Will the Prince and His Bride Become Duke and Duchess?

Since Prince William's engagement to Kate Middleton was announced, there has been much speculation about which titles the Queen will give them after their marriage.

Mandrake can disclose that the 28 year-old has, however, let it be known that he would prefer to remain Prince William rather than be made a duke.

"He says he was born Prince William and wants to continue to be known as that," says a courtier. "He wants Kate to become Princess Catherine."

This presents a thorny dilemma for the monarch, however, as princesses, traditionally, receive their titles through birth rather than marriage.

If Prince William is not given a new title, his 28-year-old bride will, automatically, become Princess William, not "Princesss Catherine". Although his late mother was often referred to as "Princess Diana", her correct title was the Princess of Wales. After her divorce, she became Diana, Princess of Wales.


©PA

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8196402/Royal-wedding-Prince-William-asks-the-Queen-not-to-make-him-a-duke.html

Is the Aristocracy dead?

The Duke of Devonshire, one of Great Britain's leading peers, just said that he would be willing to give up his title if plans to rid the House of Lords of hereditary peers.

Does the aristocracy have a role to play in modern politics?

I happen to believe so. The aristocracy in Europe represents tradition and longevity in political systems that have experienced much change in the last century alone.  As personifications of long-standing local traditions, I believe the aristocracy play a very important role in keeping those alive a time when globalization is making us abandon uniqueness for mediocrity.

Is every aristocrat worthy, of course not...there are some who forget themselves and the history their shoulders carry...yet it is my sincere belief that these are the minority, not the entire class at large.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7285037/Duke-of-Devonshire-prepared-to-give-up-his-title.html

Three Generations of French Princes

One can only but wish that last year's birth if Prince Gaston, firstborn child of Prince Jean and Princess Philomena of France, Dukes de Vendôme, will serve as a bridge to repair and maybe even rebuild the very damaged relations with the Count of Paris.

Family quarrels within the French Royal House are legendary. The present Count of Paris had a rocky relationship, at nest, with his own father, the late Count of Paris (1908-1999). The divorce of the present Count of Paris from his first wife, the Duchess de Montpensier, alienated Prince Henri from his children, who received the unmitigated support of their late grandfather. Through the decades since much acrimony was launched at each side, particularly after the present Count of Paris remarried last year his long-time lady friend, the Princess de Joinville, Micaela Cousiño y Quiñonez de León.

As a fervent supporter of the Orléans, it is my sincerest wish for 2011 to see much peace within the ranks of this august family.

Newe Photo of the Dukes of Brabant and Their Children

HRH Prince Philippe of Belgium, Duke of Brabant, joined by his lovely wife Mathilde and their four children, posed for a new set of photos. I hope that the Christmas card I get from them every year includes this image!

Belgian Royals Attend Traditional Christmas Concert

Every year the Belgian Royal Family celebrates a concert at the Royal Palace in Brussels. I was lucky to go to this concert twice, which is always followed by a lovely reception at which the King and his family mingle and chat with the guests.

The Last Flowering of Court Art – Exhibition at Wartski's

The Last Flowering of Court Art was a loan exhibition of a private collection of Fabergé owned by a Russian couple who live in London. They began collecting just after the fall of the Soviet Union and amongst the many 'New Russians' to collect Fabergé, they were the very first. Possessing the highest levels of discernment and guided by an uncompromising determination to acquire only the best of Fabergé's work, they have succeeded in assembling an important collection of the Imperial Goldsmith's work.

 http://www.wartski.com/

Dukes of Palma de Mallorca's Christmas Card

The card sent out by the the Infanta doña Cristina of Spain and her husband don Iñaki Urdangarín, Dukes of Palma de Mallorca, also joins the listing as an adorable image. It is amazing how quickly time has passed and the Urdangarín y de Borbón chilren are growing so quickly!

Princely Christmas Tree in Monaco

Prince Albert II, accompanied by his sisters Princess Caroline of Hannover and Princess Stephanie of Monaco, as well as by his fiancée Charlene, inaugurated the princely Christmas tree in Monaco.

©Getty Pictures

Royal Christmas Cards – Prince and Princess of Asturias

Every year, I send out several hundred Christmas cards to several royal friends and every reigning house in Europe. In return for the undertaking, the royal Christmas card collection I have put together over the years is one of my most treasured possessions.

This year, 2010, I have already received several cards with photos, some without. Most darling so far is that sent by TRH The Prince and Princess of Asturias, featuring their two lovely, cherubic daughters. Enjoy!

Danish Crown Princely Couple Pose for Vogue

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, along with their son Christian, posed for Vogue at the Amalienborg Palace. The article centers mainly on the extensive renovations the royal residence, located in central Copenhagen, has experienced.