neill & Princess Madeleine of Sweden

Tatiana Santo Domingo & Andrea Casiraghi. They met at school, in Paris.

[Monaco] Princess Charlene visiting a school (Charles III college) before Christmas

She was wearing Tory Burch flats - love that brand, they are so comfortable!

Love the detail on the coat!

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My royal news preview for 2012

This post is deeply inspired by the one I wrote for what 2011 would look like.

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 2011: Oh 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 2012: Nothing.

Luxembourg

What I said about 2011: What could possibly happen in Luxembourg in the future?

What really happened: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume turned 30.

What about 2012: An engagement announcement for Guillaume, perhaps?

Monaco

What I said about 2011: This 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 2012: a babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

The Netherlands

What I said about 2011: Well, 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 2012: nothing.

Norway

What I said about 2011: I 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 2012: nothing.

Spain

What I said about 2011: There 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 2012: nothing (hoping Iñaki does not go to jail...).

Sweden

What I said about 2011: Could 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 2012: as 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 2011: Dear 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 2012: loads 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!

[Monaco] Princess Charlene receives award "Ein Herz Fur Kinder" for her humanitarian work

What a nice image to kick off the day! #wearefamily

Princess Stéphanie with Princess Charlene and her brother, Prince Albert II at Fight Aids Monaco

[Monaco] Charity Auction for World AIDS Day with Princess Stephanie, Prince Albert II & Princess Charlene

On the occasion of the World AIDS Day on Dec.1, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene joined HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco for a charity auction.

Around 50 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures and photography was auctioned. An exclusive picture of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene during the Royal Monaco wedding was also included in the collection.

Princess Charlene looked stunning in a knee-length black, which she paired with black stilettos and a matching clutch. This is the second time that the princess joined her sister-in-law for the annual World AIDS Day program.

Princess Stephanie is the President of the Fight AIDS Monaco and has fought passionately for the cause. Every year, the foundation holds a charity auction, the proceeds of which are used for the various programs and campaigns adopted by the Fight AIDS Monaco. Besides this, they are also used to assist poor countries like Madagascar and Haiti.

Take a look at Princess Charlene's glam looks at the annual charity auction below.

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Princess Charlene of Monaco gives back to charity in South Africa

Princess Charlene of Monaco has pledged over R1 million to charity in honour of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday, The Giving Organisation Trust said on Thursday. Charlene informed the trust of her R1,080,000 donation on Saturday evening, said spokeswoman Lesley O'Connor.

The princess, co-patron of the Trust with Tutu, said in a statement she hoped her contribution would encourage the public and corporate sector to honour the Archbishop by donating to those in need.

The trust represents ten charities in South Africa. The donation was to be divided equally among them.

Trust chairmen Kelvin Glen said the charities deeply appreciated the princess's generosity and her continued support of the trust.

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FYI, and according to xe.com, 1 million rands = 75,000 pounds / 87,000 euros / 118,000 dollars

[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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Princess Charlene of Monaco denies "runaway bride" rumours in TV Interview

She should be enjoying the first few giddy months as a newlywed. Unfortunately, Princess Charlene of Monaco is still being forced to address unkind rumours about her marriage.

In New York with new husband Prince Albert, the feisty former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, told the US media that she'd ignored the 'runaway bride' reports.

Charlene – who has been in North America promoting an exhibition about the most famous princess of Monaco, the late Grace Kelly – branded the gossip "hilarious".

Sitting side by side with Grace's son, the prince who made her his wife in July before a global audience, the new royal answered questions with the confidence she learned during her top-flight athletic career.

Speaking to US show Today Charlene, 33, said: "(I) obviously focused on what the day meant for the two of us," she said.

"Why would he go through the effort to have our most intimate dearest friends join us for us to be reluctant. It sounded a bit hilarious."

Asked why they appeared so serious during their lavish open-air ceremony, her supportive 53-year-old husband jumped in.

"I thought I paid attention to you and smiled at you many times, but maybe that's not enough for some people."

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[Monaco] The balcony kiss after the civil wedding

It had been 55 years since a new sovereign princess had greeted the people of Monaco from the palace balcony.

And the atmosphere in the Cour d'Honneur, the main courtyard, was nothing short of electric, with the citizens eagerly awaiting the first public appearance of their prince and his bride - a couple whose road to matrimony had taken over a decade.

"We need to dream and this is the perfect occasion to do so," explained one excited young woman.

And the presentation of the sylph-like South African, who swam to glory in the Olympics, as the newest member of the ancient Grimaldi dynasty was indeed the stuff of dreams.

As the clock edged nearer to the allotted moment, the first notes of 'Princess Charlene's Anthem' rang out across the courtyard.

The specially composed fanfare was played by the 24 musicians of the Palace Guard's brass band. Four silver trumpets had been crafted for the occasion. Longer than normal, they proudly flew regal banners commemorating the marriage.

Then, as one, all eyes turned expectantly upwards.

At 6pm, the window of the Salon des Graces – the Hall of Mirrors - flung open and Albert and Charlene of Monaco stepped out to greet the enthusiastic crowds.

Moments after becoming husband and wife in a beautiful civil ceremony, the glowing newlyweds stood hand in hand, waving to the thousands of well-wishers gathered below.

As the princess joined her beloved on the balcony, the newlyminted couple's official monogram was proudly displayed on screens around the courtyard, which had earlier broadcast their nuptials live from the opulent throne room.

To the delight of the throng - who had greeted the moment they said "Oui" with cries of joy - the pair then shared a loving kiss, before Charlene tenderly rested her head on her groom's shoulder.

Cheers rang out again. Below them the square was an unending sea of red and white - the colours of Monaco - and the green, yellow, blue, black, white and red of the South African flag.

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