[Norway] Family gathers for Christmas service

Marius (far left) is getting cuter and cuter by the minute. WOW!

Those kids are just SO HAPPY to be there!

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!

Spotted in Red #4? - Princess Martha-Louise

I dunno if this is red, but let's just say so 

Our beloved Princess Martha-Louise of Norway was spotted attending a Christmas concert at Vang Church with her husband, Ari Behn.

source

Cute couple alert! #royallove

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)

Scandinavian Royals visit Ground Zero (October 2011)

[Norway] Television channel boosts Mette-Marit's image through two-part documentary

As Crown Princess Mette-Marit formally opened a church in her name in Miami over the weekend, Norwegians back home were being shown a glowing documentary on her life, produced by Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). It seemed like NRK was intent on boosting the crown princess’ image, although some might argue that’s no longer necessary.

Controversy erupted when Mette-Marit Tjessem-Høiby emerged as the new girlfriend of Crown Prince Haakon in the late 1990s. She reportedly had a wild past, little formal education and a son from a brief relationship – not exactly the stuff future queens are made of.

Most of the noise has since died down, though, and Mette-Marit has worked hard to find her place in the royal family. It wasn’t immediately clear what prompted the state broadcaster to make the lengthy documentary, which dredged up her past again but mostly offered a string of overwhelmingly positive testimonials about the woman who went from rebellious teenage commoner and single mother to wife of the crown prince. The documentary didn’t coincide with the crown princess’ birthday, and it came three months after the couple celebrated their 10th anniversary in August, so there was no obvious news peg. But NRK had promoted it heavily and aired it in prime time on Sunday night, just before the highly popular British series Downton Abbey. A large television seemed virtually assured.

The documentary, first of two parts, touched on Mette-Marit’s admittedly wild past without going into any detail on what she really did as a young woman that caused such a fuss when her relationship to Crown Prince Haakon became known. There were archive clips from her tearful admission and apology to the Norwegian people, aired just days before the wedding in 2001, when she publicly stated that she’d “tested the limits” of what most consider acceptable behaviour. She distanced herself from narcotics, without directly admitting drug use, and said she understood that many Norwegians were having a hard time accepting her as their new crown princess.

Otherwise, there were no specific references in the documentary to the house-party life she was reported to be part of at the time, or her single motherhood. King Harald, in one of the many testimonials to Mette-Marit on the NRK program, addressed the issue mostly by describing “how brave” it was of her to confide in him and Queen Sonja about her past, but the monarch also refrained from detailing what she’d actually said. When she’d finished talking to them, according to the king, “I asked her, ‘Is that all, is there anything more you want to tell us?’ and she said, ‘no, that was all,’ so I responded, ‘OK, fine, we’ll go for this.’” That opened the door for the marriage to go forward.

The monarch said he wasn’t entirely at ease, though, until he explained the situation to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who was leading his first government at the time. “‘I’ll get the government to along with this,’” King Harald quoted Stoltenberg as saying.

The crown prince, meanwhile, had made it clear they’d marry regardless, even if it meant he’d need to abdicate. “We all knew what the situation was,” Haakon’ only sibling, Princess Martha Louise, told NRK.

to read more, click here

Oh, this couple just makes me... *swoon* #royallove

Crown Princess Mary and husband, CP Frederik dancing in event in New York

Crown Princess Mary and her husband Prince Frederik showed off their fancy footwork at a ball in New York recently.

Mary's face shone with delight as her husband twirled her round at the chic function in the Hilton Hotel. The mum-of-four was elegant in a floor length nude-hued gown.

The fun-loving couple were letting their hair down at a gala to celebrate 100 years of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, which promotes good relations between the US and the region. Joining the popular Danish royals at the event were blue bloods from their neighbouring countries. Princess Madeleine of Sweden – who also donned a nude gown – was joined by her parents King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway were also in attendance.

source

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.

source

[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!

source

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

We see Martha-Louise so little that I tend to forget how beautiful she is.

Yummy Crown Prince Haakon. Wifeless for this event.

Things I didn't forget about Martha-Louise: she still has the most gorgeous husband in town! 

Behind them, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Carolina of Bourbon Parma, Princess Irene's daughter

source of the photos

Royal Births and Anniversaries in June

Births


June 1st
1985: Prince Christian of Hanover, son of Prince Ernst-August
June 2nd
1938: Princess Désirée, sister of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
June 3rd
1984: Prince Felix of Luxembourg
2006: Countess Leonore, daughter of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands
June 4th
1990: Jetsun Pema, fiancée of the King of Bhutan
June 5th
1962: Princess Astrid of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este
2005: Doña Irene, daughter of Infanta Cristina of Spain
June 6th
1934: King Albert II of the Belgians
June 7th
1969: Prince Joachim of Denmark
June 8th
1984: Andrea Casiraghi
2002: Countess Eloise, daughter of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands
June 9th
1930: Princess Ragnhild of Norway, sister of King Harald V
June 10th
1921: Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh
1982: Princess Madeleine of Sweden
June 11th
1928: Queen Fabiola of Belgium
1934: Prince Henrik of Denmark, Count of Monpezat
1968: Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein
June 12th
1968: Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg, daughter-in-law of Grand Duke Jean
June 13th
1965: Infanta Cristina of Spain
June 17th
1977: Bernardo Guillermo, nephew of Queen Beatrix
June 18th
2006: Countess Zaria, daughter of Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau
June 20th
1946: The Duchess of Gloucester
June 21st
1982: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
June 26th
1962: The Earl of St Andrews
1987: Princess Marie-Astrid, daughter of Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein
2005: Princess Alexia, daughter of Prince Willem-Alexander of Orange
June 30th
1964: Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, former wife of Prince Joachim of Denmark


Anniversaries


June 5th
1999: Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein and Philipp von Lattorff's wedding anniversary
June 6th
1998: Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Jefferson von Pfeil und Klein-Ellgut's wedding anniversary
June 8th
1961: The Duke and Duchess of Kent's wedding anniversary
June 10th
1967: Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark's wedding anniversary
June 19th
1976: King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia of Sweden's wedding anniversary
1999: The Earl and Countess of Wessex's wedding anniversary
2010: Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden's wedding anniversary
June 22nd
2002: The Earl and Countess of Ulster's wedding anniversary
June 30th
1978: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's wedding anniversary

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!

• Bahrain's King offers July Reform Talks (World of Royalty)
• Can we compare Princess Angela of Liechtenstein's media attention to the Duchess of Cambridge's? (Marilyn's Royal Blog)
• The Cartier Halo Tiara - The one Catherine used a month ago (TiaraPedia)
• Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark's visit to Mozambique (The Royal Correspondent)
• Crown Princess Mary of Denmark's Basic in Black (Royal Fashionistas)
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Canada Tour dates and cities (Current Royal News)
• The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg attend the 14th Small States of Europe Games aka LieGames (Lux-Arazzi)
• Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg's brother in a coma (The Royal Forums)
• How Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock's commemorative wedding coins are the best yet comparing to others (A Right Royal Blog)
• Know more about Charlotte of Belgium, the Empress of Mexico with a handkerchief in front of her face (Mad Monarchs)
• More details on THAT Reiss dress being reissued and more fashion finds (What Kate Wore)
• Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia and Princess Sophie von Isenburg Wedding details (The Royal Correspondent)
• Princess Marie Gabriele and Princess Marie Charlotte of Bavaria celebrate the big 80! (Royal Musings)
• Princess Power: A RoyaltyNow! Production (The Royal Representative)
• Queen Paola of Belgium tells children to be cautious online (Royalty in the News)
• Queen Sonja and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa at arrival of state visit from Luxembourg to Norway (Mad Hattery)
• Spanish Royals attend "National Army Day" in Malaga (Royal Romania)
• The Very interesting story of Maria, the Queen of Naples's sister (Palace Princess)
• When the Obamas meet Royals from all over the world (Order of Splendor)
• Zara Phillips Olympic hopes alive in Dublin (Royal News Examiner)

[Norway] [VIDEO] This is how the Royal Family celebrated their national day this week!

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their children, Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus were present at the parade at the door of their home in Oslo.

May 17 is a very special day in the Norwegian Calendar. The whole country celebrates its Constitution by this national day. For the occasion, thousands of citizens hit the streets to watch the parade where students from many schools all over the Scandinavian country make an appearance in costumes with flags of the nation in their hands.

As usual and according to tradition, the Norwegian royal family presided over the celebrations . First, the Prince Haakon and his family greeted the people at the door of their residence, the palace of Skaugum (just outside Oslo), as a procession of students from more than 30 schools from the area were parading.

Dressed in the 'bunad' (traditional Norwegian costume) and stirring vigorously the flag, to the delight of those present, Crown Princess Mette-Marit had to pick up her son Prince Sverre, who was a little tired. A little later, the young Marius - very cute, by the way -  Mette-Marit's first son joined his family after his own school paraded in front of the palace.

The family dog, Milly Kakao, joined the celebration by encouraging even small Sverre, who decided he wanted to be next to your pet and not his mother's arms.

Those kids were really having fun!

Princess Ingrid Alexandra didn't stop holding her dad's hand for a second.

If he was my dad, I wouldn't either.

Marius joined his family after his school paraded.

And then the family dog, Milly Kakao, also joined the family.

After the parade, Haakon and Mette Marit of Norway, as well as their children, took off their costumes and joined the king Harald and Sonja at the Royal Palace balcony to greet the immense crowds that were waiting for them.

source of the article

source of the photos 1 and 2