English Royals Visit the Vasa

Admiring the Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1628, Camilla told King Carl XVI Gustaf: "It's pretty impressive. It's unbelievable.

"It is very nice. Perhaps we could borrow it for the jubilee pageant. It would be very nice going down the Thames."

The Vasa, now housed in a custom-built museum, was salvaged in 1961.

Thirty people died when it sank after filling up with water after sailing just 1200 metres down the harbour.

More than a million people visit the tourist attraction in the centre of Stockholm each year – but most are not allowed on board.

 

The royal party was given permission to take a closer look and took a keen interest as museum staff gave them a guided tour.

After leaving the museum, the pair put on white coats for a visit to the Salta Kvarn mill and bakery in Jarna.
They put on hats while being shown inside the building, with Queen Silvia protecting her hair with a hairnet. The headgear seemed to give Camilla the giggles, as did tasting some of the raw sourdough in the bakery.

The couple were also given some of the finished product to try by head baker Manfred Enoksson.

Charles and Camilla said their goodbyes to the Swedish royals at the bakery, with the Duchess curtsying after kissing Queen Silvia.

They are now travelling to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the final leg of their eight-day tour of Scandinavia to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9164640/Prince-of-Wales-and-Duchess-of-Cornwall-visit-the-Vasa.html

Dutch Royals Lose Last Political Rights

THE DUTCH monarchy has been stripped of its last remaining political power – the entitlement to become actively involved in the formation of coalition governments – in a landmark decision by parliament which will be noted by royal families all over Europe.
In a low-key vote, the minority coalition government of Liberals and Christian Democrats, supported by the fundamentalist Christian Unity party, was overrun by an unlikely coalition of Labour, the Freedom Party, the Socialists, social democrats D66, the Greens and the animal rights party.

Those in favour of reducing Queen Beatrix (74) and her successors to a purely ceremonial monarchy needed only a straight majority, but they took 91 of the 150 votes in what was described as “a rout” by Christian Unity leader Arie Slob. “The anti-monarchists have co-operated in supporting a bad idea and this is the historic but unfortunate outcome,” he said.

The decision will make a substantial difference to the way Dutch coalitions are formed. Up to now, and as recently as 2010, the monarch appointed a go-between – an informateur – who brought the parties together, set the talks in motion, and reported back to the queen and the caretaker prime minister. Parliament will now appoint one of its members to orchestrate the talks, which will be held without reference to the monarch, until a workable coalition has emerged, a programme for government is agreed and a prime minister-designate chosen. At that point, as in the UK, the monarch will rubber-stamp the outcome.

Despite opposition from the prime minister, Mark Rutte, the decision in principle to “modernise” the monarchy was taken by the opposition parties following a debate last September. A text agreeable to all sides emerged last week – though the process may have been delayed due to the skiing accident in February that left Prince Friso (43) in a coma.
The change was prompted by suggestions the queen might soon abdicate in favour of her eldest son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander (44).

However, there were also suggestions that during the formation of the current government, Queen Beatrix had “made every effort” to keep Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders out of a position of influence in the deal-making process.

The decision on the monarchy was overshadowed by a row that saw staunch Wilders supporter Hero Brinkman, an MP since 2006, leave to form his own political party on Wednesday, following disagreement over the Freedom Party’s anti-immigrant website.
This might have been a mere sideshow except that it raises the spectre of a general election – leaving the coalition without a workable majority, even with the support of the Freedom Party, as difficult talks aimed at finding €19 billion in budget cuts continue.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2012/0324/1224313820627.html

The Prince of Wales in Sweden

HRH The Prince of Wales, accompanied by his wife, is now in Sweden, next step on the couple's Scandinavian journey.

The visiting English royals were met at Stockholm Airport by Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and brought to lunch at the Royal Palace, where Queen Silvia awaited them. This was followed by afternoon visits to youth centers. At night a gala dinner will be hosted by Their Swedish Majesties in honor of theor visiting English cousins.

Upcoming Wedding in the Royal House of Bavaria

Princess Philippa of Bavaria, the daughter of Prince Leopold, will marry on 12 May 2012 and the festivities are scheduled to take place at Schloß Hohenschwangau, one of the family's picturesque castles.

It has been two years since the last Bavarian royal wedding. Two years ago  Princess Augusta, daughter of Prince Ludwig, was married to Prince Ferdinand zur Lippe-Weißenfeld. Now Princess Philippa of Bavaria, 31, an interior designer, will marry film producer, Christian Dienst, 34.

Daughter of Prince Leopold and Princess Ursula, she is getting married in the romantic church of Wies in Steingaden. The marriage will be blessed by Abbot Johannes Eckert, from the Benedictine abbey of St. Boniface of Andechs. Prince Leopold is delighted: "It has always been my wish to see one of my children marry in the Church of Wies. It's beautiful."

The Prince is joyful as well: "We cannot impose in-laws, but we are very lucky. Christian is very affectionate, very considerate towards Philippa and has a good character. We wish a lot of grandchildren."

He hopes that the young couple enjoy in their union as much happiness as he has himself with his wife Ursula. "We've been together 43 years and never get bored. We always have something to say to the other and share a joyful life." 
Prince Leopold of Bavaria is considered a precursor of marriages that do not conform to old practices and ancient family rules, he does not care that his future son-in-law is a commoner. "I was first Wittelsbach to marry a commoner. They all love her today in the family. It is no longer important that a prince and princess marry. We are not so old fashioned. The important thing is that couples love each other. "

After the religious ceremony, the wedding festivities are scheduled to take place at Schloß Hohenschwangau, which once served as the summer residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The pre-party will be held at the Hotel Lisl, opposite the castle. 

Princess Philippa was born in Starnberg, Bavaria, in 1981. She has three siblings: Manuel, who in 2005 married Princess Anna of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg; Maria del Pilar (b. 1978) and Konstantin (b. 1986). Prince Leopold has worked for many years as the public face of famed Bavarian motor company BMW. He is an avid enthusiast of race-car driving, a passion he shares with his good friends King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha.

A Superbly Talented Photographer: Prince Tinko Czetwertynski

Tinko Czetwertynski, scion of two prominent Polish princely families, has developed into a talented career photographer. His work has brought Tinko to many of the world's most beautiful locales and his talents as an up-and-coming photographer can be better appreciated through his professional website. His work has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair and many other prominent magazines.

Earlier this month Tinko married Princess Paola Maria de Bourbon Sapieha, the daughter of Princess Maria Cristina of Orléans-Braganca and her former husband, Prince Jan Sapieha-Rozánski. Paola Maria's maternal grandparents were both well-remembered and much loved: Prince dom Pedroa Gastão d'Orléans-Bragança and Princess doña María de la Esperanza of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Pedro Gastão's sinlings included the late Countess of Paris and the late Duchess of Bragança; while doña Esperanza's siblings included the late Countess of Barcelona and the late Infante don Alfonso, claimant to the throne of the Two Sicilies.

Tinko and Paola Maria spend their time between Brazil, where her family owns various estates, and Europe, where both have lived and studied.

 

Paola Maria de Bourbon

(©Tinko Czetwertynski)

 

To view more of Tinko's excellent photography, visit his website:

 

http://thelushness.tumblr.com/ 

Seventieth Anniversary of the Death of the 3rd Duke of Aosta

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the death (3 March 1942), among his soldiers, of the Viceroy of Ethiopia: HRR Prince Amedeo of Savoy, third Duke of Aosta, Hero of Amba Alagi. The Italian Monarchist Union flag bows to the memory of his exemplary figure and will remember him with a series of initiatives that will document his civilian and military virtues. HRH Prince Amedeo, present Duke of Aosta, traveled to Kenya, where his uncle is buried, to attended a solemn religious ceremony in the Third Duke of Aosta's memory. Honour and glory to one of the most beautiful characters in the history of Italy.

The Council of Senators of the Kingdom bowed to the memory of HRH Prince Amedeo of Savoy, on the 70th of his death (Nairobi, March 3, 1942), and pointed to his shining example. Amedeo was born in Turin on 21 October 1898 as the oldest son of Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, 2nd Duke of Aosta, and his wife, the former Princess Hélène d'Orléans, herself the daughter of the Count of Paris, claimant to the French throne. Amedeo had one brother, Prince Aimone, Duke of Spoleto, 4th Duke of Aosta, King of Croatia, who was the father of the current Duke of Aosta, Amedeo, thus named after his late uncle.

The 3rd Duke of Aosta was a national hero. He earned three Military Valour decorations during the Great War, led memorable travels throughout Africa, and performed high responsibilities at the top of the Armed Forces during the reign of his cousin Vittorio Emanuele III. Aosta personified an outstanding model of fidelity to the Monarchy and Italy.

Amedeo was Viceroy of Ethiopia. At the beginning of the war (1940) Amedeo held the general command of the Italian Armed Forces in East Africa. From the outbreak of the conflict, Amedeo believed Italy lacked the resources to sustain a conflict of this size. After putting a valiant defense against overwhelming enemy forces, Amedeo was forced to capitulate in May 1941. Once relieved of his powers, Amedeo was placed under arrest by the English. He died the following year while still in captivity.
 

Historians argue about what role he played before and during the war, a role that would have likely prevented Italy from facing and "unconditional surrender" in 1943. 

Prince Amedeo married in Naples (5 November 1927) Princess Anne d'Orléans (1906-1986), third daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Guise. Anne and Amedeo were first cousins through their maternal lines as their mothers were sisters, both daughters of the Count and Countess of Paris. Amedeo and Anne were the parents of two daughters: Margherita (b. 1930), who in 1953 married Archduke Robert of Austria-Este, the second son of Emperor Karl and Empress Zita of Austria; and Maria Cristina (b. 1933), who in 1967 married Prince Casimiro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. 

Among Amedeo and Anne's grandchildren are: Archduke Lorenz, who is married to Princess Astrid of Belgium, daughter of King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians; Maria Beatrice, who is married to Count Riprand von Arco-Zinneberg; and Martin, who married Princess Katharina of Isenburg, herself the sister of Fürstin Isabelle of Wied and Princess Sophie of Prussia. 

The Duchess of Aosta, Anne, survived her husband by forty-four years. She passed away in Sorrento, Italy, in 1986.

The Wales Visit to Norway

King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway hosted a gala dinner for their visiting English cousins, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Prince Charles, along with his wife Camilla, are on a multi-day trip through Scandinavia.

Also present at the gala dinner in Oslo were Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette Marit, Princess Martha Louise and Princess Astrid of Norway.

Swedish Royal Baptism

The Royal Palace in Stockholm announced that the baptism of HRH Princess Estelle of Sweden will be celebrated at the royal chapel in Stockholm on 22 May 2012.

No word yet on how many godparents the future Queen of Sweden will have.

Kensington Palace to Open After £12 million Restoration

As discreet work continues on Apartment 1A, the new four-storey home for Prince William, Kate and cocker spaniel Lupo, there’s a more obvious bustle in the public half of Kensington Palace.

A £12 million, two-year refurbishment is due to be finished this week.
Upstairs, curators and textile conservators are taking delivery of fragile dresses and objects to display in the newly refitted rooms, while downstairs staff try on their red Jaeger-designed uniforms, shrubs are being planted, paths laid, and the shop and café kitted out ready for opening.
Opening up is what this project is all about.


Overgrown trees and shrubs that obscured the building and many of the high-security fences have been removed. The palace is once again connected with the park that surrounds it.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2114852/Kensington-Palace-After-12-million-refit-nation-invited-in.html#ixzz1pfhbQtGQ

+ Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein (1929-2012)

Rosegg mourns for one of the most deserving persons of the community. Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein Has passed away over the weekend at the age of 82. The solemn requiem will take place next Saturday, 24 March, held at 2pm in the church at Rosegg. Subsequently, the remains of the prince will be laid to rest in the local cemetery.

"Decades ago, Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein moved his timber operations from the Karawanken to Rosegg. In the aftermath, he and his family, who are among us not only highly respected but also very popular citizens, turned into an essential economic factor for the community, "recalled yesterday the Mayor Franz Richau.

The prince and his three sons revitalized the castle, which has been owned by the Liechtensteins since 1831, and made it accessible to the public through a wax museum and the labyrinth, both of which being very popular with visitors. Distinctively associated with the name of Liechtenstein is also Rosegg Castle, which annually attracts visitors 70,000-80,000. "Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein has laid the foundation for a thriving business in our community and created many jobs created," the mayor said.

"The big name now lives on in his sons. One of them is a doctor, another entered the diplomatic service. And  the youngest son, Prince Emanuel, is now in charge of the family business that will continue successfully in Rosegg," explained the mayor.

Prince Alexander's family:

Alexander of Liechtenstein married at Schloß Bronnbach Princess Josephine zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg (b. 1937). Her siblings made particularly impressive marriages, among them: Maria, who married Archduke Joseph Arpad of Austria; Christiana, who married Archduke Michael of Austria; Aloys-Konstantin, who succeeded their father as Fürst and married Princess Anastasia of Prussia; and Lioba, who married the Fürst zu Oettingen-Oettingen und Oettingen-Wallerstein.

Prince Alexander and Princess Josephine had three sons: 

1. Prince Christian (b. 1961), who in 1989 married Countess Marie-Christine von Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems (b. 1962), by whom he has four children: Carolina (b. 1990), Augustinus (b. 1992), Johannes Maria (b. 1995, and Ludmilla (b. 2001).

2h) Prince Stefan (b. 1961), who in 1988 married Countess Florentine von Thun und Hohenstein (b. 1963, by whom he has four children: Lukas (b. 1990), Konrad (b.1992), Anna Maria (b. 1994) and Rita (b. 1999).

3. Prince Emanuel (b. 1964), who in 1995 married Countess Alexandra Kálnoky de Köröspatak (b. 1966), by whom he has three children: Polixena (b. 1996), Josef (b. 1998) and Ilona (b. 2001)