News and commentary about the reigning royal houses of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Monaco -- and the former European monarchies as well.
From the Danish Royal House's Communications office.
"Since the Constitution of 1849, it has been a tradition that Danish regents are proclaimed from Christiansborg Castle at a change of throne.
Thus both HM The Queen and Frederik IX were proclaimed from Christiansborg Castle in 1972 and 1947 respectively. Twice, however, a king has been proclaimed from Amalienborg.
The first time was on 30 January 1906, when Frederik VIII assumed the throne. At the time, Christiansborg Castle was under construction after the fire in 1884. Just six years later, a new king had to be proclaimed when Frederik VIII died suddenly. As Christiansborg Castle was still under construction, the proclamation of Christian 10th on 15 May 1912 therefore also took place at Amalienborg.
The tradition of proclaiming a change of throne originates from ancient times when a change of throne was announced to the people at the open county councils in the various parts of the country. Back then, it was done by a trusted official announcing the change of throne in all four corners of the world, so that everyone had the opportunity to hear it.
As the proclamation today takes place from a balcony, the Prime Minister, who is in charge of the proclamation, fails to face the Throne Hall and thus proclaims from three corners of the world.
It is Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen who on Sunday at 15:00 proclaims His Majesty King Frederik 10th from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace."
A new press release from the Danish Royal House's Communication office states that following her abdication on January 14, Queen Margrethe II will become one of four people who can serve as regent if King Frederik X and Crown Prince Christian are out of the country at the same time.
The other members of the Royal Family who can perform this function will be Queen Mary, Prince Joachim, and Princess Benedikte.
"On 14 January 2024, Her Majesty The Queen steps down as Queen of Denmark and entrusts the throne to His Royal Highness The Crown Prince. The following official events mark the succession of the throne.
Sunday 14 January
13:35 The Crown Prince Couple leave from Amalienborg
The Crown Prince Couple and HRH Prince Christian ride in a motor car from Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace.
Route: Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kongens Nytorv, Holmens Canal, Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard
13:37 HM The Queen rides in a carriage from Amalienborg
HM The Queen rides in a carriage from Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment.
Route: Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kongens Nytorv, Holmens Canal, Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard
14:00 Council of State at Christiansborg Palace
HM The Queen, HRH The Crown Prince and HRH Prince Christian participate together with the Government and the Council of State secretary in the Council of State.
The succession of the throne takes place during the Council of State meeting at the moment when HM The Queen has signed a declaration of her abdication.
14:15 HM Queen Margrethe’s departure from Christiansborg Palace
HM Queen Margrethe rides in a motor car to Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg.
Route: Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard, Holmens Bridge, Holmens Canal, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, St. Annæ Square, Amaliegade, Amalienborg
14:30 TM The King and Queen hold a levee for specially invited persons
15:00 Proclamation from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace
His Majesty King Frederik X steps out on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, after which the Prime Minister proclaims His Majesty’s accession to the throne.
The King speaks and concludes with the motto.
15:10 Honorary cannon salute from the Sixtus Battery
After the proclamation, 3 x 27 shots are fired from the Sixtus Battery on Holmen, Copenhagen, in salute.
15:10 The royal standard is lowered and reraised at Amalienborg
After the proclamation, the royal standard is lowered at Christian IX’s Palace and reraised at Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.
15:30 The King and Queen ride in a carriage from Christiansborg Palace
After the proclamation, The King and Queen ride in a carriage, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment’s mounted squadron, from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.
Route: Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard, Holmens Bridge, Holmens Canal, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, St. Annæ Square, Amaliegade, Amalienborg
17:00 Transfer of the royal colours
Transfer of the royal colours from Christian IX’s Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.
Monday, 15 January
10:00 Reception in the Danish Parliament
The Royal Family participates in the Danish Parliament’s celebration of the succession of the throne. During a meeting in the Chamber, the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister will deliver a speech, and in that connection, the Prime Minister offers a verbal announcement from The King to the Danish Parliament. Afterward, The Royal Family takes part in a reception in the former Upper Chamber.
14:00 Celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral
The Royal Family participates in a celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral. In connection with the succession of the throne, a celebratory service is held at Aarhus Cathedral with representatives of official Denmark and representatives from the City of Aarhus. The service is led by Royal Chaplain-in-Ordinary and Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus Henrik Wigh-Poulsen.
H Ill H Countess Helene von Waldburg zu Zeil und Trauchburg is engaged to marry H Ill H Count Ludovic von Neipperg. The bride-to-be is the fourth of five daughters of HSH Maria Erich Wunibald Aloysius Georg Prince von Waldburg zu Zeil und Trauchburg and HRH Duchess Mathilde of Württemberg.
Count Ludovic is the fifth child and only son of H Ill H Count Stephan-Christoph Heinrich Alfred Emmerman von Neipperg and Baroness Sigweis von Stotzingen.
Helene Walburga Yolande Christiana Michaela was born in Ravensburg on November 29, 1993. Her fiance, Ludovic Bernhard Niklas Karl Joseph was born in Talence, France on April 19, 1994. He earned a Master of Science in Vineyard and Winery Management from the Bordeaux Sciences Agro. He is the Technical Director at the Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg, the family-owned winery in Saint-Emilion, France.
Helene is the first of the Prince and Princess of Waldburg zu Zeil und Trauchburg's five daughters to announce an engagement. She lives in Paris.
After the wedding, the couple will live in St. Emilion, as Ludovic will one day succeed his father as head of the winery.
Since the birth of their only child, Princess Geraldine, in October 2020, Prince Leka and Princess Elia have released family photos that include both parents and their daughter. This year was different. Prince Leka and Princess Elia released individual Christmas portraits of their daughter.
@Blerta Celibashi
The Crown Prince and Princess also released separate Christmas messages.
The most recent family photo was released in June 2023.
@Blerta Celibashi
Several news sources have written about the rumors of the couple's separation, although neither the Crown Prince nor his wife have confirmed the reports. Vox is reporting that the couple has begun divorce proceedings. They are concerned about Princess Geraldine's routine and do not want her to "feel her parents' divorce."
It is understood, but not confirmed that the couple's marital problems began last summer. They continue to meet in recent months for Geraldine's sake, "playing the role of parent, and no longer of husband and wife."
Three-year-old Princess Geraldine and her mother have moved out of the family home in Tirana, but the little princess visits her father often, according to the press reports. There is no doubt that Prince Leka, 41, is a devoted father who loves his child deeply.
Crown Prince Leka, the only child of the late Crown Prince Leka and his Australian-born wife Susan Cullen-Ward, and Elia Zaharia, an Albanian actress, were introduced in Paris. They announced their engagement in May 2010.
It was Elia's brother, Amos, who noticed the spark between his sister and Prince Leka. "I was actually present at the first meeting that Elia had with the Prince and at that moment I understood that there is something between them. It is that look that I don't know how to explain, but it is a look where two people see each other attracted to each other, and that's what happened."
Crown Prince Leka and Elia were married on October 6, 2016, in a civil ceremony at the Royal Palace in Tirana.
Princess Geraldine was born in Tirana on October 22, 2020. She was named for her paternal great-grandmother, Hungarian Countess Geraldine Margit Virginia Olga Maria Apponyi de Nagy-Appony. She was baptized on January 28, 2023, in the Roman Catholic church. The little princess' full names are Geraldine Sibilla Francesca Susan. Sibilla is for her godmother, Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg.
Belgrade, 6 January 2024 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine wish a blessed and Merry Christmas to all believers around the world who celebrate this great holy day according to the Julian calendar. His Royal Highness on this occasion also sent and received personal congratulations from His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia Porfirije, and other Bishops of our church.
“On the occasion of one of the most joyous and holiest days since the beginning of time, the birth of the Son of our Lord, to all citizens of Serbia, the Republic of Srpska, and all people around the world who celebrate this sacred day tomorrow, we extend our warmest congratulations.
Our traditional greeting for this great day starts with the words “Peace of God”. These are not just words; they symbolize God's will and provision for each person’s life on earth – peace and love. It is also a reminder of the words with which the Heavenly Armies announced the birth of Christ: “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill to all people.” It is also a reminder of what we all need the most.
When we open our hearts to God’s love, we will be able to be at peace with ourselves and with our fellow men. It is also the support and haven we need. We must also share this love with all other people, with “our fellow men”. When we spend this glorious day with our families and friends recollecting the true meaning and importance of Christmas, but also sharing the love of our Lord with each other, then we are really remembering and honouring the Birth of our Savior.
Most of all, my wife, my family, and I wish you good health, much love, and prosperity. Let your home and your family be a source of peace, warmth, and love. Expecting the most joyous holiday, when we look at Bethlehem and witness the birth of the Son of God, let peace fill our hearts, and let the hope and faith of the shepherds and the wise men who came to adore him be also ours. Let love for the world that was given to us and love for our Creator be in us, so that we could, with pure hearts and clear conscience, greet each other with the traditional words of greeting, which I am saying with great joy - Peace of God, Christ is born!”, said HRH Crown Prince Alexander.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE ROYAL PALACE – FOLLOWING OLD TRADITIONS
Belgrade, 06 January 2024 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine traditionally celebrate the Christmas holidays at their home, the Royal Palace in Belgrade. On the Day Before Christmas morning (Serbian “Badnje jutro”), HRH Crown Prince Alexander cut the Yule log, honouring the centuries-old tradition of the Serbian people, and brought it in front of the Royal Palace.
During the time of the Kingdom, the King was always welcoming Yule Log at the Palace, which was brought to him by a regiment of soldiers from all branches of the Army. To bring the oak tree to the Palace was always a special honour for the officers and soldiers.
Christmas Eve (Serbian “Badnje veče“) was marked by another beautiful Serbian tradition, the burning of the Yule log in front of the Royal Palace, which was blessed by priests Mihailo Rapajic and Panayotis Karatasios. Members of the Crown Council, Crown Prince Alexander’s Foundation for Culture and Education, Royal Medical Board, members of the Kingdom of Serbia Association, which is under the Crown Prince’s patronage, and many other friends of the Royal family were also present on this occasion.
The burning of the Yule log was followed by a traditional reception for all those present at the Royal Palace. The Crown Princess Katherine served the guests hot brandy and wine, beverages which have customarily been prepared for this evening, and together with Crown Prince Alexander hosted the gathering.
Their Royal Highnesses once again expressed their wish that all people worldwide who celebrate Christmas tomorrow have good health, much love, and prosperity, and that each Orthodox and Christian home is a source of peace, warmth, and love.
The Royal family once again wishes Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all citizens of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska with the traditional Christmas greeting “Peace of God, Christ is born!”
HSH Princess Ilona of Schaumburg-Lippe died on December 30, 2023, in Glesborg, Denmark. She was 83 years old. She was the wife of HSH Prince Wilhelm Friedrich Harald Christian Ernst-August Carl Gustaf of Schaumburg-Lippe.
Ilona Maria Theresia Hentschel von Gilgenheimb was the daughter of Alfred Ritter Hentschel von Gilgenheimb and Rosemarie von Wietzlow. She was born on October 17, 1940, in Breslau, Silesia (now Wroclaw, Poland.) She married Prince Wilhelm in a civil ceremony in Munich on December 14, 1970. This was followed by a religious wedding at the Stephanuskirche at Nymphenburg on January 7, 1971
The couple lived in Denmark. In 1976 they were granted Danish citizenship.
Bucharest October 2011 @Marlene Koenig
Princess Ilona and her husband, Prince Wilhelm were close friends of Queen Margrethe II and the late Prince Henrik and often played bridge together. They attended numerous Danish royal events. According to Stig Sivebæk Nielsen, Princess Ilona was last seen in public in September 2022, when she attended a performance at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen in honor of Queen Margrethe II's Golden Jubilee.
Prince Wilhelm is the eldest son of the late HSH Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe (1898-1974) and HH Princess Feodora of Denmark, the daughter of Prince Harald of Denmark. He and Count Ingolf af Rosenborg are first cousins as their mothers were sisters.
Princess Ilona is survived by her husband, two children, HSH Prince Christian Hubertus Clemens-August Friedrich Sigismund Louis-Ferdinand Harald and HSH Princess Desiree Alexandra Felicitas Rosmarie Feodora, Mrs. Iuel, and grandchildren, HSH Prince Julian and HSH Princess Emilia of Schaumburg-Lippe Alexandra, Tatiana, & Philippa Iuel.
"Since the 1600s, the Danish monarchy has been a so-called hereditary monarchy, in which the Crown is inherited upon the death of the sovereign.
The Act on Succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Denmark from 1953 thus stipulates that the Danish throne is inherited within the descendants of Christian X and Queen Alexandrine.
Until 1953, only male descendants of the king were able to inherit the throne. That was changed in 1953, when, following a referendum, it was determined that female descendants should also be able to inherit the throne, but in such a way, however, that male descendants should have precedence.
It was the amendment of the rules for succession in 1953 that prepared the way for HM The Queen to be able to assume the throne after the death of her father, Frederik 9., on 14 January 1972.
With the most recent amendment of the Act of Succession in 2009, equality in the succession to the throne was implemented. This means that the throne is now inherited by the sovereign’s oldest child – regardless of gender.
In Denmark, the tradition up to the present has been that the succession to the throne takes place upon the death of the sovereign, as was the case most recently in 1972. In these instances, the succession occurs the moment the sovereign dies.
The upcoming succession to the throne will be different. This time, the succession will first take place during the meeting of the Council of State at the moment The Queen has signed a declaration of her abdication.
HRH The Crown Prince will thus arrive at Christiansborg Palace as a crown prince and leave it as King. Likewise, HRH The Crown Princess will arrive as a crown princess and depart as Queen. HRH Prince Christian will leave Christiansborg Palace as Crown Prince (heir to the throne).
Upon the succession to the throne, the new sovereign takes charge of all of the functions which, according to the constitution, are incumbent on the head of state."
Another noble wedding for the calendar. No date yet, but HSH Princess Teresa of Hohenberg and Count Emanuel von Wimpffen are engaged to be married.
Princess Teresa Maria-Felicitas Margarete Anna Bernadette Polycarpia of Hohenberg is the third of four children of HSH Nikolaus Maximilian Ludwig Antonius Franz Leo Heinrich Josef Maria, Duke of Hohenberg and Countess Marie Elisabeth von Westphalen zu Fürstenberg. She was born in Frankfurt on February 23, 1996. She studied dance at the Iwanson International School of Contemporary Dance in Munich.
Count Emanuel Ferdinand Johannes Maria von Wimpffen is the third child and only son of Count Franz Michael Hubertus Siegfried Maria von Wimpffen and Baroness Marie-Veronika von Ow-Wachendorf. He was born in Ludwigsburg on December 13, 1997.
He received his BA in Accounting from Baden-Württemberg Cooperative University in 2020 and recently completed a master of science in management and finance from University College London.
Princess Teresa is a descendant of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination on July 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, was a catalyst for World War I.
Franz Ferdinand - Maximilian, Duke of Hohenberg - Georg, Duke of Hohenberg - Nikolaus, Duke of Hohenberg - Teresa.
Teresa's older sister, Princess Johanna was married in October 2021 to Count Vincenz von Waldenstein-Wartenberg.
"On Sunday, 14 January 2024, HRH The Crown Prince assumes the Danish throne as HM King Frederik the 10th. At the same time, HRH The Crown Princess will be known as HM Queen Mary. The Royal Couple will henceforth bear the title The King and The Queen of Denmark.
HRH Prince Christian becomes the heir to the throne and will henceforth be referred to as HRH Crown Prince Christian.
After the succession to the throne, HM The Queen will continue to be Majesty and bear the title HM Queen Margrethe."
On April 20, 1947, King Christian X of Denmark died. He was succeeded by his elder son, Frederik. The new king and his wife, Princess Ingrid of Sweden were the parents of three daughters, Margrethe, Benedikte, and Anne Marie.
Seven-year-old Princess Margrethe did not become the Crown Princess due to Salic law, which barred female succession. Her father's younger brother, Prince Knud, became the heir presumptive. He was married to his first cousin, Princess Caroline Mathilde of Denmark. They had three children, a daughter, Elisabeth, and two sons, Ingolf and Christian.
HH Prince Ingolf Christian Frederik Knud Harald Gorm Gustav Viggo Valdemar Aage of Denmark was also seven years old when his grandfather died. He became second in line to the throne after his father. He was the future of the Danish monarchy.
In 1953, Prince Knud and Prince Ingolf's positions changed when the Danish Parliament amended the Constitution to allow male primogeniture. Frederik did not have any sons, but now his three daughters had succession rights. Prince Knud lost his position as heir-presumptive to Margrethe. She was not the heiress apparent because her mother, 43, might still give birth to a son.
The change in the law led to a strain between the two brothers, although both Knud and Ingolf would receive appanages for the rest of their lives. Knud was given the title Hereditary Prince. When he died on June 14, 1970, he was fourth in line to the throne after Margrethe and her two sons. (Queen Anne Marie and her descendants do not have succession rights, nor do Princess Benedikte's children.)
Ingolf lost his right of succession in 1968 when he married a Danish commoner, Inge Terney. King Frederik created him Count Ingolf af Rosenborg. Inge died in 1996. Two years later he married Sussie Hjorhøy. He has no children.
Count Ingolf, 83, carries out about 200 engagements per year. His annual appanage is 1.4 million kroner ($402,774).
Earlier today, the Count spoke to BT, a Danish newspaper. He said he had been told about Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate.
"I and the family keep those things to ourselves, but I can say that I found out shortly before the speech," he said.
"I understand the Queen's decision."
Will the Crown Prince be able to lift the legacy of his much-loved mother?
"Yes, he will be able to do that. The new King will be able to do that, absolutely.'
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