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Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Empowered Patient – The King's Speech

King's Speech" is one of many movies with an empowered patient theme. In the 1997 film "As Good as It Gets," Helen Hunt's character decries her HMO as a "f------ bastard piece of sh--" that's done nothing to help her asthmatic son.
But she keeps close track of her son's symptoms, which comes in handy when a character played by Jack Nicholson finds a doctor who can help, much as the future queen found help for her husband.
In the 1992 movie, "Lorenzo's Oil," doctors tell Augusto and Michaela Odone that there is no hope for their son, Lorenzo, who has a rare disease. The Odones don't accept this, and come up with their own treatment, which saves their son.

These messages of medical empowerment have had an impact on audiences.
"I've received thousands and thousands of letters from people who were inspired by the movie," says Augusto Odone. "They each had their own diseases, but the common idea was the movie inspired them to be active, to be proactive, to find out more about their own diseases."

David Seidler hopes "The King's Speech" has the same effect on audiences. The movie's screenwriter, like King George VI, had a stutter, and like the king, most of the treatments didn't work. Then six years ago, the 73-year-old writer learned he had bladder cancer, and he unconventionally opted for alternative treatments with immune-boosting supplements along with surgery to remove the cancer, instead of having chemotherapy and his entire bladder removed. He's been cancer-free for more than five years.


http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/24/ep.movies/index.html?hpt=C1

Prince William of Wales' Bachelor Party

Surf's up! "Good Morning America" has all the details on Prince William's bachelor party, which is said to include speedboats, wake boards and waterskis on the English Channel, followed by a pub crawl at bars only accessible by boat or foot (read: away from crowds). About 20 guys are expected to be in attendance and, of course, Prince Harry is putting together the festivities.

Duncan Larcombe also has the scoop on the possible honeymoon location -- Wills and Kate are looking for someplace where local laws deem it illegal to publish photos of others without consent. Interesting.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/23/prince-william-bachelor-party_n_827198.html

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

As the loathsome reign of Gadhafi Nears Its Ignominious End, the Old Royal Flag Begins to Soar

CAIRO — Heavy gunfire broke out in Tripoli as forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi tightened their grip on the Libyan capital while anti-government protesters claimed control of many cities elsewhere and top government officials and diplomats turn against the longtime leader.


While residents of cities in the eastern half of the country celebrated, raising the flags of the old monarchy, the mood in Tripoli was bleak. Residents were afraid to leave their houses, saying pro-Gadhafi forces were opening fire randomly in the streets.

International outrage mounted a day after Gadhafi vowed to defend his rule and called on supporters to crack down on anti-government protesters. Gadhafi's retaliation has already been the harshest in the Arab world to the wave of anti-government protests sweeping the Middle East.

Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said estimates of some 1,000 people killed in the violence in Libya were "credible," although he stressed information about casualties was incomplete. The New York-based Human Rights Watch has put the death toll at nearly 300, according to a partial count.

 King Idris I of Lybia
(r. 1951-1969)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/23/libya-protesters-defiant-_n_826958.html

Saudi king back home, orders $37 billion in handouts

RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi King Abdullah returned home on Wednesday after a three-month medical absence and unveiled benefits for Saudis worth some $37 billion in an apparent bid to insulate the world's top oil exporter from an Arab protest wave.

The king, who had been convalescing in Morocco after back surgery in New York in November, stood as he descended from the plane in a special lift. He then took to a wheelchair.

Hundreds of men in white robes performed a traditional Bedouin sword dance on carpets laid out at Riyadh airport for the return of the monarch, thought to be 87.

Abdullah left his ailing octogenarian half-brother, Crown Prince Sultan, in charge during his absence.

Before Abdullah arrived, state media announced an action plan to help lower- and middle-income people among the 18 million Saudi nationals. It includes pay rises to offset inflation, unemployment benefits and affordable family housing.

 ©Reuters

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110223/wl_nm/us_saudi_king

Monday, February 21, 2011

Princess Victoria of Sweden's marriage a crossroads for royalty

He shook like a leaf, she cried like a princess. And so, Swedish Crown Princess Victoria had her prince, a commoner in the guise of handsome gym trainer Daniel Westling.

The Swedish royal wedding at Stockholm Cathedral on Saturday, with 8,000 soldiers and police patrolling rose-draped streets, sealed in matrimony the biggest palace love story since British Prince Charles and Diana tied the knot in 1981.

The 1,000 year-old Swedish royal court hoped to parlay that attention into boosting support for the figurehead monarchy at Kungliga Slottet. Instead, the incessant media coverage of the 8-year relationship between Crown Princess Victoria and now Prince Westling may have backfired, as many Swedes see the pomp and cost as anachronistic – even damaging to a nation politically drawn toward egalitarianism.


©Newscom




For further reading:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2010/0619/Princess-Victoria-of-Sweden-s-marriage-a-crossroads-for-royalty

Do Monarchies Still Matter?

They met as students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and love bloomed amid the mist and timeless splendor of a historic city of worn cobblestones, wind-swept beaches, and the Old Course, golf's ancestral home.

They dated for several years, broke up, got back together, and finally, much to the relief of a nation, issued a long-awaited engagement announcement.


For more, continue reading The Christian Science Monitor...

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2011/0216/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-royal-wedding-Do-monarchies-still-matter

Statement of Reza Pahlavi of Iran On The Disgrace of the Tehran Regime on the UN Commission on the Status of Women

Today, in an act of unprecedented hypocrisy the misogynistic Islamic regime of Iran will be seated on the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW), which convenes it's 55th session.

The purported purpose of the UN CSW is to to play: "catalytic role in promoting gender mainstreaming at national level."  How the Islamic regime of Iran whose so-called constitution codifies discrimination against women at all levels, including jobs they can hold and all areas of family law, not to mention the horrific crimes committed against women who are demanding democratic rights, is qualified to participate is hard to understand and offensive to decent women and men the world over.



http://www.rezapahlavi.org/details_article.php?english&article=511

So what Will She Wear...

By Yvonne Yorke, Huffingtonpost.com

Along with the identity of the wedding dress designer, the actual design of Kate Middleton's dress is the most closely guarded secret of the wedding. Based on my knowledge of previous royal weddings, and from what I've heard from sources so far, here's what I predict Catherine (as she prefers to be called) will be wearing on the big day.

The Dress

First off, Catherine's gown will not look anything like Diana's, and I anticipate that it will be white rather than a cream or ivory hue. While the strapless look is popular with many celebrity brides, this is a royal bride, and that transcends mere celebrity. This means no strapless styles, no spaghetti straps, and no to anything that exposes the shoulders or too low-cut. If you look at previous royal bridal dresses, every one of them features sleeves. The last major royal wedding was that of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in June 2010 -- a wedding I covered from Stockholm, and she was the first royal bride to have a gown with an off-the-shoulder wrap neckline with short sleeves.


 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yvonne-yorke/kate-middle-royal-wedding-dress_b_816107.html

Invitations are Out!

The invitations to Prince William of Wales' wedding are out...


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/21/royal-wedding-invitations_1_n_825870.html

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Royal Wedding Bridesmaids Announced

More news about the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Ms Catherine Middleton.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/royalty/8323301/Royal-Wedding-Kate-Middleton-and-Prince-Williams-bridesmaids-and-page-boys.html

Sarah Duchess of York Not Invited to Royal Wedding

Not surprised by this at all...

From The Telegrpah:

"As the invitations to Prince William’s wedding drop on the doormats of the country’s best-connected households, one former member of the Royal family has been left disappointed.

Mandrake can disclose that Sarah, Duchess of York has not been invited to the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, at which her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will be among the most prominent guests.

“She will not be attending the wedding,” confirms a spokesman for the former wife of the Duke of York. “She never expected to be invited or to attend. She will be overseas at the time.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8334160/Royal-Wedding-Dianas-friend-Sarah-Duchess-of-York-is-not-invited-by-Prince-William.html

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

New Book – The King's Speech

The true story behind the award-winning movie of the same name, The Kings Speech is written by London Sunday Times journalist Peter Conradi and Mark Logue – grandson of Lionel Logue, whose recently discovered diaries and correspondence contain fascinating details about these events.

It\\\'s the eve of World War II, and King Edward VIII has abdicated the throne of England to marry the woman he loves. Never has the nation needed a leader more. But the new monarch, George VI--father of today\\\'s Queen Elizabeth II--is painfully shy and cursed with a terrible stammer. How can he inspire confidence in his countrymen when he cannot even speak to them? Help arrives in speech therapist Logue, who not only is a commoner, but Australian to boot. Will he be able to give King George his voice? This stirring book tells an inspiring tale of one man’s rise from obscurity in 19th-century Adelaide to fame in Britain between the wars, and of the unlikely friendship between a reluctant king and the charismatic subject who helped save the British throne.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=127

A Good Selection of Royal News

Yahoo has a site where royal news articles are gathered from various sources, check it out!



http://news.yahoo.com/new-royals;_ylt=AjQ.6dczY86rc4qF5YntylNn.3QA;_ylu=X3oDMTE2MDIxa2lmBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl9mZWF0dXJlZARzbGsDdGhlbmV3cm95YWxz

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Prince William to be Patron of the University of St. Andrews 600th Anniversary Appeal

14th February 2011


Prince William has become Patron of the University of St. Andrews 600th Anniversary appeal.

The University of St. Andrews 600th Anniversary will span three calendar years from 2011 to 2013. It will mark the formal charter granted by Bishop Henry Wardlaw in February 1411 and the achievement of full university status conferred by Pop Benedict XIII by Papal Bull in 1413.

St. Andrews alumnus Prince William, accompanied by Miss Middleton, also a St. Andrews alumna, will return to the University on Friday 25th February to launch its 600th Anniversary.


http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/prince_william_to_be_patron_of_the_university_of_st_andrews__805515868.html

ERHJ Renewal 2011 (USA) online!

This item includes ALL six copies of the the ERHJ for Year XIV of publication (2011). This is the rate for the USA. If your order is mailed to any other country, please find the appropriate listing in our catalog.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=124


Also renewal/new subscriber forms for Europe, Canada and Rest of the World at available at http://www.eurohistory.com

New Book – The Prisoner of Durazzo

Robert Lanier, a longtime subscriber of the ERHJ, has written a well researched history of the short-lived reign of the ill-fated first Prince of Albania, Prince William of Wied. This is a masterpiece of Balkan politics and intrigue, and a fascinating reads. Import, hardback.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=120

New Book – The Royal Family of Norway (1929-1954)

Without a doubt this is the best pictorial history of the Norwegian royal family and their Scandinavian, Belgian and British royal relations. With nearly 400 pages of sublime imagery, a must-have! Import, hardback.

 http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=121

New Book – From Splendor to Revolution

The lives of Four Romanov Women: Marie Feodorovna, Olga of Greece, Marie Pavlovna Sr. and Marie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=114

New Book – Memories In the Marble Palace

Fascinating memoirs of Grand Duke Gabriel Konstantinovich of Russia, one of the survivors of the debacle of the Romanovs during the Russian Revolution. An interesting insight into the private lives of the Romanovs. Import, paperback.

 http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=115

New Book – The Russian Court at Sea

In April 1919 a large number of Romanovs, accompanied by their trusted servants, left Russia never to return. This is the gripping tale of their journey into exile.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=116

New Book – Jewels of the romanovs

Picture books are one of our favorite items, this one is an exquisite window in the vast wealth of the Russian Imperial family seen through its fabulous jewel collections.

 http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=117

New Book – The Resurrection of the Romanovs

The truth of the enduring mystery of Anastasia's fate and the life of her most convincing impostor. This saga continues to have an enduring interest surrounding the tragic destiny of Tsar Nicholas II and his family.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=118

New Book – The Murder of Rasputin

The conspiracy that brought down the Russian Empire, provides startling fresh evidence on one of the most controversial figures of early twentieth century Russian history. Import, softback.

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=119

New Book – The Correspondence of Empress Alexandra of Russia and Ernst Ludwig and Eleonore of Hesse

Available now for sale at our website:

http://www.eurohistory.com/shopping/index.php?page=detalle&idP=123

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Princess Louise a Flowergirl for her Cousin Prince William

From the Daily Mail...

Prince Edward’s seven-year-old daughter Lady Louise Windsor is said to be ‘beside herself with excitement’ after being asked to accompany Kate Middleton down the aisle as her bridesmaid.

It is an opportunity for her to fulfil every little girl’s dream and a Palace source said: ‘Lady Louise is ecstatic.’

In the past Prince Edward and wife Sophie have been reluctant to allow Lady Louise to be photographed because she was born with exotropia, a rare condition which causes a divergent squint.

 ©David Hartley/Rex Pictures

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1356476/Lady-Louise-picked-Kate-Middletons-royal-bridesmaid.html#ixzz1DrweNTrd

Friday, February 11, 2011

A Romanov Museum in Tobolsk

Tyumen, Feb 7 (Itar-Tass) A museum dedicated to the family of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II will be openedin Tobolsk in the Russian city of Tyumen in 2013.


The city launched the preparations for the 400thanniversary of the House of Romanov, the press service of the Tobolsk authorities said.

The only Romanov Royal family museum beyond the Ural Mountains will be opened by this date. The talks were already held with the leadership of the Romanov Family Foundation and the agreements were reached to give the assistance in filling the museum exposition with the objects connected with the family of the last Russian emperor.

The Romanov royal family museum will be located at the former house of Tobolsk governors. The family of the abdicated emperor was moved to this house on August 6, 1917.

The Provisional Government considered Tobolsk as "a quiet and calm place." The family was lodged on the second floor. A dining room and rooms for servants were situated on the first floor.

Members of the Romanov family were forbidden to come out in the city, but their life in Tobolsk was quite calm. They were walking in the house yard in the daytime and were playing gorodki or were cutting the firewood. They were playing various games, staging small plays, reading and were attempting to diversify the isolated life in long evenings.

After the October Revolution the life of the royal family became much harder.

On April 26, 1918, the Romanov royal family was sent tothe last exile in Yekaterinburg, where they were executed in Ipatiyev''s house overnight to July 17, 1918.




To read more...

http://news.oneindia.in/2011/02/07/lastrussian-emperors-family-museum-to-open-in-tobolskin-aid0126.html

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Duke of Edinburgh admits: 'bits beginning to drop off ancient frame'

He has refused to allow his age to affect his energetic lifestyle, but as he approaches his 90th birthday, the Duke of Edinburgh has admitted that “bits are beginning to drop off” as the advancing years finally take their toll. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-philip/8314370/Duke-of-Edinburgh-admits-bits-beginning-to-drop-off-ancient-frame.html

 

 

* Archduchess Katharina of Austria (b. 2010)

Archduke Maximilian and Archduchess Maya of Austria welcomed their third child last November.

Archduchess Katharina of Austria was born in Madrid on 8 November 2010. Her baptism took place in Madrid in January 2011.

The baby Habsburg joins her brothers Nikolaus and Constantin, both also born in Madrid.

Archduke Maximilian and is bride, the former Maya Al-Askari.

 Left to right: Archduke Maximilian holding his daughter Katharina, Archduchess Maya and Hereditary Count Ignaz zu Toerring-Jettenbach.

Web Exhibition To Celebrate The Prince of Wales' 60th Birthday

Although The Prince of Wales turned 60 in 2008, The Royal Family's webpage has kept the exhibition organized to celebrate the event.

It is well worth the online visit!

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/pow60/

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

* Archduke Johannes Maria of Austria (b. 2010)

Archduke Johannes of Austria and his wife the former Gabriela Montenegro are the parents of a baby boy baptized with the name of Johannes Maria.

Johannes Marie of Austria was born on September 13, 2010, in Pasadena, California.

©Archduke Johannes of Austria.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Duchess of Cornwall visits a Children's Centre and weaving studio in Wiltshire

The Duchess of Cornwall visits a Children's Centre and weaving studio in Wiltshire

7th February 2011

The Duchess of Cornwall met excited children during a visit to Chippenham today, at a centre run by the RISE Trust which provides social care and support for families in the area.
Upon arrival, The Duchess was greeted by 130 children from King's Lodge and Charter primary schools, waving flags and singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Speaking about the visit, Director of Child and Family Services at the RISE Trust, Pauline Monaghan, said: "We were all very, very excited to meet a member of The Royal Family.
"The families in Chippenham identify with her - she has a connection with Wiltshire and we're so proud she could come."

The visit was The Duchess’s third today, already having stopped at Apetito Ltd - a company specialising in feeding the elderly and vulnerable - in Trowbridge and the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, in Steeple Ashton.

Showing support for her husband The Prince of Wales’s Campaign for Wool, she tried her hand at weaving, using a table-top loom. The Campaign promotes the use of British wool to support the farming industry.


The Duchess was shown into a weaving studio by the Guild's Chairman Lesley Greaves and promptly put to work making a black and white silk bag.

She was given a demonstration by Jackie Pohnert, 67, from Poulshot, who has been weaving for 11 years.

"It looks very easy to you," The Duchess said before adding she was not wearing her glasses. "I don't think I'll be a great expert, I need a lot of practice."

Mrs Pohnert told The Duchess she was welcome to join their beginners' group.

The Duchess was taken on a tour of the Guild's new building, where more than 70 members met up before unveiling a plaque and enjoying a cup of tea.

Before leaving, The Duchess thanked the members for supporting The Prince’s Campaign for Wool and said she would report back to him.

The Prince of Wales visits soldiers from the Mercian Regiment before they deploy to Afghanistan

The Prince of Wales visits soldiers from the Mercian Regiment before they deploy to Afghanistan

7th February 2011

The Prince of Wales today met soldiers from the Mercian Regiment who are in training before they deploy on operations to Afghanistan next month.

His Royal Highness visited a windy Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire to meet personnel from The 3rd Battalion (Staffords) who are taking part their final training exercise.

The Prince, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercians, met soldiers and officers from C Company and a contingent of Polish soldiers who will work within the Danish Battlegroup under the command of Task Force Helmand.

The Prince was given updates about the unit and learnt about the training the battalion is undertaking.

Afterwards he met members of the company in the cook house and was shown some of the unit's equipment. He then joined the company for a photograph.

The battalion is to deploy to the Nahr e Saraj area of Helmand province for the six-month tour.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Giles Woodhouse said: "I am hugely proud to be taking the men on operations in Afghanistan.

"It's a huge honour and challenge but it's one, I feel, we are ready for."

Monday, February 7, 2011

Voice of America Interviews Serbian Head of House, Crown Proince Alexander

CP Alexander: "Prayer Breakfast is an unrivalled opportunity to meet with many people not only from the United States, but from around the world. Here, friendships that are made are permanent and we are here in Washington for the third time at the Prayer Breakfast. Discussions are made on the situations in the world, but this time the emphasis is on events in Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and of course we talked about Serbia, its problems and future. We had interviews with congressmen, senators, and exchanged opinions about our country. This is a large set of social and political connections".
Изговор
Читај фонетски


Voice of America: Belgrade strives to become a member of the European Union as soon as possible. What do you think EU membership could bring Serbia?

CP Alexander: "I believe that it is of great importance we accomplish this relatively quickly. The future as a part of European Union is important for entire region and nobody wants Serbia to be the last country to join the Union. I think this membership can help us greatly to achieve much for our country and its citizens in accordance to the benefits that EU members already enjoy. Russia does not oppose Serbia's joining the EU, because they see Serbia as a friend within the European Union. Relations with the United States are also positive and Washington supports our aspiration to become EU members. However, there must be plenty to do in this regard, including further cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, as well as other issues. I hope that we will end this year submitted all necessary documentation. "
Изговор
Читај фонетски

Voice of America: One half of the original EU member states are Constitutional Monarchies. Given your family heritage you are advocating for this type of governmental structure?

CP Alexander: "I think that country would definitely benefit out of that situation.  Karadjordjevic family is deeply rooted in the history of modern Serbia. Constitutional monarchy provides a unifying centre, unity and continuity. Important is to have the head of the state who is neutral person, not a member of any political party. Of course, we would still have free and fair elections and Prime Minister who would manage the country. I think that Monarchy would be good for Serbia, its image abroad and for business".  

Voice of America: Most former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe adopted a law on the returning private property confiscated after the Second World War. Where are we now in terms of the law in Serbia, including your and the property of others?

CP Alexander: "Unfortunately, we are lagging behind. All neighbouring countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and others have adopted such a law. As you know, 1947 Tito asked Kardelja to sign a document on the confiscation of private property, including our own, and revocation of citizenship. After restoration of democracy they gave us our citizenships, on which we congratulate them. Then it was implicated that a new law on restitution will be adopted, but that still didn’t happened.  One of the requests of the European Union is that this must be done in order to Serbia become EU member. Therefore, either to return property or to compensate. I believe the issue will be resolved once and for all 2011. One should take into account the legal advices of experts in the Unite States of America and European Union on how to resolve this question and I believe it is important that Serbia responds to its obligations.

(Courtesy of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia)


Sunday, February 6, 2011

From Splendor to Revolution – Four Romanov Women 1847-1928

Last year I was honored by my friend Julia Gelardi with an advance, review copy of her third book, From Splendor to Revolution – Four Romanov Women 1847-1928.

I read the book thoroughly and sent Ms Gelardi and her publisher my thoughts on the book, suggested changes and ideas for improvement. I was very happy knowing that Ms. Gelardi trusted my opinion enough to be involved in making her book even better than it already was.

Last week I received a final copy of this excellent book and I give it my absolute seal of approval and recommend it highly to anyone interested in the Romanovs and the fascinating women who were members of this family. The book covers the life-span of the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna (1847-1928) and it includes three other biographies besides that of the mother of Tsar Nicholas II: Queen Olga of Greece (née Olga Konstatinovna of Russia), the Duchess of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (née Marie Alexandrovna of Russia), and Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna of Russia (née Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin).

This is Ms. Gelardi's third book and I find it her best thus far!

Eurohistory.com will be selling the book through our website at:

http://www.eurohistory.com

State of Saxony to Compensate Saxon Royal Family with a Paltry Sum

From the Independent...

The east German state of Saxony was obliged yesterday to pay millions in compensation to descendants of the 17th century king "August the Strong" for hundreds of valuable porcelain artefacts confiscated by the communist authorities after the Second World War.

The porcelain treasure trove amounts to nearly 300 pieces – 17th and early 18th century figures and figurines which currently form part of Saxony's priceless royal art collections, many of which have been housed in museums in the state capital Dresden since the late 1950s.

Yesterday however, Saxony reluctantly agreed to pay €4.2m (£3.5m) to the Wettin family, the direct descendants of the 17th century king of Saxony and Poland. The state conceded that communist authorities had effectively stolen the royal porcelain from the family after 1945 and illegally declared it state property.

Steffen Winter, an arts commentator for Der Spiegel magazine, claimed yesterday that the payment was the beginning of a "compensation marathon that will keep the art world holding its breath for years".

(King Friedrich August III of Saxony)

The article continues and describes Prince Albert of Saxony as Head of House, which of course is erroneous as his elder brother Maria Emanuel, Margrave of Meißen, remains Head of House Saxony.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/king-of-saxonys-family-win-payout-from-state-2203850.html




Saturday, February 5, 2011

A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment Annual Conference 2011

A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment Annual Conference 2011

3rd February 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m so glad to have this brief opportunity to join you all this morning and I’m only sorry I’ve missed, probably the most interesting bits at the beginning.

I’m enormously grateful to George Clarke for having invigilated this session so brilliantly and having brought out, I think, so many fascinating points. It was riveting to hear the comments from those who have had experience of the system as it were and of trying the Foundation’s approach. But what I don’t think people always realise is just what an effort it’s always been for a long time to reach this point as far as establishing this Foundation is concerned.

What I can never get over is, I don’t think people understand how much you have to invest in training and educating people to be able to understand how to deliver the kind of process you’ve all been talking about. It doesn’t just happen by chance or by accident. People talk glibly all the time about sustainable this and sustainable that. Half the time I actually think it means business as usual with a few sustainable bits on, which might just satisfy a few people around the bazaars. Well actually it requires an awful lot of effort and an awful lot of application and an awful lot of study to achieve the kind of holistic integrated understanding of how you look at the environment, the natural environment as well as the human environment.

http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speechesandarticles/a_speech_by_hrh_the_prince_of_wales_at_the_prince_s_foundati_692279837.html

Royal Fever – Why We Feel it More than the British


4 February 2011 | By Laura Trevelyan

As the royal wedding approaches, Nicky Perry is making elaborate plans to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton's marriage. "We're going to have ourselves a right old knees-up," says the exuberant owner of Tea and Sympathy, the British-themed tea shop in Manhattan's West Village. Nicky envisages a street party, complete with Morris Men and bunting. New York is a city full of subcultures, and in the British expatriate world, royal wedding fever is taking hold.

Royal wedding commemorative mugs are proving very popular at Tea and Sympathy. "Americans are buying them," says Perry.

"People are fascinated by this wedding," she explains. "They loved Diana, then the fascination died down a bit, and now there's this beautiful princess-to-be and people can't wait to see what she's wearing, what her shoes are like, they want to know every detail."

Mara Saksin, a graduate student and one of Tea and Sympathy's American customers, is also excited about the wedding. She feels William's life has paralleled her own. "William is my age, and even though we live 3,500 miles apart I saw him grow up. I was at a friend's party the night Diana died, and I felt his loss, so I'm glad to see him marrying someone he loves. I just got married myself."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_royals/20110204/wl_yblog_royals/royal-wedding-fever-why-americans-might-feel-it-more-than-brits

A Commoner Monarchy


 
With barely three months to go until the wedding of the century, Prince William and Kate Middleton seem to be breaking royal traditions and opting for the not-so-traditionally-royal ways of doing things. Although these changes may be raising eyebrows in the British aristocracy, many believe that these changes are signs of times. British royal followers have mixed reactions, but many believe that most people will embrace the changes like a breath of fresh air.

A Commoner for a Future Queen
First off, the choice of a completely commoner bride as a future queen of England has never happened before. She's certainly the first and, rest assured, she'll not be the last either. According to The Telegraph, Middleton will "permanently change the Royal family when she becomes Britain's first middle class queen-in-waiting." She may not be poor and pitiful, but she's still a commoner nonetheless -- a wealthy commoner, but not an aristocrat. Middleton comes from a working-class family background, which is not what you would expect as a first choice for a future queen of England. In fact, the New York Post reports she is the first "non-blueblood" to marry a British monarch since the 1600s.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110131/en_ac/7747124_will_and_kate_breaking_traditions__a_commoner_monarchy_in_the_making

Friday, February 4, 2011

The thought of "Princess Chelsy" sends shudders through my...

From the Huffington Post:

As all the royal wedding details come together, "Good Morning America" reports that love may be in the air for Prince Harry. His ex-girlfriend Chelsey Davy is said to be moving back to London and attending William and Kate's wedding as Prince Harry's date.


The couple broke up in 2009, but the Zimbabwean beauty was spotted attended Prince Harry's graduation in May. Is there another royal wedding in the future? If the length of William and Kate's courtship is any indication, you shouldn't hold your breath.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/03/chelsy-davy-royal-wedding_n_818454.html

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

An Interview with Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

I found this program on the Romanovs in which the Head of the Russian Imperial House, Maria Vladimirovna, was interviewed...

Video – A courtly procession druing the last years of Nicholas II's reign

Enjoy!

Video – Funeral of King George II of the Hellenes

In April 1947, Athens mourns the loss of a much-loved King!

Video – Proclamation of King Constantine II of the Hellenes

Enjoy!

Their Royal Highnesses attend a Gala for The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts

Their Royal Highnesses attend a Gala for The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts

1st February 2011

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall watched a variety of performances and met with supporters during a gala dinner for The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts this evening.

Attending the black-tie dinner and performance in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace, Their Royal Highnesses were given a preview of new West End musical The Wizard of Oz, along with a reading by comedian Rowan Atkinson and singing by tenor and Children & the Arts ambassador Alfie Boe.

The charity, founded by His Royal Highness in 2002, aims to give children and young people the opportunity to get involved with the very best of the arts.

Danielle Hope, who performed for “Somewhere over the Rainbow” for Their Royal Highnesses, said: "It was just magical to perform tonight, it was like the preview of the preview.

The Prince told supporters attending the gala that the charity did an excellent job to encourage young people to experience the arts.

The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts website

Beautiful Romanian Royal Photos

HRH Crown Princess Margarita and her husband Prince Radu released some time ago new, and gorgeous pictures, which we share with you!

Enjoy!




The Prince of Wales Receives His Distant Cousin Alba

At an event in the UK The Prince of Wales and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall met his distant relation the Duchess of Alba, Cayetana FitzJames Stuart, and two of her children, the Duchess of Montoro and the Count of Salvatierra, Eugenia and Cayetano.