A son for Karina Medforth Mills-Metcalfe

"Her Royal Highness Princess Helena of Romania wishes to share her great joy of having become a grandmother for the fourth time. Her daughter, Elisabeta Karina de Roumanie Metcalfe, is the happy mother of a boy, Augustus Mihai de Roumanie Metcalfe, born at Durham University Hospital (United Kingdom) on May 23, 2024.

 

Elisabeta and her husband, Kurt, decided to announce the birth of their first child at the time of Augustus Mihai's christening, which will take place next Sunday, privately.

all three photos courtesy of HM Margareta, Custodian of the Crown

 Her Majesty Margareta is the Godmother of Elisabeta Karina. Princess Helena and her husband, Mr. Alexander Nixon, as well as Kurt's parents, are all looking forward to being together with their children next Sunday."

The couple were married at the Barnard Castle Registry Office, County Durham, on April 26, 2024. The wedding reception was held at the Morritt Arms Hotel in Barnard Castle.

 

Augustus is a QVD:   

Victoria - Alfred - Marie - Carol - Michael - Helen - Karina - Augustus

 

ADVISORS OF THE CROWN WELCOME PRINCE ALEXANDER AS PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF EDUCATION FOUNDATION

"Belgrade, 15 October 2024 – At the meeting of the Advisory Bodies of the Crown, which was held today at the Royal Palace, members of the Privy Council and the Crown Council, acknowledged and warmly welcomed the decision that HRH Prince Alexander, the youngest son of HRH Crown Prince Alexander, will take over the position of the Managing Board President of the Crown Prince’s Foundation for Education and Culture.

“I am very happy that my youngest son has shown great interest in the work of my Foundation and that he will have a more active role in its activities. I am very grateful to the Advisors of the Crown who have supported this decision and expressed their readiness to support Prince Alexander in the important duty he is taking over with their experience and advice. We are all looking forward to the new projects that we will implement together, to benefit our homeland and its future, by supporting students and youth”, said HRH Crown Prince Alexander.

In addition, Mr. Dusan Babac, Chairman of the Advisory Bodies of the Crown, informed present members that HRH Hereditary Prince Philip moved into the Thatched House with his family and started regular activities, as was discussed in the previous meeting of the Privy and the Crown Council, and that Academician Prof. Dr. Dušica Lečić Toševski is the new member of the Privy Council, welcoming her. Also, a short report about two important anniversaries – 90 years since the assassination of HM King Alexander I and 120 years of the coronation of HM King Peter I, and how these jubilees were marked, was presented.

@HRH Crown Prince Alexander (both photos)

Advisory Bodies of the Crown once again emphasized that they will continue providing support to HRH Crown Prince Alexander and the Royal Family of Serbia. "

 

Lady Pamela Hicks

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My review of Lady Pamela (Rizzoli:£60)  by India Hicks can be read here.  

https://royalbooknews.blogspot.com/2024/10/lady-pamela-by-india-hicks.html

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The book is excellent and highly recommended/

The Prince and Princess of Wales visit Southport

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The Princess of Wales joined the Prince of Wales at the Southport Community Centre in Southport, where they met with Emergency Service members.   On July 29,  Bebe King,6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, were killed in a mass stabbing at a children's Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space Community Centre. 

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Earlier they met privately with the families of the three young girls. 

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 Ten other people, including eight children, were injured in the attack.

The princess told the first responders: "For you to witness that, you need support yourselves."  She added: "I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. On behalf of them, thank you.  You're all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don't rush back to work."

 She was also asked about the three families: "They're OK. They're managing it differently. All the families are so different."

On September 9, the Princess of Wales announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatments.  She won't be declared cancer-free until she remains in remission for about five years.

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 King Charles visited Southport on August 20, meeting with local community emergency service members.

The Duke of Kent celebrates 89th Birthday

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 On the occasion of his 89th birthday, the Duke of Kent was serenadThree pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) serenaded with Hills of Biggar, Scotland the Brave and, of course, Happy Birthday. 

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The celebration occurred outside the Duke of Kent's home, Wren House, on the Kensington Palace estate. He was joined by his wife, the Duchess of Kent, who was wrapped in a blue shawl and confined to a wheelchair, his younger son, Lord Nicholas Windsor, and his brother, Prince Michael of Kent.

The Duke, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is the oldest working royal.  Between 1955 ND 1971, he was an officer with the Royal Scots Greys (now the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards), based in Hong Kong, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland.

He is also the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2011/06/duke-of-kent-marries-in-elaborite-rite.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2017/01/george-and-marina-pose-for-photo-on.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2015/10/hrh-duke-of-kent-celebrating-80-years.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2015/10/its-boy-for-duke-and-duchess-of-kent.html

Inquest will examine "effect of medication" on Thomas Kingston's mind

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Martin Poter, KC, told the Gloucester Coroner's Court today that Thomas Kingston's family was "advised that there could be a connection" between Kingston's medication and "his state of mind."

"The inquiry shouldn't be limited to the final cause of death, which is clear and obvious," Porter said.  The inquest, he added should include "Mr. Kingston's state of mind and whether that state of mind was affected by medication.

The name of the medication was not provided.

Thomas Kingston's death was "unexpected and impulsive," but, according to Porter, "there was no pre-planning.  On the contrary, there was planning for the future." 

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Gloucestershire's senior corner, Katy Skerrett, said: "The recent prescription should be part of the scope.  I agree with Mr. Porter, however, I do caveat strongly that whether a causative link will be established in a very different matter."

Mr. Kingston's parents attended the hearing.  Martin Kingston is expected to give evidence "on behalf of the family."  Thomas' widow, Lady Gabriella was not in the courtroom.

 Skerrett stated she wanted the inquest to happen before the end of this year.  "I am conscious of the family having some closure before the end of the year."

The court did not announce a date, but the inquest is expected to be heard in early December.

On February 25, Thomas Kingston, 45, was found dead with "catastrophic" head injuries in a building on his parents' property in the Cotswolds.  A gun was next to his body.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume sworn in as Lieutenant-Representative

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Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg was sworn in today as Lieutenant Representative a position that initiates the "transfer of duties," and the first step toward his succession as Grand Duke.    

"I am very proud to be able to support our head of state even more in his tasks today.  Grand Duke Henri signed the decree that made Guillaume as Lieutenant Representative.  The ceremony took place in the Grand Ducal Palace.  

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This was followed by a ceremony at the Parliament, where he swore an oath to Luxembourg's Constitution. 

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Numerous citizens, waiting outside Parliament and the Palace, were eager to greet and take selfies with their future Grand Duke. 

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After the ceremonies, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess hosted a reception at the Palace.

@Maison Grand Duc/Kary Barthlemey

Grand Duke Henri, 69, has already decided when he will abdicate, but will not yet announce the date.  "However, it is clear that it won't take an eternity," he said in an interview.  

He will celebrate his 70th birthday on April 16, 2025.  

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Henri became the Lieutenant Representative on March 4, 1998.  Following the latter's abdication on October 7, 2000, he succeeded his father, Grand Duke Jean.   

@Collections of the Grand Ducal Court

  

The eldest son of Grand Duchess Charlotte, Jean was named Lieutenant Representative on April 28, 1961.   Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated on November 12, 1964, and Jean became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume is married to Countess Stephanie Lannoy. They have two sons, Prince Charles, 4, and Prince Francois, nearly 18 months old. 

The official announcement by Grand Duke Henri was made on June 23, 2024.

https://monarchie.lu/fr/actualites/sar-le-grand-duc-heritier-designe-lieutenant-representant

Matthew Kumar unable to Practice law in CA ... for now

 

Although this suspension was expected, it is different from what you want to hear while you are on your honeymoon.

Kumar married Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark on September 28.

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"The court orders that Matthew J. Kumar (Respondent), State Bar Number 283521, is suspended from the practice of law in California for one year, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and Respondent is placed on probation for one year subject to the following conditions: 

1. Respondent is suspended from the practice of law for the first 90 days of probation; 

2. Respondent must also comply with the other conditions of probation recommended by the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on May 21, 2024; 

and 3. At the expiration of the period of probation, if Respondent has complied with all conditions of probation, the period of stayed suspension will be satisfied and that suspension will be terminated. Respondent must provide to the State Bar’s Office of Probation 

Respondent must provide to the State Bar’s Office of Probation proof of taking and passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination as recommended by the Hearing Department

in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on May 21, 2024. Failure to do so may result in suspension. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.10(b).)

Respondent must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 9.20, and perform the acts specified in (a) and (c) of that rule within 3O and 40 calendar days, respectively, after the date this order is filed. (Athearn v. State Bar (1982) 32 Cal.3d 38, 45 [the operative date for identification of clients being represented in pending matters and others to be notified is the filing date of this order] .) Failure to do so may result in disbarment or suspension. Respondent must also maintain the records of compliance as required by the conditions of probation.

Respondent must pay monetary sanctions to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund in the amount of $1,500 in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6086.13 and rule 5.137 ofthe Rules of Procedure of the State Bar. Monetary sanctions are enforceable as money judgment and may be collected by the State Bar through any means permitted by law.

Costs are awarded to the State Bar in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6086.10 and are enforceable both as provided in Business and Professions Code section 6140.7 and as money judgment, and may be collected by the State Bar through any means permitted by law."

https://discipline.calbar.ca.gov/portal/DocumentViewer/Index/Nq8K5rSUPYpLObTb38iZw-YFRbAkaKJ0_uCriW5qQ_7dMEPsFmvJr4o_KEyhdJAHfiVcSG0NZSLGj9TBOcuK3PmnU8Bc-mDbwJj1F1PfDCA1?caseNum=SBC-23-O-30864&docType=Disposing%20Document&docName=Supreme%20Court%20Order%20-%20Final%20Discipline&docTypeId=266&isVersionId=False&p=0

For Kumar's license to be reactivated, he must follow the requirements in the court order, issued on September 4th.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2024/09/a-black-cloud-hovers-over-matthew-kumar.html

Count Franz Schenk von Stauffenberg weds Katja Tegeder

 

Count and Countess Franz Schenk von Stauffenberg

The marriage between Count Franz Clemens Gabriel Ludwig Ghislain Maria Schenk von Stauffenberg and Katja Sophia Tegeder took place on September 7 at St. Veit-Michaelskirche in Heiligenstadt.

The officiant was Father Wolfgang Dichgans, the son of Joseph Dichgans and Countess Eleonore von Waldburg-Zeil.

Franz is the son of Count Alexander Otto Philipp Eckart Berthold MariaSchenk von Stauffenberg (1954) and H Ill H Countess Maria-Anna Gabrielle Ghislaine (1960).  The groom was born in 1993.  He is a great-great nephew of Count Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg who was executed in 1944 after a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. 

Duke Alexander of Oldenburg and Pauline von Pezold

Archduchess Maria and Archduke Simeon of Austria

Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria and her husband, Prince Peter Galitzine

Prince Oskar of Prussia

Countess Maria Anna is the daughter of the late Paul, Prince von Quadt zu Wykradt und Isny (1930-2011) and HRH Princess Marie-Charlotte of Bavaria (1931-2018), daughter of Duke Albrecht of Bavaria and a granddaughter of Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria by his first wife, Duchess Marie Gabriele in Bavaria.

 Count and Countess Franz Clemens of Waldburg-Zeil 

Archduke Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria

Count Franz (the groom) with his mother, Countess Maria-Anna.  Count Antonius Keglevich is the man in front of them

The reception was held at Schloss Greifenstein, owned by Count Franz's uncle, Count Christoph Schenk von Stauffenberg.

Duke Franz of Bavaria, head of the royal house, with his partner Thomas Greinwald.  The couple have been together since 1980.

The wedding guests included Duke Franz von Bayern and his partner, Thomas Greinwald, Archduke Carl Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria, Archduke Carl Peter of Austria, Archduke Simeon and Archduchess Maria of Austria, Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria and her husband, Prince Peter Galitzine, Prince Oskar of Prussia,  the Prince and Princess of Quadt zu Wykradt und Isny and their three daughters, Countesses Philippa, Charlotta and Anna, Prince and Princess Erich von Lobkowicz with their son Prince Felix, and daughter, Princess Anna and her husband, Count Albrecht zu Eltz, Princes Josias and Johannes von Waldeck-Pyrmont, Prince and Princess Louis (Helene) von Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg, along with Helene's parents, Kilian and Christina von Petzold and her sisters, Sophie and Pauline, Count and Countess Franz Clemens von Waldburg Zeil Hohenems with their daughter, Cecilie,  Count and Countess Stephan von Waldburg Zeil, Count and Countess Antonius  Keglevich, Baroness Carl von  Lerchenfeld (Countess Walburga von Waldburg-Zeil) and her sister, Countess Gabriele von Waldburg-Zeil and her husband, Count Bernard de Monseignat, Countesses Elisabeth and Charlotte von Waldburg-Zeil (daughters of the Prince of Waldburg zu Zeil).

Hereditary Prince Louis of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg

Count Moritz von Drechsel

Baroness Sophie von Elverfeldt, the Hereditary Princess of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg, Pauline von Pezold, and their father, Kilian von Pezold

All of the photos were taken by a friend, who is the copyright holder.    I thank her for allowing me to use the images.

A Cousin comes to Romania

 

@Daniel Angelescu, Romanian Royal House

Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Throne, and HRH Princess Marie of Romania welcomed HSH Princess Eleonore of Schaumburg-Lippe to the Elisabeta Palace on October 2nd.

Princess Eleonore-Christine Eugenie Benita Feodora Maria of Schaumburg-Lippe is the only child of the late Prince Waldemar Stephan Ferdinand Wolrad Friedrich Karl of Schaumburg-Lippe (1940-2020) and his first wife, Anne-Lise Johansen (1946-1994), a Danish royal photographer,   The princess was born in Horsolm, Denmark on December 12, 1978.

She earned a Master of Arts in Security and Diplomacy from the Școala Națională de Studii Politice și Administrative (SNSPA, The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration), located in Bucharest, Romania.    This was an English-language program.

The princess lives in Copenhagen, where she works as a freelance writer for several publications.  Her father died in the USA on August 11, 2020.  She told Ekstra Bladet, a Danish newspaper that she last spoke to her father on August 8.   In a Facebook post two days after her father's death,  Eleonore wrote:

"It is with great sadness that I regret to announce that my father Prince Waldemar has fallen asleep peacefully on the morning of Tuesday 11 August in the USA (Not Corona-related). Only this evening have I been briefed. I have lots of wonderful words and experiences I would like to tell about my father, the best father in the world, but I am far too shocked and cannot find the right words for now - other than the feeling of a great love for my father. in my heart."

HM Margareta and Princess Eleonore are descendants of King Christian IX of Denmark

Christian IX - Vilhelm (George I) - Constantine I - Helen - Michael - Margareta

King George I of the Hellenes (Vilhelm of Denmark)

Christian IX - Valdemar - Margrethe - Anne - Margareta

Princess Margrethe with her father, Prince Valdemar of Denmark

Christian IX - Frederik VIII - Louise - Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe - Waldemar - Eleonore

Princess Louise of Denmark and Prince Friedrich of Schaumburg-Lippe

Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe with his sons, Prince Wilhelm and Prince Waldemar

Christian IX - Frederik VIII - Harald -Feodora - Waldemar -Eleonore.

Prince Harald

the wedding of Princess Feodora of Denmark and Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe

Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe and Princess Feodora of Denmark were first cousins.  

All of the black and white images are from the Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS’ MONASTERY VISIT ROYAL PALACE

 

Belgrade, 2 October 2024 – TRH Hereditary Prince Philip and Princess Danica welcomed today members of the Society of Friends of the Holy Archangels Monastery near Prizren to the Royal Palace. Their Royal Highnesses greeted the guests, and on this occasion, Mr. Bojan Babić, the President of the Society, presented the Hereditary Prince with a Certificate of Appreciation. 

"Today I had the great pleasure of receiving representatives of the Society of Friends of the Holy Archangels Monastery near Prizren, on the occasion of the celebration of 20 years of existence and active work of the Society. Since I moved to Serbia, I have followed the work of the Society and had the pleasure of being a guest with my family at the celebration of Ascension Day (Ser. Spasovdan), the Patron Saint Day of the city of Prizren, as well as visiting this old town on Bistrica River, our sanctuaries and cultural monuments. I was happy and fulfilled that I was the first Karađorđević since my great-grandfather King Alexander I, who walked through Prizren, a city that my ancestors felt deeply about, and that I had the opportunity to take my son Stefan with me.

The Society, in these difficult times in Kosovo and Metohija, functions as a specific cultural centre of the Serbs in Prizren, with its headquarters in the Monastery of the Holy Archangels, preserving and nurturing our culture. With my wife, I supported the work of the Holy Archangels Summer School of Calligraphy and History for children, which the Society organizes every summer in the Holy Archangels Monastery near Prizren, and sent the message that the education of young people, especially children, about the tradition, culture, spirituality and heritage of the Serbian people in ancient Prizren, is of exceptional importance for the preservation of our heritage in these difficult times in Kosovo and Metohija, and perseverance on that path is the most important undertaking of our generation. Over the past 20 years, the society has done a lot to protect and restore cultural monuments in the city and its surroundings, organized events that preserved the identity, continuity and presence of the Serbian people, and with the original intention to restore the Monastery of the Holy Archangels after the Pogrom of 2004 and help life in it, they have come a long way”, said HRH Hereditary Prince Philip.

As it is stated, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Society of Friends of the Monastery of the Holy Archangels near Prizren and the tireless work of its members and associates to preserve cultural and historical heritage of the Monastery of the Holy Archangels, Imperial Prizren, the Holy Land of Kosovo and Metohija, and the spiritual and national identity of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

@Crown Prince Alexander  all photos

From its foundation and first goal - the restoration of the monastery and helping the brotherhood to stay and survive in it, until today, the Society has been involved in the restoration of sacred sites and cultural heritage, the inclusion of displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohija, children, young people and many others in the spiritual life in the area of Prizren and Kosovo and Metohija, realized numerous pilgrimages, a rich cultural and artistic program, and several manifestations and festivals of local and international reach.

“The society restored the church of Saint Panteleimon, the church of the Holy Doctors (Ser. Sveti Vraci), and is working on the restoration of the church of Saint Nicholas (Rajkove), restored the cross on the church of Saint Savior, arranged the atrium and the plateau; It organized numerous trips and pilgrimages, published many publications related to Prizren and Kosovo and Metohija; It organizes “Medimus”, an international festival of medieval music that promotes Serbian culture and heritage in the world in the most beautiful way, as well as many other activities that gather scattered Prizren residents and friends and bring them back to their town. It is a great honour for me that Mr. Bojan Babić, the President of the Society, presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation on the occasion of 20 years of work. It is a privilege, but also a duty and obligation, to continue rebuilding our life in Prizren. Thank you, friends, see you in Prizren!" concluded HRH Hereditary Prince Philip.

 

The Princess of Wales at today's investiture ceremony

 

@Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales publicly appeared today at the Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.  The Prince of Wales carried out the investitures.

Catherine attended the ceremony to meet 16-year-old Liz Hatton, who lives in Harrogate.  The young woman is battling a desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a "rare and aggressive cancer."  Liz's mom told the BBC her daughter was diagnosed in January.  Doctors say the young girl has between "six months and three years to live."

The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in March.  Last month she completed chemotherapy, but it will be several years before she can be declared cancer-free.

@Kensington Palace

The Prince and Princess invited Liz and her family to Windsor, and the Prince asked her to photograph the investitures, which he carried out on behalf of the King.

Liz's parents set up a GoFundMe for their daughter to see a US doctor who specializes in her cancer.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/5psegv-help-elizabeth

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a62489318/kate-middleton-16-year-old-cancer-patient-windsor-castle/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx99en9n9qjo

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/desmoplastic-small-round-cell-tumour-b2504052.html

https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/health/harrogate-grammar-school-mother-blown-away-as-classmates-raise-ps25000-for-daughter-with-rare-form-of-cancer-4538478

Princess Beatrice is expecting a second baby in the spring