The King of the Belgians gave his annual speech on the eve of Belgium’s National Day celebrations. In his speech, King Albert II discussed the economic crisis gripping his country, and called for economic reforms.
- Reuters
The King said his thoughts foremost were with the Belgian people who had either lost their jobs or were suffering financially due to the crisis. He went on to say that it raises “questions over the increasing materialism” in society.
King Albert went on to call for Belgians to “put more importance on family values, solidarity and respect for others.”
He also asked that the financial sector must use its position to serve the human race.
In addition, King Albert brought up the ever present Belgian issue of state reforms. “Let’s agree state reforms,” he said with optimism. That meant giving the federal areas of Belgium more responsibility and financial means to carry out their citizens’ needs.
Tomorrow, Belgium would be in full celebration as it celebrates its independence from the Netherlands.
On Friday, Princess Stephanie was busy tackling the HIV/AIDS issue in her principality of Monaco. As the founder of Fight AIDS Monaco, it is her duty to attend the organization’s events – be it a press conference or a gala.
- Getty Images
First, the Princess was present for a press conference in the early part of the day. Along with Marc Toesca and Laurent Petitguillaume, Stephanie spoke to the press about the evening’s concert/dinner.
For the event, Princess Stephanie was dressed glamorously as she arrived with her brother, Prince Albert II and his girlfriend, Charlene Wittstock at the Sporting Club of Monaco.
For the gala, Stephanie arranged for such music artists as Luna Parker, Peter & Sloane, Eric Morena, Jakie Quartz and Thierry Pastor, all whom were from the Party Rfm 2009 tour that is running through Europe right now.
In order to attend the event, each person had to pay 160 Euros. It is likely those proceeds were donated to Fight AIDS Monaco.
Since its inception in 2004, Fight AIDS Monaco has helped raise money, and be a source of support for HIV-positive people and their families, not only in Monaco and France, but also in AIDS-ravaged countries as Burundi and Madagascar.
Prince Muhammad Fakhry of the Kelantan state of Malaysia, the husband of an Indonesian teen model, is suing both her and her mother for defamation.
- AFP File
In late May, Manohara Odelia Pinot accused the 31 year-old prince of drugging her and sexually assaulting her during their 10 month marriage. She managed to escape him during a visit to Singapore.
Now, her estranged husband is suing her and her mother, Daisy Fajarina for 105 million ringgit, the equivalent of 30 million U.S. dollars.
Prince Fakhry’s lawyer, Mohamad Haaziq Pillay, says he would serve a writ on Pinot and her mother.
“They have 21 days to enter a (response)…. Anyone can say anything but do they have proof? This is the time for them to come forward and prove their allegations,” he was quoted as telling state news agency Bernama.
Recent medical examinations back up Pinot’s claims.
She also tried to file abuse charges against the prince, but since the alleged assault took place in Malaysia, Indonesian police can do very little.
With so many royals having their summer holiday these days, it is only natural to have plenty of photo-ops for the royals to show off their family.
This time, it is the Dutch Crown Princely family allowing the media to photograph them. They are currently enjoying their summer at the beach at The Hague, which is not too far from their home in Wassenaar.
Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima displayed their three daughters – Amalia, Alexia and Ariane – to let the world see how quickly the little princesses are growing up.
The little girls are starting to look more alike, as each are growing out their blond hair. They also looked quite cute in their matching denim jeans and white shirts as they played in the sand.
To see more pictures of the family, click here
