2016 has been a year of many royal births and a sad death for the Japanese monarchy. On 27th October 2016 we saw the passing of Takahita, Prince Mikasa of Japan. The almost 101 year old uncle of Emperor Akihito was the 5th and final person in line to The Chrysanthemum throne.
We also saw the death of Thailand's beloved monarch, King Bhumibol who passed away on October 13th.
On a happier note we had a number of special births this year;
16th January 2016 - Lord Frederick Windsor and his wife Sophie Winkelman, Lady Frederick Windsor welcomed their second daughter and child, Isabella Windsor. Isabella is a grandchild for Prince Michael of Kent and Marie, Princess Michael of Kent. Baby Isabella is a first cousin, twice removed from Queen Elizabeth II and is 48th in line to the British throne.
17th February 2016 - Prince Faisal bin Hussein of Jordan and his third wife Zeina had their first child together (Faisal already has four from his first marriage), a son named Prince Abdullah bin Faisal. Abdullah is the nephew of King Abdullah II of Jordan and 5th in line to the Jordanian throne.
2nd March 2016 - Prince Malik of Brunei and his wife Raabiatul had their first child, a daughter, Princess Muhee'ah. The Princess is a granddaughter for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Queen Saleha. Her father is 4th in line to the throne but she is not as only men inherit in Brunei.
2nd March 2016 - Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel had a son, Prince Oscar, Duke of Skane. Prince Oscar is their second child and a grandson for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The Little Prince is currently 3rd in line to the throne. Whilst he is the same number in succession as Prince Moulay Ahmed of Morocco, I consider this the most high profile birth of 2016 as he is the son of a Crown Prince and his position can only be replaced by the descendants of his older sister, Princess Estelle.
19th April 2016 - Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia gave birth to their first child, Prince Alexander of Sweden, Duke of Sodermanland. Prince Alexander is a grandson for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Prince Alexander is 5th in line to the throne.
17th May 2016 - Prince Amedeo of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este and his wife Elisabetta gave birth to Archduchess Anna Astrd of Austria-Este. Anna might only be 7th in line to the throne but she has the honour of being the first of her generation, the first of King Albert II and Queen Paola's great grandchildren and the first grandchild for Princess Astrid of Belgium and Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este.
23rd June 2016 - Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco and his wife Oum had their first child, a boy, Prince Moulay Ahmed. Ahmed is the nephew of King Mohammed VI and is 3rd in line to the Moroccan throne. He ties with Prince Oscar of Sweden for the highest ranking royal birth of 2016. However I consider Prince Oscar more high profile as his mother is a Crown Princess. Prince Ahmed's position can be replaced by more children via his uncle as well as his cousin, Prince Moulay Hassan.
28th November 2016 - Prince Felix of Luxembourg and his wife Princess Claire had their second child, a little boy, Prince Liam of Nassau. Prince Liam is a grandson for Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. The young prince is currently 4th in line to the Luxembourg throne.
What a year it has been!!! We've had a whole range of births from the son of a Crown Princess to a little girl who can't inherit the throne. I welcome all the little Princes and Princesses to into the world and hope they grow up to be wonderful leaders. I look forward in 2017 to the announcement of a new baby in the Monaco royal family, hopefully an engagement of Princess Eugenie of York, and much more happy news.
Saturday, 31 December 2016
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Happy Birthday Savannah Phillips!!!
Happy 6th Birthday to Savannah Phillips!!! Savannah is the elder daughter of Peter & Autumn Phillips, granddaughter of Princess Anne of The United Kingdom and the eldest of Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip's 5 great grandchildren. Savannah is currently 14th in line to the throne.
I wish Savannah a very happy birthday and hope she enjoys her special day.
Happy Birthday Princess Kako!!!
Today we wish a very happy birthday to Princess Kako of Japan!!! Princess Kako turns 22 today. Kako is the second and younger daughter of Prince Fumihito of Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko. She is a granddaughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Princess Kako is not in line for succession as only men can inherit The Chrysanthemum throne.
We wish Princess Kako a very happy birthday and hope she enjoys her special day.
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Happy Birthday Princess Alexandra!!!
Happy Birthday to Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy!!! Princess Alexandra celebrated her 80th birthday on December 25th. How very special that it coincides with Christmas. Princess Alexandra is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and is currently 50th in line to the throne. She is a hard worker and often undertakes engagements on behalf of her cousin.
I wish Princess Alexandra a very happy birthday and hope she enjoyed her extra special day.
Happy Birthday Queen Silvia!!!
Queen Silvia of Sweden celebrated her 73rd Birthday on December 23rd. I wish The Queen a very Happy Birthday. I hope she enjoyed her special day with her beautiful family.
Happy Birthday Emperor Akihito!!!
Happy Birthday Emperor Akihito of Japan!!! The beloved emperor turned 83 on December 23rd. He's had a trying year with much talk about his possible abdication. I wish Emperor Akihito a very Happy Birthday. I hope he enjoyed his day and that his 83rd year brings with it health, peace and all that he wishes for his country and family.
You can read more about Emperor Akihito of Japan by clicking on his name.
Happy Birthday Claire Windsor!!!
Happy Birthday Claire Windsor, Countess of Ulster!!! Claire celebrated her 39th Birthday on December 22nd. Claire is the wife of Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster and the daughter-in-law of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
We wish Claire a very happy birthday and hope she enjoyed her celebrations.
Happy Birthday Infanta Elena!!!
Happy Birthday to Infanta Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo. The sister of King Felipe VI of Spain celebrated her 53rd birthday on December 20th. The Infanta is also a niece of King Constanine II and Queen Anne Marie of Greece. She is currently 3rd in line to The Spanish throne.
I hope The Infanta enjoyed her day and all her celebrations.
Happy Birthday James, Viscount Severn!!!
James, Viscount Severn celebrated his 9th birthday on December 17th. I wish him a very, very happy birthday. James is the son of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. He is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II's eight grandchildren. Viscount Severn is currently 10th in line to the British throne.
Happy Birthday Viscount Severn, and enjoy your final year in single digits!!!
Happy Bithday Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este!!!
The 16th of December saw Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este celebrate his 61st Birthday!!! Lorenz is married to Princess Astrid of Belgium and is the brother-in-law of King Philippe of Belgium.
I hope Lorenz had a lovely day celebrating with his family, the first as a grandfather. You can read more about Prince Lorenz by clicking on his name.
Happy Birthday Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric!!!
On the 13th of December Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric of Belgium celebrated their 11th birthday. The boys are the twin sonds of Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium. Their uncle is King Philippe of Belgium and they are grandsons to King Albert and Queen Paola. Nicolas and Aymeric are numbers 14 and 15 in line to the Belgian throne.
I wish the twins a very happy birthday and hope they enjoyed their celebrations. You can read more about Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric by clicking on their names.
Happy Anniversary Prince Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence!!!
On the 12th of December 1992 Princess Anne, The Princess Royal celebrated 24 years of marriage to her second husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. They don't have any children together, but share a very happy marriage. I hope they have many more years of happiness together.
Happy Birthday Prince Faisal bin Khalid!!!
Happy 4th Birthday to Prince Faisal bin Khalid Al Khalifa of Bahrain. The young prince celebrated his birthday on the 12th of December. He is a grandson of King Hamad and the son of his 5th son, Khalid bin Hamad. Prince Faisal is 14th in line to the Bahraini throne.
I hope Faisal enjoyed his birthday celebrations very much. Congratulations!!!
Happy Birthday Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella!!!
The 10th of December saw Prince Jacques of Monaco and his twin sister Princess Gabriella celebrate their 2nd birthday. Jacques and Gabriella are the only children of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. They are 1st and 2nd in line to the throne.
We wish them a very happy birthday and hope they enjoyed all their celebrations.
Christmas Day with the British Royal Family
The annual Christmas Day walk to Church by the British Royal Family occurred once again. Sadly Queen Elizabeth II was absent as she is fighting a severe cold at the moment. In addition Zara Phillips, Mike Tindall and their young daughter Mia were also missing. Zara had a miscarriage in the days before Christmas and was recovering at home with her little family.
However on a happy note it was Savannah and Isla Phillips' (Peter's children, Princess Anne's grandchildren) first time joining their family at church at walking with them. It was lovely to see the next generation, and the eldest of Queen Elizabeth's Great Grandchildren taking their place.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their children George and Charlotte were also absent. They spent this year with Kate's family in Buckleberry and attended church with the Middletons.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Charles of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall outside The Church
Prince Harry of Wales greets the crowds
Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Princess Beatrice of York
Prince Beatrice of York
Princess Eugenie of York
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, James, Viscount Severn, Princess Eugenie of York and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Harry of Wales and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg
Lady Louise Windsor (wearing what looks like her first hat/fascinator).
James, Viscount Severn
Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne The Princess Royal, Isla Phillips and Peter Phillips
Savannah Phillips, Autumn Phillips, Prince Charles of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Lastly, enjoying some quiet family time with their non-royal family Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
However on a happy note it was Savannah and Isla Phillips' (Peter's children, Princess Anne's grandchildren) first time joining their family at church at walking with them. It was lovely to see the next generation, and the eldest of Queen Elizabeth's Great Grandchildren taking their place.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their children George and Charlotte were also absent. They spent this year with Kate's family in Buckleberry and attended church with the Middletons.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Charles of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall outside The Church
Prince Harry of Wales greets the crowds
Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Princess Beatrice of York
Prince Beatrice of York
Princess Eugenie of York
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, James, Viscount Severn, Princess Eugenie of York and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Harry of Wales and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg
Lady Louise Windsor (wearing what looks like her first hat/fascinator).
James, Viscount Severn
Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne The Princess Royal, Isla Phillips and Peter Phillips
Savannah Phillips, Autumn Phillips, Prince Charles of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Lastly, enjoying some quiet family time with their non-royal family Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Party
Every year, just before Christmas Queen Elizabeth II hosts a Christmas Lunch for all her relatives. Let's see who attended this year;
Prince Charles of Wales & Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales (where is Princess Charlotte?)
Princess Beatrice of York
Princess Eugenie of York
Peter and Autumn Phillips in the front, Isla Phillips in the back
Front: Autumn Phillips, Back: Savannah Phillips
Mike Tindall & Zara Phillips
David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley & Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley in the front. The Honourable Charles Armstrong-Jones
David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley & Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley in the front. In the back, The Honourable Margarita Armstrong-Jones
Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
George Windsor, Earl St Andrews and Sylvana, Countess of St Andrews
Lady Amelia Windsor
The Taylor clan: Lady Helen, Timothy Taylor and their children Columbus, Cassius, Eloise and Estella Taylor.
Prince Michael of Kent, Marie, Princess Michael of Kent and Lady Gabriella Windsor
Sophie, Lady Frederick Windsor
It's quite a group! Of course there were a number of absences. Those missing from this year's festivities (or perhaps just not photographed) were:
1). Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
2). Prince Andrew, Duke of York
3). Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn
4). Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence
5). Mia Tindall
6). Samuel and Arthur Chatto
7). Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, Claire, Countess of Ulster and their children Xan Windsor, Lord Culloden and Lady Cosima
8). Lady Davina Lewis, Gary Lewis and their children Senna and Tane Lewis
9). Lady Rose Gilman, George Gilman and their children Lyla and Rufus Gilman
10). Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Katherine, Duchess of Kent
11). Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick and Lady Marina Windsor
12). Lord Nicholas Windsor, Lady Paola Windsor and their children Albert, Leopold and Louis Windsor
13). Lord Frederick Windsor, and his children Maud and Isabella
14). Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy
15). James and Julia Ogilvy and their children Flora and Alexander Ogilvy
16). Marina Ogilvy and her children Zenouska and Christian Mowatt
Prince Charles of Wales & Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales (where is Princess Charlotte?)
Princess Beatrice of York
Princess Eugenie of York
Peter and Autumn Phillips in the front, Isla Phillips in the back
Front: Autumn Phillips, Back: Savannah Phillips
Mike Tindall & Zara Phillips
David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley & Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley in the front. The Honourable Charles Armstrong-Jones
David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley & Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley in the front. In the back, The Honourable Margarita Armstrong-Jones
Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
George Windsor, Earl St Andrews and Sylvana, Countess of St Andrews
Lady Amelia Windsor
The Taylor clan: Lady Helen, Timothy Taylor and their children Columbus, Cassius, Eloise and Estella Taylor.
Prince Michael of Kent, Marie, Princess Michael of Kent and Lady Gabriella Windsor
Sophie, Lady Frederick Windsor
It's quite a group! Of course there were a number of absences. Those missing from this year's festivities (or perhaps just not photographed) were:
1). Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
2). Prince Andrew, Duke of York
3). Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn
4). Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence
5). Mia Tindall
6). Samuel and Arthur Chatto
7). Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, Claire, Countess of Ulster and their children Xan Windsor, Lord Culloden and Lady Cosima
8). Lady Davina Lewis, Gary Lewis and their children Senna and Tane Lewis
9). Lady Rose Gilman, George Gilman and their children Lyla and Rufus Gilman
10). Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Katherine, Duchess of Kent
11). Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick and Lady Marina Windsor
12). Lord Nicholas Windsor, Lady Paola Windsor and their children Albert, Leopold and Louis Windsor
13). Lord Frederick Windsor, and his children Maud and Isabella
14). Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy
15). James and Julia Ogilvy and their children Flora and Alexander Ogilvy
16). Marina Ogilvy and her children Zenouska and Christian Mowatt
Tiara Time!!! Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace
On the 8th of December a Diplomatic Reception was held at Buckingham Palace. We rarely see the UK Royals wearing their extensive tiara collection, but tonight it was on show.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wearing the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara. This one dates back to 1914 so not very old as tiaras go. However it's special that it's been worn by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, and now by The Duchess of Cambridge.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wears the Greville Tiara. It's such a beautiful tiara. It's big, but it suits her.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wearing the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara. This one dates back to 1914 so not very old as tiaras go. However it's special that it's been worn by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, and now by The Duchess of Cambridge.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wears the Greville Tiara. It's such a beautiful tiara. It's big, but it suits her.
Tiara Time!!! Nobel Prize dinner 2016
I thought I'd do two tiara times just for fun. The first is the annual Nobel Prize dinner in Sweden. It's held every year on the 10th of December. Queen Silvia and the three Princesses are always dolled up and where some beautiful tiaras in honour of the Nobel Prize winners. Let's see what this year featured;
We'll start with our leading lady, Queen Silvia. She's gone with a silver look this year and whilst I'm not a very big fan of this outfit she does look quite regal. This year Queen Silvia is wearing The Leuchtenberg Sapphire Tiara. It's a beautiful tiara dating back to 1806 and was worn at the wedding of her son, Prince Carl Philip to Princess Sofia in June last year. This tiara is only ever worn by The Queen.
Crown Princess Victoria wins the night. She looks stunning in this dress and I love the intricate pattern on the dress. Victoria is wearing the Napoleonic Cut Steel Tiara. It dates back to 1810 so it's one of the special ones of The Swedish collection. I like the base of the tiara, but find the feather design at the top reminds me of a dancer at the Moulin Rouge. However from afar it looks quite nice and compliments the floral pattern as well as the colour of her dress.
Then of course we come to Princess Madeleine. I'm a bit disappointed overall with both outfit and tiara choice. Her dress looks like someone went and stuck crepe paper all over the skirt. The one compliment is that the colour is nice. As for the tiara, Madeleine chose the Connaught Diamond Tiara. I do love this tiara, it's beautiful. What I don't like is that her older sister, Crown Princess Victoria wore it at the same event last year in 2015. If I were Madeleine I would've chosen the Diamond Six Button Tiara. We didn't see it last year and it's a much more significant tiara.
We got a treat from Princess Sofia this year as she wore a new tiara. Not exactly new, we've seen it once before on Crown Princess Victoria, but it's rarely seen. This is called the Cut Steel Bandeau. It's a subtle tiara and I like the pattern. I think it could have more colour as it blends in a bit with Sofia's dark hair. Her dress is a gorgeous colour, but the design is bland and it looks like a sack on her. The sleeves are far too big.
We'll start with our leading lady, Queen Silvia. She's gone with a silver look this year and whilst I'm not a very big fan of this outfit she does look quite regal. This year Queen Silvia is wearing The Leuchtenberg Sapphire Tiara. It's a beautiful tiara dating back to 1806 and was worn at the wedding of her son, Prince Carl Philip to Princess Sofia in June last year. This tiara is only ever worn by The Queen.
Crown Princess Victoria wins the night. She looks stunning in this dress and I love the intricate pattern on the dress. Victoria is wearing the Napoleonic Cut Steel Tiara. It dates back to 1810 so it's one of the special ones of The Swedish collection. I like the base of the tiara, but find the feather design at the top reminds me of a dancer at the Moulin Rouge. However from afar it looks quite nice and compliments the floral pattern as well as the colour of her dress.
Then of course we come to Princess Madeleine. I'm a bit disappointed overall with both outfit and tiara choice. Her dress looks like someone went and stuck crepe paper all over the skirt. The one compliment is that the colour is nice. As for the tiara, Madeleine chose the Connaught Diamond Tiara. I do love this tiara, it's beautiful. What I don't like is that her older sister, Crown Princess Victoria wore it at the same event last year in 2015. If I were Madeleine I would've chosen the Diamond Six Button Tiara. We didn't see it last year and it's a much more significant tiara.
We got a treat from Princess Sofia this year as she wore a new tiara. Not exactly new, we've seen it once before on Crown Princess Victoria, but it's rarely seen. This is called the Cut Steel Bandeau. It's a subtle tiara and I like the pattern. I think it could have more colour as it blends in a bit with Sofia's dark hair. Her dress is a gorgeous colour, but the design is bland and it looks like a sack on her. The sleeves are far too big.
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas!!!
I haven't updated in a few weeks, my apologies. I went camping for a few days and then had a bit of drama with a spider bite that got infected. All is well now, my arm is on the mend (though I'm still taking oral antibiotics and have a bandage on my arm).
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my lovely readers and followers a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year. Stay tuned of pictures from The Royals celebrating Christmas as well as a Tiara Time. In the mean time here are some yule tide photos to keep you going.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my lovely readers and followers a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year. Stay tuned of pictures from The Royals celebrating Christmas as well as a Tiara Time. In the mean time here are some yule tide photos to keep you going.
Get Well Soon Zara!!!
I would like to wish Zara Phillips a speedy recovery. On 30th November it was announced that Zara and her husband Mike Tindall were expecting their 2nd child in May. Sadly we heard the news yesterday that Zara had a miscarriage.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, Zara, their young daughter Mia, Princess Anne and all the Royal family at this time of loss. I hope Zara feels better soon and has no complications in her recovery.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Happy Birthday Prince Joachim!!!
Happy 25th Birthday to Prince Joachim of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este!!! Joachim is the younger son and third child of Princess Astrid of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este and her husband Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este. Joachim's uncle King Philippe is the current ruler of Belgium.
A very big happy birthday to Prince Joachim and I hope he enjoys all his celebrations today. You can read more about Prince Joachim by clicking on his name.
Happy Birthday Princess Masako!!!
Happy Birthday to Crown Princess Masako of Japan!!! Princess Masako is celebrating her 53rd birthday today. Masako is married to Crown Prince Naruhito, heir to the Chrysanthemum throne.
I wish Crown Princess Masako a very happy birthday and hope she enjoys her celebrations. You can read more about Princess Masako
by clicking on her name.
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