Golden Jubilee of Queen Margrethe (Part 1)

 Whilst the United Kingdom mourns their beloved Queen Elizabeth II, Denmark celebrates the 50th year of the reign of Queen Margrethe. Queen Margrethe II came to the Danish throne upon the death of her father King Frederick IX. She was 32 years old and had two young sons, 4 year old Frederik and 3 year old Joachim. 

On 11th September 2022 Queen Margrethe celebrated 50 years on the throne with a gala dinner at the palace. The guest of honour Queen Margrethe II stunned in a light blue dress and wore the Pearl Poire Tiara. This is one of the Queen's favourites and dates back to 1825.

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Of course the Queen's sons Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim attended along with their wives Crown Princess Mary and Princess Marie. The Crown Princess wore the Ruby Parure tiara. This tiara dates back to 1804. Princess Marie wore the Diamond Floral tiara. 

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The Queen's two sisters Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Queen Anne Marie of Greece attended. Princess Benedikte wore the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Fringe tiara while the former Queen of Greece wore the Greek Emerald Parure tiara which dates back to 1926. 

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King Harald V of Norway and his wife Queen Sonja were in attendance. Queen Sonja wore the Empress Josephine Emerald tiara. 

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King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia joined in the festivities. The King of Sweden and Queen of Denmark are first cousins. They are both grandchildren of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden. Queen Silvia wore the Queen Sofia Nine Prong tiara which dates back to the 1860s.

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Wedding of Princess Maria Laura of Belgium and William Isvy

 The despite the terrible loss of Queen Elizabeth II other royal news does occur. On September 10th 2022 Princess Maria Laura of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este married William Isvy. Princess Maria Laura is the niece of King Philippe of Belgium and a granddaughter of the former King, King Albert II and Queen Paola. Her parents are Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium. 

First the couple had a civil ceremony in the Town Hall. 

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Afterwards the couple had a stunning religious ceremony. 

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The Princess wore a tiara not from her mother's Belgian Royal Family, but rather from her father's side. Prince Lorenz is a member of the Savoy-Aosta family. The tiara worn by Princess Maria-Laura on her wedding day is the Savoy-Aosta tiara. 

Of course the proud parents Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz were in attendance.

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The Grandparents King Albert II and Queen Paola

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The brides siblings Prince Amedeo, Prince Joachim, Princess Luisa Maria and Princess Laetitia as well as Prince Amedeo's wife Elisabetta.

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The Flower Girls and Page boys. The little boy at the back is Prince Amedeo's 3 year old son Maximilian, Archduke of Austria-Este. The girl in front is their daughter, 6 year old Anna Astrid, Archduchess of Austria-Este.

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King Philippe and Queen Mathilde along with their four children Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore were all in attendance. 

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The bride's other uncle, Prince Laurent was there with his wife Princess Claire and their three children Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric of Belgium.

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Congratulations to the happy couple!!!

Vail Queen Elizabeth (Part Four)

Queen Elizabeth is currently lying in state at Westminster Abbey. On Thursday September 15th 2022  The day after the coffin's arrival and the ceremony at Westminster the new Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Sandringham is very special to the Royal family as they spend Christmas there every year as a family. Prince William and Catherine Princess of Wales met the public and viewed all the tributes that had been placed in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. 

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The Following day on Friday September 16th 2022 King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort visited Wales. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales went to an Army Training Centre to visit with troops from around the Commonwealth who have been deployed to England to take part in Queen Elizabeth's funeral on Monday.

 

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Later that evening at about 7:30pm the special ceremony called the Vigil of the Princes took place in Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth's children stood vigil for 20 minutes around her coffin as they did a few nights prior at St Giles' church in Scotland. The last time the Vigil of the Prince's occurred was in 2002 for Elizabeth the Queen Mother when her four grandchildren, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and David Armstrong-Jones Viscount Linley (now Earl of Snowdon) stood vigil around her coffin. Prior to that it was done for King George V in 1936 when his sons King Edward VIII, The Duke of York (later King George VI), the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent stood vigil around his coffin. 

 

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at Westminster Abbey. 

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew Duke of York and Prince Edward Earl of Wessex

Princess Anne, Princess Royal

 

King Charles III 

Prince Andrew Duke of York 

 

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex  

In support of the Queen's children and to pay respect to Queen Elizabeth II almost the entirety of the extended royal family were watching in Westminster Abbey on Friday night. 

 

Her daughter-in-laws Sophie Countess of Wessex and Camilla Queen Consort and son-in-law Sir Timothy Laurence. Behind Camilla is James, Viscount Severn the son of Prince Edward and youngest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II. 

 

The Queen's eldest grandchild and son of Princess Anne, Peter Phillips with his two daughters Savannah and Isla Phillips. 

 

The Queen's eldest granddaughter and daughter of Princess Anne, Zara Tindall with her husband Mike Tindall and her two eldest children Mia and Lena Tindall. 

 

Princess Eugenie of York and her husband Jack Brooksbank 

 

Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward and youngest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth's 1st cousin Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester 

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester 

Lady Rose Gilman, daughter of Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester with her family: husband George Gilman and children Lyla and Rufus Gilman. 

From L-R: Katharine Duchess of Kent, Prince Edward Duke of Kent, George Windsor Earl of St Andrews (Duke of Kent's eldest son) and his wife Sylvana Countess of St Andrews. 

 

Lord Nicholas Windsor, son of Prince Edward Duke of Kent.

 

Lady Helen Taylor, daughter of Prince Edward Duke of Kent 

From L-R: Columbus Taylor (Grandson of Prince Edward Duke of Kent), Prince Michael of Kent the Queen's 1st cousin and his wife Marie-Christine Princess Michael of Kent. 

Estella Taylor, granddaughter of Prince Edward Duke of Kent.

 

Lady Gabriella Kingston (nee Windsor) and her husband Thomas Kingston. Lady Gabriella is the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent. 

Lady Sophie Windsor (nee Winkelman) and her daughter Maud Windsor. Sophie is the daughter-in-law of Prince Michael of Kent. 

Tomorrow night around the same time, early morning for us Australians there will be a vigil for around 20 minutes as this one was, this time the vigil will be stood by Queen Elizabeth's 8 grandchildren. 

 

Vail Queen Elizabeth (Part three)

 In the last post Queen Elizabeth II's coffin had just arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne after a 500 mile journey from her beloved home in Balmoral. On Wednesday 14th September 2022 the Queen's coffin was transferred from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a procession. The Queen's four children King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, her three eldest grandsons Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips along with her nephew David Armstrong-Jones, Earl Snowdon (son of Princess Margaret) walked behind the coffin just as they did for their father Prince Philip last year. The children handed over their beloved mother to the state where the Queen's body will lie in state for the public to view her coffin until her funeral on Monday morning (evening for myself). 

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Once the coffin reached Westminster the entire royal family was there to farewell the Queen. A small service was held in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. 

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The Queen's coffin arriving at Westminster Abbey. 

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The Queen's children and children-in-law King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex pay their respects at Westminster Abbey. 

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The Queen's four eldest grandchildren Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Prince William and Prince Harry pay their respects along with their spouses Mike Tindall, Catherine Princess of Wales and Meghan Duchess of Sussex. 

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The Queen's youngest four grandchildren Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise and James Viscount Severn along with Beatrice and Eugenie's spouses Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank pay their respects at Westminster Abbey. 

From L-R: Daniel Chatto (husband of Lady Sarah), The Queen's Niece Lady Sarah Chatto (daughter of Princess Margaret), her son Arthur Chatto, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones (Earl of Snowdon's daughter) and Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley (Earl of Snowdon's son)

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Queen Elizabeth's nephew David Armstrong-Jones Earl of Snowdon and the Queen's first cousins Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester, Prince Edward Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent.

From L-R: Lady Amelia and Lady Marina Windsor the daughters of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews (grandchildren of  Prince Edward Duke of Kent) and Flora Ogilvy, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Princess Alexandra. 

 

From L-R: Marie-Christine Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Freddie Windsor (son of Prince Michael of Kent) and his wife Lady Sophie (formerly Winkelman)

Grandchildren of Princess Alexandra, Christian and Zenouska Mowatt.

Lady Davina Windsor and her mother Birgitte Duchess of Gloucester 

Vail Queen Elizabeth (Part Two)

Let's pick up where we left off with the last post. Monday, August 12th saw King Charles III with Camilla, Queen Consort address the British Parliament at Westminster Hall.

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Later that day Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was transferred from Holyrood Palace along the British Mile to rest in St Giles' Cathedral overnight. The Queen's four children accompanied her along the walk and stood vigil for about 15 minutes overnight. Princess Anne, Princess Royal made history by being the first female to participate in the Vigil of the Princes. 

The Queen's daughter-in-laws Camilla, Queen Consort and Sophie, Countess of Wessex and son-in-law Sir Timothy Laurence were at the Church to meet the procession. The children and children-in-law stayed for a special service as well.

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The Following day on September 13th  the Queen's coffin was transported from Scotland to London. Princess Anne once again accompanied the coffin. The Queen arrived home to Buckingham Palace for the final time late Tuesday night.

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In the meantime King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort visited Northern Ireland, met with the public and addressed the parliament. 

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Vail Queen Elizabeth II (Part one)

 The Queen is Dead...Long Live the King!

It is with great sorrow that we all heard of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom early Friday morning (in Australia), and Thursday evening for those living in the UK. Queen Elizabeth has been a solid figure in a world of ever increasing change. Her loss will be felt around the globe. 

The Queen's eldest son, Charles is now officially King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Charles is joined with his wife Camilla, Queen Consort. In a speech the day after his mother's passing the new King named his son William, now heir to the throne Prince of Wales and of course William's wife Catherine is now Princess of Wales. 

So much has happened over the last few days, let's unpack them. Given the late hour of the Queen's passing her mourning plan otherwise known as 'London Bridge' started on the Friday. On the Thursday the Queen's children along with her daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her two grandchildren Prince William and Prince Harry were informed of her ill health and rushed to her bedside in Balmoral, Scotland. Prince Harry who currently lives in the USA happened to be in London at the time. Unfortunately he arrived at his beloved Grandmother's bedside too late. 

On Friday King Charles and Camilla made their way back to London. Charles' siblings remained at Balmoral and were joined by their children. The new King met with the new British Prime Minister, Liz Truss.

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King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort return to London on Friday 9/9/22 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

On Saturday Charles was proclaimed King Charles III with much pomp and ceremony. Camilla, Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales were both in attendance. We also saw the Queen's children and grandchildren emerge from Balmoral to view all the beautiful tributes from members of the public. William, Catherine, Harry and Meghan met with the public at Windsor Castle. 

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The proclamation ceremony at St James' Palace, London with King Charles III, Camilla Queen Consort and William, Prince of Wales in attendance. 

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William Prince of Wales, Catherine Princess of Wales, Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex view the tributes outside Windsor Castle. 

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The Queen's children Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, their spouses Sir Timothy Laurence and their children Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Lady Louise view the tributes outside Balmoral. 

On Sunday the Queen's coffin began it's journey back to London. The first leg of the journey was the trip from Balmoral to Holyrood House Palace in Edinburgh. Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence accompanied the coffin on the 6 hour journey. They were met at Holywood by Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex. The coffin will lie in state for two days in Edinburgh. 

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Princess Anne accompanying her mother's coffin to Edinburgh. Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex accompany the coffin inside. 

So what happens today? Today Monday 12th of August King Charles III will address parliament with Camilla Queen Consort alongside him. Queen Elizabeth II's coffin will then travel up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. Here King Charles III along with other members of the Royal family will attend service before King Charles III begins a national tour of the country in honour of his mother's death. 

I will post pictures and update regularly on the progress of the mourning period of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Day 1 - Trooping of the Colour

 It's been over a year since I've posted, time just gets away from me. I couldn't let the past few days go by though without posting. The British royal family were out in full force over the last few days. Let's unpack the Platinum Jubilee Long weekend from Day 1. 

On Thursday June 2nd the Platinum Jubilee long weekend kicked off with Trooping of the Colour. This event starred Queen Elizabeth II and what she wanted to show the public - the future of the monarchy. This year only working members of the Royal Family were on the balcony, and sent a strong message that this was the future of the British Monarchy. Let's take a look at the day in pictures;

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The day started off with the 3 senior royal family members who have served in the army. Prince Charles, Prince William and Princess Anne on horse back. 

After the entrance of the servicemen we saw the carriage entrance;

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 In the slide show above you can see the entrance of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. In their first ever carriage entrance were the three children of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

The second carriage held Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn. 

The third and final carriage drew the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a first cousin of Her Majesty the Queen.

Following the entrance of senior members of the royal family we were able to catch a glimpse of other royals through the balcony windows. 

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In the images above you can see the daughters of Peter Phillip (granddaughters to Princess Anne, and great grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II) watching through the window. In the second image we see Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching from the window with their cousin Mia Tindall (Princess Anne's granddaughter via her daughter Zara) with Princess Beatrice standing watch in the background.

Finally we had the fly over where as mentioned above we saw the working members of the royal family front and centre. 

Embed from Getty Images From left to right we have; Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester, Birgitte Duchess of Gloucester, Katharine Duchess of Kent, Prince Edward Duke of Kent, Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne Princess Royal, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William Duke of Cambridge, Sophie Countess of Wessex, James Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Windsor and Prince Edward Earl of Wessex