Princess Caroline has confirmed that she is going to be a grandmother early next year.
Paris Match's Royal Blog contacted the Princess' office, and the princess' office released a statement: Princess Caroline is "happy to confirm the wonderful news."
Earlier in the week, Caroline's future daughter-in-law, Tatiana Santo Domingo told a Spanish newspaper on Tuesday night, La Voz Libre: "Yes, I'm expecting a child. I'm pregnant."
Tatiana, who is the fiancee of Caroline's elder son, Andrea Casiraghi, is expected to give birth in January. She told the Spanish newspaper that she and Andrea plan to marry in the spring or summer of 2013.
Although Andrea is in succession to the Monegasque throne, he is not a member of the Sovereign Family, and, thus, is not required to seek approval from Uncle Albert for his marriage. Those who believe Andrea is a member of the Sovereign family of Monaco are woefully, and sadly, misinformed.
There are only four members of the Sovereign family: the Prince and Princess of Monaco, the Princess of Hanover and Princess Stephanie.
Illegitimate children do not have rights to the succession. This means Albert's two children, Jazmin Grimaldi and Alexandre Costa, cannot succeed to the throne, although they have rights to a part of Albert's private fortune.
Legitimated children -- children who are born before the parents marry -- do have succession rights, per French and Monegasque law. This means Princess Stephanie's two older children are in line, but not Stephanie's youngest child, Camille.
Baby Casiraghi will not be a dynast until mommy and daddy tie the knot. One would hope that they would do the right thing, and have a quiet civil wedding before the baby is born, so the baby would be legitimate, rather than legitimated.
http://www.parismatch.com/Royal-Blog/Monaco/Actu/EXCLU.-Caroline-de-Monaco-confirme-l-heureuse-nouvelle-Andrea-attend-un-enfant-444724/
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Prince George of Russia dead at 35
November 8, 1938
Prince George of Russia, a great-grandson of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia died yesterday at Post-Graduate Hospital in New York City, according to the New York Times. Prince George was 35 years old.
The cause of death of pneumonia which he had developed after undergoing an appendectomy at the end of August.
He had lived in New York City since 1929.
A memorial service was held last night at the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ our Saviour at 121st Street and Madison Avenue. The funeral was held this morning at the same church, and the prince's remains will be interred at Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Princess Paul Chavchavadze and her sister, Princess Xenia, second cousins of Prince George, will represent the family at the funeral, although Grand Duchess Marie may return from Chicago in time to join the other mourners.
Prince George Constantinovitch of Russia was born at St. Petersburg on April 23, 1903, the third son of Grand Duke Constantine Constantovich and Princess Elisabeth of Saxe-Altenberg. His father died at Pavlovsk in 1915.
The prince's oldest brother, Prince Ioann, was shot and killed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
After the outbreak of the Russian Revolution, the young prince was sent to Sweden for safety. In England, he entered the "decorating business," and at the age of 24, he received a commission to design several rooms at the American Embassy in London.
Nine years ago, Prince George sailed from Liverpool to visit the United States. He planned to stay for only three months but eventually decided to make New York City his home. For several years, he was employed by Sax Fifth Avenue in New York City and in Palm Beach.
Three months before he became ill, he was "associated" with J.J. Vincent, the concert manager.
Prince George was unmarried. He is survived by his brother, Prince Gabriel, who lives in France, and two sisters, Princess Tatiana and Princess Vera, who live in Switzerland and Germany, respectively.
George's mother, Grand Duchess Elisabeth died in 1927.
Archduchess Maria Immakulata accused to trying smuggle treasurers out of country
November 8, 1922
Former Archduchess Maria Immakulata, one of the "proscribed Habsburgs" is being detained by police "on a charge of attempting to smuggle out of the country treasures from the family palace."
According to the Associated Press' correspondent in Vienna, the archduchesses is alleged to have entered Austria with a forged passport, "too up lodgings in an obscure quarter of the city," and succeeded in bringing to the train station "fourteen cases containing pictures, plate and other valuables."
Only two weeks ago, the Arbeiter Zeitung reported that former Archduke Friedrich succeeded in smuggling from his former palace in Vienna to his estate in Hungary, "eighty cases of valuables, including precious metals and gold coin to the value of $33,000."
Former Archduchess Maria Immakulata, one of the "proscribed Habsburgs" is being detained by police "on a charge of attempting to smuggle out of the country treasures from the family palace."
According to the Associated Press' correspondent in Vienna, the archduchesses is alleged to have entered Austria with a forged passport, "too up lodgings in an obscure quarter of the city," and succeeded in bringing to the train station "fourteen cases containing pictures, plate and other valuables."
Only two weeks ago, the Arbeiter Zeitung reported that former Archduke Friedrich succeeded in smuggling from his former palace in Vienna to his estate in Hungary, "eighty cases of valuables, including precious metals and gold coin to the value of $33,000."
Christmas presents
 |
| Photo by Sophie de Roumanie |
I cannot recommend enough the work of a friend, Sophie de Roumanie. She is an enormously gifted photographer -- take a look at her website, and do a little Christmas shopping -- note cards make great Christmas presents. Or a nice framed print of one of Sophie's photographs.
I love the Christmas card photo. Sophie shoots traditional Breton scenes, flowers, forestry, people ... absolutely breathtaking! Real talent. Stunning images.
http://sophie-de-roumanie.artistwebsites.com/
You can go to Walmart or Target and get cheap looking cards ... or you can order a selection of cards from Sophie de Roumanie .. great work, good product. Worth the investment. Worth the price.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Royal engagement: Belgium-Luxembourg
November 7, 1952
Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium is to marry Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, according to an official announcement made earlier today in Brussels.
The marriage will link members of two reigning royal houses.
Princess Josephine-Charlotte, 25, is the older sister of King Baudouin of Belgium. She is the eldest child of King Leopold III of the Belgians and his late wife, Queen Astrid.
Hereditary Grand Duke Jean is the eldest child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and her husband, Prince Felix.
Princess Josephine Charlotte is very popular in Belgium, reports the New York Times. She was "hailed by large crowds" when she and her family returned to live in Belgium in 1949. The royal family had been living in Switzerland after King Leopold was "voted off the throne" by the Belgian Parliament.
Jean, 31, serves with Britain's Irish Guards. He took party in the invasion of Normandy, and took part in the liberation.
No date has been set for the wedding.
Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium is to marry Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, according to an official announcement made earlier today in Brussels.
The marriage will link members of two reigning royal houses.
Princess Josephine-Charlotte, 25, is the older sister of King Baudouin of Belgium. She is the eldest child of King Leopold III of the Belgians and his late wife, Queen Astrid.
 |
| Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection |
Princess Josephine Charlotte is very popular in Belgium, reports the New York Times. She was "hailed by large crowds" when she and her family returned to live in Belgium in 1949. The royal family had been living in Switzerland after King Leopold was "voted off the throne" by the Belgian Parliament.
Jean, 31, serves with Britain's Irish Guards. He took party in the invasion of Normandy, and took part in the liberation.
No date has been set for the wedding.
Carol wants Mum to leave the country
King Carol II of Romania wants his mother, Dowager Queen Marie, to leave Romania "because of a new quarrel between them," Balkan diplomatic sources have told the Associated Press.
The quarrel is said to be based on a letter blaming Carol for "bad conditions in the country."
It has been alleged that Queen Marie sent the letter to Princess Helen, Carol's former wife, who, in turn, sent the letter to the King.
Helen apparently sent the letter to Carol to show "what kind of a person he is and what his own mother thinks of him."
This incident has apparently increased tensions at the court between Carol and his mother. He refused to "hear anything" about her and is demanding that she "live abroad.
Crown Princess Marie Jose is expecting another baby
November 7, 1936
The New York Times is reporting that the Crown Princess of Italy is expecting a second child in January. It is "understood" that the announcement will be made at the end of the month by Admiral Costanzo Ciano, president of the Chamber of Deputies, when the chamber convenes.
The former Princess Marie Jose of Belgium is married to Crown Prince Umberto of Italy. The couple's first child, a daughter, was born in September 1934. The birth of a princess "disappointed Italian hopes" as only males can succeed to the throne in Italy.
Grand Duchess Marie to open exhibit
November 7, 1936
Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna of Russia will open "an exhibition of paintings of Spanish folk costumes" at the Arden Gallery, which is located at 460 Park Avenue. This will take place on Wednesday at a private reception, reports the New York Times.
The paintings are by Elizabeth Whitney Moffat and Gratiana de Gardilanne.
The honorary chairman of the committee of patrons is former Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain.
Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna of Russia will open "an exhibition of paintings of Spanish folk costumes" at the Arden Gallery, which is located at 460 Park Avenue. This will take place on Wednesday at a private reception, reports the New York Times.
The paintings are by Elizabeth Whitney Moffat and Gratiana de Gardilanne.
The honorary chairman of the committee of patrons is former Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain.
Will Ingrid marry the Prince of Wales?
November 7, 1932
The Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden have arrived in England, according to the New York Times, and were met at the railroad station by the Crown Princess' mother, the Dowager Marchioness of Milford Haven. The royal couple will be staying with Lady Milford Haven at Kensington Palace.
The Swedish media are abuzz with reports that the Crown Prince's daughter, Princess Ingrid, will become engaged to an "English prince," during her father and stepmother's visit.
Swedish officials believe that the English prince is none other than the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, and not his younger brother, Prince George, Duke of Kent.
Several Swedish newspapers report Princess Ingrid will return to England following the engagement announcement.
Princess Ingrid's mother is the late Princess Margaret of Connaught, who died in 1920.
The Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden have arrived in England, according to the New York Times, and were met at the railroad station by the Crown Princess' mother, the Dowager Marchioness of Milford Haven. The royal couple will be staying with Lady Milford Haven at Kensington Palace.
The Swedish media are abuzz with reports that the Crown Prince's daughter, Princess Ingrid, will become engaged to an "English prince," during her father and stepmother's visit.
Swedish officials believe that the English prince is none other than the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, and not his younger brother, Prince George, Duke of Kent.
Several Swedish newspapers report Princess Ingrid will return to England following the engagement announcement.
Princess Ingrid's mother is the late Princess Margaret of Connaught, who died in 1920.
Katherine Elkins sends telegram to Abruzzi
November 7, 1908
Miss Katherine Elkins has sent a cablegram to the Duke of Abruzzi, "expressing her sympathy for him on the anniversary" of his mother's death, according to a Los Angeles Times dispatch.
The Duke's mother died November 8, 1876.
Miss Elkins is the daughter of Senator Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia.
Miss Katherine Elkins has sent a cablegram to the Duke of Abruzzi, "expressing her sympathy for him on the anniversary" of his mother's death, according to a Los Angeles Times dispatch.
The Duke's mother died November 8, 1876.
Miss Elkins is the daughter of Senator Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia.
Tatiana Santo Domingo is pregnant
Tatiana Santo Domingo, the fiancee of Andrea Casiraghi, IS expecting a baby. She told the Spanish magazine, La Voz Libre, that she is six months pregnant. She also said the baby is due in January. The wedding will take place after the baby is born.
Under Monegasque law, the baby will gain succession rights after Andrea and Tatiana marry as legitimated children can succeed to the princely throne. But it would make a lot more sense if the couple had their civil ceremony before the baby is born.
Andrea's mother, Princess Caroline, knew to do the right thing on two occasions. She was pregnant when she married Stefano Casiraghi and again when she married Prince Ernst August of Hanover.
If Princess Charlene does not have a child, the succession will pass to Caroline and then her eldest son. Princess Caroline needs to impress upon her son and his fiancee to marry in a civil ceremony before the baby arrives, and then wait to have the boho-chic religious wedding.
This will be the first grandchild for Princess Caroline.
http://www.bunte.de/royals/andrea-casiraghi-seine-verlobte-ist-schwanger_aid_36314.html
Under Monegasque law, the baby will gain succession rights after Andrea and Tatiana marry as legitimated children can succeed to the princely throne. But it would make a lot more sense if the couple had their civil ceremony before the baby is born.
Andrea's mother, Princess Caroline, knew to do the right thing on two occasions. She was pregnant when she married Stefano Casiraghi and again when she married Prince Ernst August of Hanover.
If Princess Charlene does not have a child, the succession will pass to Caroline and then her eldest son. Princess Caroline needs to impress upon her son and his fiancee to marry in a civil ceremony before the baby arrives, and then wait to have the boho-chic religious wedding.
This will be the first grandchild for Princess Caroline.
http://www.bunte.de/royals/andrea-casiraghi-seine-verlobte-ist-schwanger_aid_36314.html
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
A message from Queen Elizabeth II
 |
| Copyright: British Monarchy/Press Association |
A MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN
To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to gover...
n yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately. (You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.)
Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except North Dakota, which she does not fancy).
Your new Prime Minister, David Cameron, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.
Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.
To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:
-----------------------
1. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour,' 'favour,' 'labour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise.' Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary').
------------------------
2. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as ''like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as U.S. English. We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u'' and the elimination of '-ize.'
-------------------
3. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.
-----------------
4. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist, then you're not ready to shoot grouse.
----------------------
5. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.
----------------------
6. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.
--------------------
7. The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.
-------------------
8. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.
-------------------
9. The cold, tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable, as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of the British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.
---------------------
10. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialect in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.
Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except North Dakota, which she does not fancy).
Your new Prime Minister, David Cameron, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.
Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.
To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:
-----------------------
1. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour,' 'favour,' 'labour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise.' Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary').
------------------------
2. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as ''like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as U.S. English. We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u'' and the elimination of '-ize.'
-------------------
3. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.
-----------------
4. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist, then you're not ready to shoot grouse.
----------------------
5. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.
----------------------
6. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.
--------------------
7. The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.
-------------------
8. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.
-------------------
9. The cold, tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable, as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of the British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.
---------------------
10. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialect in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.
[note: Andie McDowell played an American in this movie]
---------------------
11. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies).
---------------------
12. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.
--------------------
13.. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.
-----------------
14. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).
---------------
15. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 p.m. with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.
God Save the Queen!
---------------------
11. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies).
---------------------
12. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.
--------------------
13.. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.
-----------------
14. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).
---------------
15. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 p.m. with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.
God Save the Queen!
Monday, November 5, 2012
A Georgetown graduation
 |
| Photo by Marlene A. Eilers Koenig |
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia receive honorary degrees from Georgetown University in May 1995.
A lovely Queen Sofia
 |
| Photo by Marlene A. Eilers Koenig |
Queen Sofia in New York City in 1987 at a roof top reception. A gorgeous afternoon.
Family group - in Lausanne
 |
| Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection |
Members of the Spanish royal family gather in Lausanne to celebrate Christmas with Queen Ena in December 1965.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)