Friday, June 26, 2015
Official announcement for the Death of the Duke of Fife
The 3rd Duke, aged 85, died peacefully at Kinnaird Castle on 22nd June.
Beloved father of Alexandra and David and adored grandpa to Charlie, George,
Hugh and Amelia. Funeral service on Monday 6th July at Noon, St. Andrew’s
Church, Argyll Street, Brechin, DD9 6JL. All friends welcome. No flowers please.
Donations,if desired, to www.bmycharity.com/scotsguardscolonelsfund
Ahhhh German censorship!
A year or so ago, Theodora Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg got into legal trouble in Scotland. She pleaded not guilty. She was fined £1000 in July 2014.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2672014/Partying-Princess-Beatrice-Chelsea-townhouse-Nazi-war-hero-grandfather-The-royal-lifestyle-disgraced-German-princess-boasted-killing-Muslims-St-Andrews-University-Oktoberfest.html
You won't find this case mentioned in the German media because of "privacy" laws. But there are plenty of stories -- and some really nasty ones too. All I did was report the facts of the case, nothing salacious. Theodora's lawyers (most likely funded by Daddy) tried to get me to remove stories last year. I pointed out a US law that protects me. I also sent links to really nasty articles, and added that the Daily Mail gets a lot more readers than I do ... and I bet the lawyers would not go after them. Got the following email today.
The story is still on my blog, but no longer accessible if you go through google.de. The EU passed a law several years ago about the right to "forgotten." Several German newspapers, covering the Germanwings crash, would not publish the name of the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, who committed mass murder.
This is censorship at the highest level. One assumes a cover up to hide the fact that an adult woman, with some anger issues, and a big, potty mouth. She made racist statements, and got fined. There should be no expunging of such bad behavior.
Hello,
Google has been notified that content in your blog contains allegedly infringing content that may violate the rights of others and the laws of their country. The infringing content that has been made unavailable can be found at the end of this message. For more information about this removal and how it affects your blog, please visit https://support.google.com/
Content Policy: https://www.blogger.com/
The Google Teamhttp://
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2672014/Partying-Princess-Beatrice-Chelsea-townhouse-Nazi-war-hero-grandfather-The-royal-lifestyle-disgraced-German-princess-boasted-killing-Muslims-St-Andrews-University-Oktoberfest.html
You won't find this case mentioned in the German media because of "privacy" laws. But there are plenty of stories -- and some really nasty ones too. All I did was report the facts of the case, nothing salacious. Theodora's lawyers (most likely funded by Daddy) tried to get me to remove stories last year. I pointed out a US law that protects me. I also sent links to really nasty articles, and added that the Daily Mail gets a lot more readers than I do ... and I bet the lawyers would not go after them. Got the following email today.
The story is still on my blog, but no longer accessible if you go through google.de. The EU passed a law several years ago about the right to "forgotten." Several German newspapers, covering the Germanwings crash, would not publish the name of the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, who committed mass murder.
This is censorship at the highest level. One assumes a cover up to hide the fact that an adult woman, with some anger issues, and a big, potty mouth. She made racist statements, and got fined. There should be no expunging of such bad behavior.
Hello,
Google has been notified that content in your blog contains allegedly infringing content that may violate the rights of others and the laws of their country. The infringing content that has been made unavailable can be found at the end of this message. For more information about this removal and how it affects your blog, please visit https://support.google.com/
Content Policy: https://www.blogger.com/
The Google Teamhttp://
Monday, June 22, 2015
Duke of Fife dead at 85
The Duke of Fife died today at his home at Kinnaird Castle in Scotland. He was 85 years old.
James George Alexander Bannerman Carnegie was born on September 23, 1929. He was the only son of the 11th Earl of Southesk (1893-1992) and his first wife, Princess Maud (1893-1945), younger daughter of Princess Louise, Princess Royal. and the 1st Duke of Fife. He was a maternal descendant of King William IV and Dorothea Jordan.
It was on February 26, 1959, when the then styled Lord Carnegie succeeded his maternal aunt, Princess Arthur of Connaught, Duchess of Fife (in her own right) as 3rd Duke of Fife. He succeeded his father as Earl of Southesk and chief of Clan Carnegie on February 16, 1992.
He married the Hon. Caroline Dewar, elder daughter of the 3rd Baron Forteviot, on September 11, 1956.
They had three children: a stillborn son (April 4, 1958), Lady Alexandra Carnegie (June 20, 1959) and David Charles Carnegie, Earl of Southesk (March 3, 1961).
The Duke and Duchess of Fife were divorced in 1966.
Lord Southesk succeeds his father as the 4th Duke of Fife. He is married to Caroline Bunting. They have three sons. Charles (1989), George (1992) and Hugh (1993.)
The eldest son, Charles, will most likely be styled as the Earl of Southesk, while the two younger brothers will be styled as Lord George and Lord Hugh Carnegie, as younger sons of a duke. They are currently styled as Honourables, as younger sons of an earl.
http://www.southesk.co.uk/home
http://elsick.co.uk/history/
James George Alexander Bannerman Carnegie was born on September 23, 1929. He was the only son of the 11th Earl of Southesk (1893-1992) and his first wife, Princess Maud (1893-1945), younger daughter of Princess Louise, Princess Royal. and the 1st Duke of Fife. He was a maternal descendant of King William IV and Dorothea Jordan.
It was on February 26, 1959, when the then styled Lord Carnegie succeeded his maternal aunt, Princess Arthur of Connaught, Duchess of Fife (in her own right) as 3rd Duke of Fife. He succeeded his father as Earl of Southesk and chief of Clan Carnegie on February 16, 1992.
He married the Hon. Caroline Dewar, elder daughter of the 3rd Baron Forteviot, on September 11, 1956.
They had three children: a stillborn son (April 4, 1958), Lady Alexandra Carnegie (June 20, 1959) and David Charles Carnegie, Earl of Southesk (March 3, 1961).
The Duke and Duchess of Fife were divorced in 1966.
Lord Southesk succeeds his father as the 4th Duke of Fife. He is married to Caroline Bunting. They have three sons. Charles (1989), George (1992) and Hugh (1993.)
The eldest son, Charles, will most likely be styled as the Earl of Southesk, while the two younger brothers will be styled as Lord George and Lord Hugh Carnegie, as younger sons of a duke. They are currently styled as Honourables, as younger sons of an earl.
 |
| @Allan Warren 1984 |
http://www.southesk.co.uk/home
http://elsick.co.uk/history/
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Princess Eugenie moves back to London for new job
Princess Eugenie to start a new job in London with Hauser & Wirth gallery, head hunted from Paddle8 in NYC, first reported by the Daily Telegraph.
Now that Eugenie is back in the UK, I don't expect Princess Beatrice to be move to New York City.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11687777/Duchess-of-York-completes-reconciliation-with-Royal-family-as-she-curtseys-to-the-Queen-at-Ascot.html
Now that Eugenie is back in the UK, I don't expect Princess Beatrice to be move to New York City.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11687777/Duchess-of-York-completes-reconciliation-with-Royal-family-as-she-curtseys-to-the-Queen-at-Ascot.html
Friday, June 19, 2015
European royals flee to Spain
June 19, 1940
An "impressive caravan of automobiles and trucks" streamed across the international bridge at Irun, Spain, just across the border from France, "with persons seeking refuge in Spain," reports United Press.
Former Empress Zita of Austria-Hungary was among the first to cross the border. She was accompanied by two siblings, Prince Xavier and Princess Isabella of Bourbon-Parma. They were "traveling incognito," but were recognized when they were "exempted at passport control."
Other European aristocrats also crossing the border from France into Spain include Elisabeth, Philippine and Eugenio de Rothschild, and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, who was accompanied by a "large party."
Due to the "increasing number of refugees," the Spanish government will keep the bridge open throughout the night.
An "impressive caravan of automobiles and trucks" streamed across the international bridge at Irun, Spain, just across the border from France, "with persons seeking refuge in Spain," reports United Press.
Former Empress Zita of Austria-Hungary was among the first to cross the border. She was accompanied by two siblings, Prince Xavier and Princess Isabella of Bourbon-Parma. They were "traveling incognito," but were recognized when they were "exempted at passport control."
Other European aristocrats also crossing the border from France into Spain include Elisabeth, Philippine and Eugenio de Rothschild, and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, who was accompanied by a "large party."
Due to the "increasing number of refugees," the Spanish government will keep the bridge open throughout the night.
Mafalda to wed Philipp of Hesse
June 19, 1925
The engagement of Princess Mafalda, second daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy, to Prince Philipp of Hesse was confirmed today by the Tribuna, a Roman newspaper, reports the Associated Press. The engagement was made public yesterday at a garden party given by Princess Mafalda's family.
The marriage will take place at Racconigi in late August or early September. The engagement has been "known in Berlin since April," but Italian newspapers chose not to report it until Princess Mafalda has informed her friends yesterday.
Prince Philipp, 29, is a nephew of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, as his mother, Margarete, is the Kaiser's youngest sister.
The engagement of Princess Mafalda, second daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy, to Prince Philipp of Hesse was confirmed today by the Tribuna, a Roman newspaper, reports the Associated Press. The engagement was made public yesterday at a garden party given by Princess Mafalda's family.
The marriage will take place at Racconigi in late August or early September. The engagement has been "known in Berlin since April," but Italian newspapers chose not to report it until Princess Mafalda has informed her friends yesterday.
Prince Philipp, 29, is a nephew of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, as his mother, Margarete, is the Kaiser's youngest sister.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Waterloo - 200th anniversary
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in Waterloo, Belgium, joining the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. The Duchess of Wellington was born HRH Princess Antonia of Prussia, and, like the Prince of Wales, is a descendant of Queen Victoria.
Meanwhile, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hosted a reception for Waterloo descendants, including the Marquess and Marchioness of Douro, Lord Frederick Wellesley, Jean-Christophe, Prince Napoleon. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Prince Pieter-Christiaan of Orange-Nassau, Prince Blücher and his family.
The new prince's name is
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| @Kungahuset.se |
HRH Prince Nicolas Paul Gustaf of Sweden, Duke of Angermanland.
http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/media/pressreleases/pressreleases/princessmadeleineandmrchristopheroneillhavehadason.5.751c664a14d8a76c8332c39.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Ashley Hicks popped the question & Kata said yes!
A sharped eyed twitter friend of mine noticed the Cobra ring and comments on Ashley Hicks' Instagram page and alerted me to the news that Ashley Hicks, 51, has popped the question to Katalina Sharkey de Solis (Kata de Solis). The engagement took place six days ago. So far, no official announcement of the engagement has been made.
Kata's name is a bit pretentious. She was born Kathryn Anne Sharkey on December 31, 1981 in Texas, daughter of William Thomas Sharkey and Rosalie Solis. Her parents live in Houston, Texas.
The ring: https://instagram.com/p/3wz4f7jV7z/?taken-by=ashleyhicks1970
https://instagram.com/p/36RZhlL5K3/?taken-by=katadesolis
Hicks is second of three children (and only son) of Lady Pamela Hicks, younger daughter of the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and the late designer, David Hicks.
Kata, recently director of digital at Chanel, is now Managing Director at the ad agency Moving Image and Content, She is 33 years old and lives in the East Village. She may be a native of Texas.
https://instagram.com/p/3-SYRGL5LQ/?taken-by=katadesolis
Ashley married Allegra Tondato in 1990, divorcing in 2010. They have two daughters, Angelica (1992) and Ambrosia (1997.) He is a godson of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a first cousin of Lady Pamela Hicks.
https://www.bibandtuck.com/users/katalina-sharkey-de-solis/featured
http://nypost.com/2014/05/14/scrunchies-enjoy-a-revival-as-summers-hottest-accessory/
http://observer.com/2014/04/dont-call-me-a-socialite/
http://www.ashleyhicks.com/
http://www.ashleyhicksfurniture.com/
Monday, June 15, 2015
The wedding of Countess Marie-Helene von Montgelas & Prince Friedrich-Leopold zu Ysenburg
The wedding took place on May 30th at Pfarrkirche St. Georg in Raitenhaslach.
All the photos were taken by Ulrike Bartsch, and she is the copyright holder. Thanks Ulrike for letting me use the photos!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Scandinavian princesses return home
June 9, 1960
King Frederik IX, Queen Ingrid and Princess Benedikte of Denmark were at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport, when a jet plane carrying "three Scandinavian princesses" returned home from the United States, reports the Associated Press.
The King and Queen and their second daughter, along with Premier Viggo Kampmann, to greet their eldest daughter, Princess Margrethe and her cousins, Princess Astrid of Norway and Princess Margaretha of Sweden.
The Danish royal family returned to Amalienborg castle, while Princess Astrid and Princess Margaretha changed planes for flights to Oslo and Stockholm, respectively.
King Frederik IX, Queen Ingrid and Princess Benedikte of Denmark were at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport, when a jet plane carrying "three Scandinavian princesses" returned home from the United States, reports the Associated Press.
The King and Queen and their second daughter, along with Premier Viggo Kampmann, to greet their eldest daughter, Princess Margrethe and her cousins, Princess Astrid of Norway and Princess Margaretha of Sweden.
The Danish royal family returned to Amalienborg castle, while Princess Astrid and Princess Margaretha changed planes for flights to Oslo and Stockholm, respectively.
24 kids and counting: Duke Roberto of Parma
June 9, 1905
Duke Roberto of Parma is a father again, reports the Marquise de Fontenoy. This is the 24th child for the former sovereign of Parma. He is without a doubt the "patriarch of European royalty."
The duke has been married twice. His first wife, Princess Maria Pia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies died in childbirth in September 1882. The infant was stillborn. Two years later, he married Infanta Maria Antonia of Portugal.
The newborn child is the 12th child for Roberto and his second wife. He also has five grandchildren. His eldest daughter, the late Princess Marie Louise, who was married to Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, gave birth to four children before her death. Her brother, Prince Elias is married to Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, and they have one daughter.
Roberto succeeded to the throne following the "mysterious and unpunished assassination" of his father in 1854, when he was only six years old. Five years later, he lost his throne when Piedmontese troops annexed Parma, an action that eventually led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
He and his family sought refuge in Switzerland. He eventually regained the right to live in Italy, but makes his home in Austria, where "he is accorded all the prerogatives and immunities with the utmost distinction and consideration."
Money is not an issue as the duke inherited the major portion of the fortune of his uncle and aunt, the Count and Countess de Chambord, as well as their chateau.
It is believed that the Duchess of Parma gave birth to a son, although this has not been confirmed.
Duke Roberto of Parma is a father again, reports the Marquise de Fontenoy. This is the 24th child for the former sovereign of Parma. He is without a doubt the "patriarch of European royalty."
The duke has been married twice. His first wife, Princess Maria Pia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies died in childbirth in September 1882. The infant was stillborn. Two years later, he married Infanta Maria Antonia of Portugal.
The newborn child is the 12th child for Roberto and his second wife. He also has five grandchildren. His eldest daughter, the late Princess Marie Louise, who was married to Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, gave birth to four children before her death. Her brother, Prince Elias is married to Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, and they have one daughter.
Roberto succeeded to the throne following the "mysterious and unpunished assassination" of his father in 1854, when he was only six years old. Five years later, he lost his throne when Piedmontese troops annexed Parma, an action that eventually led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
He and his family sought refuge in Switzerland. He eventually regained the right to live in Italy, but makes his home in Austria, where "he is accorded all the prerogatives and immunities with the utmost distinction and consideration."
Money is not an issue as the duke inherited the major portion of the fortune of his uncle and aunt, the Count and Countess de Chambord, as well as their chateau.
It is believed that the Duchess of Parma gave birth to a son, although this has not been confirmed.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Crown Prince Kardam of Bulgaria's funeral
The funeral of the late Crown Prince Kardam of Bulgaria took place this evening at the Los Jerónimos church in Madrid. The service was conducted according to the rites of the Orthodox church.
Karda,, the eldest son of King Simeon of Bulgaria, died on April 7, as the result of a car accident in August 2008 from which he never recovered. He was 52 years old.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands were among the guesss attending the funeral service. They will be accompanied by Princess Beatrix and Prince Laurentien, all of whom were close friends of the late prince. Princess Beatrix's second son, Prince Johan Friso died in August 2013 at the age of 44, 18 months after being buried in an avalanche. It took more than 20 minutes to dig Friso out, which meant that the prince suffered severe brain damage.
King Felipe V, Queen Letizia, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia greeted the Dutch royal family when they arrived at the church. Other guests included Infantas Elena and Cristina of Spain, Infanta Margarita of Spain, and her husband, Don Carlos Zurita, and son, Alfonso, Crown Princess Pavlos of Greece Princess Irene of Greece, Princess Cristina of Borbon-Two Sicilies and her husband, Don Pedro López-Quesada y Fernández Urrutia, the Duke and Duchess of Braganza, and Jaime de Marichalar, the former husband of Infanta Elena of Spain.
King Simeon and Queen Margarita arrived arm in arm with Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Kardam's wife, Crown Princess Miriam, and their sons, Prince Boris and Prince Beltran, were seen welcoming the other guests. Kardam's younger siblings, Princes Kyril, Konstantin, Kubrat and Kalina, and their families were also present. Prince Kyril's former wife, Rosario Nadal, also attended.
href="http://www.elmundo.es/album/loc/2015/06/08/5575da3a46163f143c8b458f_8.html">http://www.elmundo.es/album/loc/2015/06/08/5575da3a46163f143c8b458f_8.html
Friday, June 5, 2015
Princely wedding: Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg-Müller von Blumencron
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| The Prince and Princess of Lowenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg |
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| TSH Prince and Princess Felix |
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| All four photos: @Ulrike Bartsch |
On May 23 at the Wallfahrtskirche St. Maria in Dieburg, Germany, HSH Prince Felix of Lowenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg married Carina Müller v. Blumencron
Prince Felix (1984) is the third of four children of Prince Karl and Princess Maria-Assunta of Lowenstein-Wertheim Rosenberg (nee Freiin von Weichs zur Wenne). The new Princess Carina (1989) is the daughter of Markus Müller von Blumencron and his wife, Christiane von Gontard.
Prince Karl is the first cousin of the Prince of Lowenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.
My thanks to Ulrike Bartsch for allowing me the use these photos.
Another Hannover death
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| HRH Monika Princess of Hannover @Stig Nielsen |
Princess Monika was born August 8, 1929 at Laubach, the fourth of seven children of Georg, Count of Solms-Laubach (1899-1969) and Countess Johanna of Solms-Hohensolms-Lich (1905-1982).
Monika married in July 1981 to Prince Ernst August of Hannover, the then head of the royal house, as his second wife.
Her eldest sister, Irene (1925-2006) married Siegfried Count of Castell-Rüdenhausen (1916-2007). Their daughter, Donata, was first married to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, and is now the wife of Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg. Donata's son, Prince Georg Friedrich, is the head of the royal house of Prussia.
Monika is survived by her stepchildren, Countess Marie of Hochberg, Ernst August, Prince of Hannover, the Princess of Leiningen, Princess Olga of Hannover and Prince Heinrich of Hannover and her brother, Count Friedrich of Solms-Laubach, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The head of the Solms-Laubach family is Monika's nephew, Karl, eldest son of her eldest brother, Otto.
The death announcement for HRH Princess Alexandra of Hanover
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| The marriage of Princess Alexandra of Isenburg und Büdingen & Prince Welf Heinrich of Hannover on September 21, 1960. The bride is wearing the Hannover bridal crown, lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II. (Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection) |
Princess Charlotte's Baptism announced
THE CHRISTENING OF PRINCESS CHARLOTTE
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce the christening of Princess Charlotte will take place on Sunday, 5th July at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham.
Princess Charlotte will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce the christening of Princess Charlotte will take place on Sunday, 5th July at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham.
Princess Charlotte will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Down & Dirty in the Jakarta court
Hearings in the annulment-cum-cancellation marriage between Jessica Iskandar and Hereditary Count Ludwig zu Waldburg und Wolfegg und Waldsee continued today in a Jakarta court house.
According to the Google translation of this article, Ludwig has objected to the requested DNA test.
http://www.tabloidbintang.com/articles/berita/gosip/22728-pihak-ludwig-yakin-ada-tindak-kriminal-terkait-kasus-pernikahan-jessica-iskandar
Ludwig's lawyer is seeking a cancellation of the marriage as it did not meet "the formal requirements" of Indonesian law. Ludwig's lawyer also argued that his client never approved of a marriage as he is a Roman Catholic, and he states that fraud was committed in the testimony of Jessica's brother, and the officials who turned out to have no connection with the church where the alleged ceremony took place. The Church has admitted that none of their clergy performed a marriage between Jessica and Ludwig.
Ludwig's lawyers are still gathering evidence of an alleged crime of fraud, but not submitted a report to local police.
According to the Google translation of this article, Ludwig has objected to the requested DNA test.
http://www.tabloidbintang.com/articles/berita/gosip/22728-pihak-ludwig-yakin-ada-tindak-kriminal-terkait-kasus-pernikahan-jessica-iskandar
Ludwig's lawyer is seeking a cancellation of the marriage as it did not meet "the formal requirements" of Indonesian law. Ludwig's lawyer also argued that his client never approved of a marriage as he is a Roman Catholic, and he states that fraud was committed in the testimony of Jessica's brother, and the officials who turned out to have no connection with the church where the alleged ceremony took place. The Church has admitted that none of their clergy performed a marriage between Jessica and Ludwig.
Ludwig's lawyers are still gathering evidence of an alleged crime of fraud, but not submitted a report to local police.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Willem-Alexander and Maxima in Chicago
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| all photos @Mark Andersen |
One of my good friends, Chicago resident, Mark Andersen, took these photos earlier tonight. Wonder if Willem-Alexander and Maxima were heading to Subway?
Official comments from White House
For Immediate Release
June 01, 2015
Remarks by President Obama and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands After Meeting
Oval Office
11:37 A.M. EDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, it is a great honor to welcome His and Her Majesties, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. They have been wonderful friends to myself and Michelle and the girls, personally. I want to thank once and again the people of the Netherlands for the incredible hospitality they had shown us in the past, including most recently during the Nuclear Security Summit that took place in Amsterdam and The Hague.
We have 400 years of history between our two countries. In Europe, that doesn’t mean a lot, but in the United States that is as old as it gets. And so the Dutch are some of our oldest and more precious allies. That continues to this day.
We’ve had the opportunity to discuss the shared work that we do through NATO in making sure that the transatlantic relationship stays strong. We discussed the continuing challenges in Ukraine and the importance of making sure that the Minsk agreement moves forward. And I continue to make the solemn commitment to support the Dutch in the investigation of the Malaysia Airlines tragedy, and to make sure that not only is the truth brought forward, but there’s accountability for what took place.
We discussed our shared concerns in other parts of the world, including in the Middle East, where Dutch troops work alongside U.S. and other coalition members to help defeat ISIL and to stabilize Iraq.
We talked about the excellent work that the United States partnered with the Dutch when it comes to Ebola, and the work that still remains to be done around establishing the kind of health infrastructure that’s going to be so important to preventing diseases in the future.
I was particularly impressed with the outstanding work that Her Majesty the Queen is doing with the United Nations around inclusive financing. One of the things that we know is that all around the world there is enormous human potential that so often is locked up because of the difficulty of accessing capital. And the creative work that Her Majesty is doing in providing micro-loans and new mechanisms for credit, again, is making an enormous difference, particularly, I should add, when it is provided equally to women, who so often are even facing greater challenges in accessing capital.
And we discussed the ongoing work that we’ll be doing to build on the progress that’s been made over the last several years through the Nuclear Security Summit and the importance of non-proliferation.
So whether it’s in Afghanistan, whether it’s in public health issues, whether it’s in Europe and the need for us to maintain solidarity and uphold the principles that have been central to building a unified and peaceful Europe, the Netherlands has consistently been one of our greatest allies. And I think for His Majesty the King and Queen to have gone to Arlington and to honor not only the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but to meet some of that Greatest Generation who helped to liberate Europe and the Netherlands and to usher in this era of peace and prosperity is extraordinarily significant.
So many of our World War II veterans during the 70-year anniversary are at the twilight of their lives, and for them to hear directly from such important people how much of a difference they made and to get that recognition is truly significant. So I’m grateful, Your Majesty, for that, and even more grateful for the continuing friendship that the Dutch people have shown the United States of America.
KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, for your warm words of welcome here. On behalf of my wife and myself, we’re very thankful to be back at the White House. Great to see you again since last year at the Nuclear Security Summit.
First of all, I’d like to express my sympathy to the people in Texas and Oklahoma for their suffering in such severe weather conditions right now. The floodings are terrible. The victims and families are going through a rough time. And if we can help as the Netherlands, of course we are willing to help.
Second of all, my heartfelt condolences for Vice President Biden for a second big tragedy in his life, now losing a son while he is serving as best he can as Vice President here in the United States.
The main reason for our visit obviously was to thank the United States for what you’d done for us 70 years ago. Especially the 82nd and 101 Airborne have played a major role in liberating our country, taking away the Nazi oppression and giving us back justice and rule of law and freedom. And ever since that moment, we are grateful. And as long as the Netherlands exist, we will be grateful for the United States for giving that to us.
This morning, at Arlington, the wreath-laying ceremony, we honored those people that gave their utmost, their life, for our country. And speaking with the veterans and the Rosies was very impressive for us -- veterans that have liberated my country; the Rosies that took the place in the industry here and that kept this country running so that the men could fight on the other side of the ocean. Very, very impressive, I must say. And once again, USA, thank you very much for liberating us.
Those values that you stood for at the time and that were not available to us and we regained, we now stand shoulder by shoulder fighting ISIL -- “shoulder by shoulder,” meaning a small shoulder and a big shoulder. But still, we stand next to each other and we have the same values we want to defend facing ISIL.
So having said that, the next part of our visit will be also looking back at the Dutch history. First, Hudson of 1609, and then the first salutes to the American flag from the Island of Statia in November, 1776. When the Andrew Doria sailed there, the Dutch saluted the flag. And ever since, we’ve had a great bond with your country. Four and a half million Americans are from Dutch descent. You are the largest investor in our country; we are the third largest in your country. So this is really worthwhile to continue our relationship, and that’s what we are working on these days.
We’re going off to Michigan, to Holland, Michigan, to Grand Rapids, to see a lot of these descendants, and we’re going to Chicago, where we hope to have a party -- your hometown, obviously. But also the origin of House -- the House of Orange is hoping to see some good music there at Millennium Park and also look at some serious topics as healthy aging, urban farming, solar, and there a lot of things that we can learn from each other.
But once again, Mr. President, thank you very much for receiving my wife and myself here. It is great to see you again. All the best of luck for the United States.
Royal Couple at Nats Park
Even though the game was "reigned" out, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima did spend some time at Nationals Park, meeting with Veterans. The King signed a baseball. (Must find out if ball will be on display somewhere at park)
These photos are the copyright of the Netherlands Embassy.
These photos are the copyright of the Netherlands Embassy.
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| I love this photo .... |
Royal Couple at Congress
The King and Queen of the Netherlands made several stops at Congress yesterday on both sides (House and Senate) as well as a stop at the Rotunda, where they met the family of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi's daughter, Alexandra, is married to Dutch journalist, Michiel Vos. They have two sons.
By the time we got to Congress, the skies had opened, and it appears to be monsoon season D.C. Huge thunderbolts and lightning followed by gully washers, teaming rain. The Dutch press says it doesn't rain this like this in the Netherlands.
The final event for the evening was the King and Queen's visit to see the Washington Nationals baseball team. As EVERYONE knows, I am a huge Nats fan, so was looking forward to this.
Due to the heavy downpour, the game was first postponed. We were on the press bus outside the park, when we saw the motorcade pass by. We went in, went through security checks, got our credentials, and then ... the game was cancelled (until today).
It is assumed that the King and Queen did meet with the Lerner family before heading back to their hotel and a nice dinner at a local restaurant before heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan, today, for another round of official engagements. Tomorrow the King and Queen will be in Chicago.
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| Nancy Pelosi's grandson |
By the time we got to Congress, the skies had opened, and it appears to be monsoon season D.C. Huge thunderbolts and lightning followed by gully washers, teaming rain. The Dutch press says it doesn't rain this like this in the Netherlands.
The final event for the evening was the King and Queen's visit to see the Washington Nationals baseball team. As EVERYONE knows, I am a huge Nats fan, so was looking forward to this.
Due to the heavy downpour, the game was first postponed. We were on the press bus outside the park, when we saw the motorcade pass by. We went in, went through security checks, got our credentials, and then ... the game was cancelled (until today).
It is assumed that the King and Queen did meet with the Lerner family before heading back to their hotel and a nice dinner at a local restaurant before heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan, today, for another round of official engagements. Tomorrow the King and Queen will be in Chicago.
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