22 « June « 2009 « Royalty in the News

Prince Albert Becomes Ambassador for Bordeaux Wine

Abaca Press

With girlfriend Charlene Wittstock by his side, Prince Albert II of Monaco became an honorary ambassador for the society of vintners in Bordeaux, France.

The event happened Sunday, and the couple were given a tour of the International Wine Fair Vinexpo as part of their special guests positions. The two tasted and tested the wine from the area.

Then came time for the sovereign Prince to put on the robes of an ambassador of the vintners. He put on a red and white robe and joined about 40 other “protectors of the jury.” Albert’s position requires him to promote Bordeaux wine.

Although Charlene and Albert have been dating for three years, they are in no rush to marry. The Prince once said he would follow his “own path,” in reference the 51 year old bachelor is likely not going to tie the knot with his South African girlfriend anytime soon.

Spanish King & Queen Tour New Zealand

Monday saw the King and Queen of Spain on a state visit to New Zealand. They will be there for two days as part of strengthening ties between the two nations.

: AFP

“I am delighted to host King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. Their visit presents a unique opportunity to enhance understanding and visibility of New Zealand at the highest levels in Spain,” Prime Minister John Key said in a press release.

“New Zealand’s relationship with Spain is on the cusp of an exciting phase of further development, with the prospect of increased trade, investment and tourism.

“Our two countries are also seeking to expand education, science and technology, and cultural links.”

Upon arriving in Auckland, the royals toured a maritime museum, where they unveiled a plaque in honor of Sir Peter Blake. The museum was in particular interest to the King and Queen, having both done competitive sailing in their younger days.

Later in the day, Juan Carlos and Sofia stopped by the University of Auckland. At the school, they met with Spanish students, and learned that Spanish is the most popular European language on campus.

Tuesday will see the royal couple travel to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. There, they will open the Spanish embassy, plus meet with Prime Minister Key.

On Thursday, the King and Queen will travel west to Australia for a couple of days there.

This is the first time the Spanish monarchs have visited Oceania in 21 years. Their son, Crown Prince Felipe, traveled to this region in 1990, being the last time a Spanish royal ever set foot there.

Emir of Qatar on State Visit to France

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and his wife Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Misnned are on a state visit to France until Wednesday. The visit is meant to cement ties between the two countries.

: Reuters

This is the third time the Emir has been to France. In 2007 and 2008, he was a special guest for France’s National Day.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the relationship between France and Qatar as “long-standing and ideal.” He pointed out that many French companies increasingly have branches in the Gulf state.

Sarkozy also mentioned the need for the two countries to boost scientific and cultural ties. He praised Sheikha Mozah’s promotional efforts through the Qatar Foundation of Education, Science and Community Development.

After initial meetings with each other, the Emir and Sarkozy had a glitzy state dinner at Elysees Palace Monday night with their wives dressed to the nines.

Once this state visit is over, both countries would hopefully gain something from one another. France is looking towards Qatar for gas development, and imports Qatari nuclear technology and security equipment. Qatar meanwhile, sees French bilateral ties as a way to diversify its economy.

Reza Pahlavi Comments on Iranian Protests

The son of Iran’s last shah spoke at a press conference Monday about the election protests in his homeland.

: AP

Reza Pahlavi warned that if the opposition is crushed in Iran, it could lead to problems not only in that country but around the world. He even warned of a nuclear conflict.

“Their defeat will encourage extremism from the shores of the Levant to the energy jugular of the world,” said Pahlavi, who left Iran a year before the ouster of his father, shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in the 1979 Islamic revolution.

“At worst, fanatical tyrants who know that the future is against them may end their present course on their terms: a nuclear holocaust.”

Pahlavi was at times emotional during the presser at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. He claimed to have military and clerical sources in Iran telling him some leaders were willing to switch sides and join the opposition.

“It’s almost a revolutionary climate,” he said.

“Let me assure you, (the movement) will not die because we will not let it die.”

Born in 1960, Pahlavi was once the Crown Prince of Iran until the revolution overthrew his father. He lived in Egypt and Morocco until settling in the United States in the 1980s. Pahlavi now lives in Maryland with his wife and three daughters.

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