November 2009
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Charles & Camilla Bid Farewell to British Columbia

AP Photo/The Canadian Press - Darryl Dyck

AP Photo/The Canadian Press - Darryl Dyck

After four days in Canada’s western province, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall ended their tour of British Columbia as part of their 10 day Canadian visit.

Saturday evening had Prince Charles and Camilla dine at the Government House, where they met with some native Canadians – or First Nations, as they are called over there. The pair received traditional First Nation headpieces, blankets and some wood carvings, including a walking stick for Charles. They were all given by Lieutenant Governor Steve Point.

On Sunday, Charles and his wife attended a church service in Victoria. There, they dedicated a stain glass window at Christ Church Cathedral. The window commemorated 150 years of the Anglican Diocese in British Columbia. After the service, the couple met with the 200 people who had gathered outside in the rain to see them.

REUTERS/Andy Clark

REUTERS/Andy Clark

The next day, the Prince received a medal from the Canadian navy, marking his 32 years of honorary service. He was also there for the commemoration of the navy’s centennial, which took place at Esquimalt, British Columbia. During the ceremony, Charles inspected the guards and chatted with some of the navy officers.

Tuesday will see Charles and Camilla head back to Ottawa. From there, they will go to Quebec where they will finish their official visit of the Great White North. There has been some controversy over the royal couple going to the French speaking province where support for the British monarchy is low. Some have even protested the Prince and Duchess’s visit.

Prince of Monaco Stops by Morocco

Prince Albert II of Monaco was briefly in Morocco, where he laid a foundation stone for a resort project built by a Monte Carlo development company. He arrived Sunday, performed his engagement and left Monday.

REUTERS/Jean Blondin

REUTERS/Jean Blondin

Upon setting foot in the North African country, the Prince was welcomed by Prince Moulay Rashid, King Mohammed VI’s brother.

The next day, Albert went to Marrakesh, where the resort, Jawhar Hotel Spa and Residences, is being built. He laid the stone for the 94 million euro project, which is funded by the Societe des Bains de Mer de Monaco.

“This ceremony also marks a new stage in the development of warm relations that His Majesty King Mohammed VI and I have long enjoyed,” said the Prince, adding that “many joint projects with our both countries have emerged in the political, economic but also environmental”

“The complex is in line with the aspirations of Morocco’s Plan Azur, a visionary plan designed to encourage investment, real estate and quality tourism in the country,” Prince Albert said.

Jawhar will have 25 villas, a five-star hotel ( with 93 suites), two restaurants, swimming pools, shops, a kids club, a lounge, a tennis court, a spa, a business center, a library and a movie theater that seats 100 people.

Spanish Media: Infanta Elena to Divorce

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images/FILE

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images/FILE

Infanta Elena, the eldest daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia is said to be going through the final stages of her divorce from Jaime de Marichalar. While there has been no official statement from the royal family, the Spanish media has been buzzing about this for a few days now.

According to various outlets, the Infanta and her husband – who have been estranged for two years – have left open the possibility of reconciliation. But that may not be so anymore. The couple have shared joint custody of their two children, Froilan Felipe, 11 years old and Victoria Federica, aged 9, with the kids switching weekends with each parent.

Another rumor going around is that de Marichalar wants to keep his title of Duke of Lugo, even if he does divorce from Elena. Supposedly that is what’s delaying divorce proceedings. The Duke has not participated in official engagements since November 2007.

Again, this is all simply speculation. Until the royal family announces Infanta Elena’s divorce, one could only guess what will happen next.