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 Click here to see more photos January 21st marks Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 8th birthday. The young girl who is second in line to the throne is celebrating her big day quietly with friends and family.
To mark this occasion, the Norwegian royal court released four new photos of the little Princess, taken by Julia Naglestad.
At the same time, Ingrid Alexandra’s mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who recently joined Twitter, shared a poem by Wislawa Szymborska to her followers. To read the poem, click here
Ingrid Alexandra is a student at Jansløkka Elementary School, where she’s been going to since 2010. She is slowly taking part in official engagements with her parents.
 Click here to see more photos! Yep, it’s been one year since the Danish royal twins were born!
Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda mark their first birthday Sunday.
Photographs done by Franne Voight were taken, featuring the twins crawling around and hanging with their family. There’s even one showing the babies’ birthday cakes – inspired by Greenland, a Danish autonomic area. It should be noted that the twins’ middle names – Minik and Ivalo – are Greenlandish.
Happy birthday to Vincent and Josephine!
The Emperor of Japan marked his 78th birthday Friday by appearing on the palace balcony to wave and speak to a large crowd of well-wishers. Emperor Akihito also released a statement which mainly looked back on the year, with many ups and downs not only for him, but for the Japanese people.
 Click here for more photos “Looking back on this year, I must say this has been a truly distressing year, dominated by disasters,” His Majesty said.
“However it has been encouraging to note that the people in the afflicted areas are enduring the harsh conditions in evacuation and that many people are volunteering to support the victims. I feel that the Japanese people have come together as a nation to squarely face the disaster and do what they can to be of help for the victims.”
The Emperor discussed the Great East Earthquake, which struck on March 11th and caused a massive tsunami. 20,000 died as a result.
“My thoughts go out to the people who lost members of their families and loved ones. Their sorrow must be truly heart-rending. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes and livelihoods and those who can no longer live in the places they used to live because of the nuclear plant accident,” he said.
“In the aftermath of the disaster, the Empress and I visited the areas afflicted by the disasters and the evacuation centres for the victims in many areas to offer comfort and encouragement to them. On all of these visits we were most touched to see that, in spite of the sadness and hardships they must be facing, the people never seemed to lose their composure and, with a strong sense of solidarity, they were trying to overcome their hardships by helping each other.”
The Emperor expressed his gratitude towards the Self-Defense Forces, the police, the firefighters, the Japan Coast Guard, as well as all international help and condolences. But his mind is still on those suffering from the March disaster.
“The afflicted areas will soon be facing a bitter cold winter. I am concerned about the health of the survivors, especially the elderly, who live under inadequate living conditions. It is my sincere hope that they will remain in good health through the cold winter.”
Akihito also talked about natural disasters elsewhere, particularly in Thailand where major flooding has taken a toll on the country. “The disasters in Japan and the floods in Thailand remind us once again that we live in a world today in which our lives are closely linked with the lives of peoples of other countries.”
Finally, the Emperor brought up his recent hospital stay for bronchitis.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all the people for their concern and compassion regarding my health when I was hospitalized last month for mycoplasma infection. It has now been several weeks since I left hospital and I have been able to resume the official state duties that I had entrusted to the Crown Prince and I now feel that my physical condition is back to how it was prior to my hospitalization. I shall take good care of my health as I resume my works from now on through various events related to the coming of the New Year.”
“Only days remain before the end of the year. My heart will be always with the afflicted people in the coming new year as has been the case thus far. I sincerely hope that the coming year will be a better year for everyone.”
To read Emperor Akihito’s reflection in its entirety, click here.
Source: Mainichi Times
The wife of the heir to the Japanese throne marks her 48th birthday today. Crown Princess Masako has been seen little over the years due to a stress induced mental illness.
 Click here to see photos of Masako and family But this year, she often accompanied husband Crown Prince Naruhito to the areas hit hard by the March earthquake-tsunami and also meet with evacuees. Many wondered if this was the rebirth of Masako.
Yes, says the medical team helping her with her recovery, but not so much.
The doctors said it was “ill-minded” for the media to say the Crown Princess had completely healed.
“We cannot expect a quick recovery as far as the situation is not improved,” they said.
For nearly nine years, Masako has nearly dropped out of public life altogether because of her problems. She has been taking medication and speaks to counselors.
As part of her birthday, she released a statement where she talked about the March disaster.
“I shall deeply bear in my mind feelings of people in the disaster-hit areas and continue to watch over the path to their recovery,” the Crown Princess said, adding that the disaster was “too shocking to put into words”.
Masako also talked about her only child, Princess Aiko, who turned 10 last week. “The issue of Aiko’s school life has taken up a large part of my daily life this year.”
Since last year, Aiko has been accompanied by her mother to Gakushuin school, where she experienced anxiety caused by rowdy schoolboys. But things are getting better for her. “[T]hings seem to be moving in a positive direction,” her mother said.
Source: Kyodo
Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej spoke to his people Monday, urging them to put aside conflict amidst the recent floods, the country’s worst in recent memory.
 Click here for more photos at Daylife.com The King left Siriraj Hospital, where he has been a patient since 2009, for the balcony of the Grand Palace. Surrounded by his family, including Queen Sirikit, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, and Princesses Chulabhorn and Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Bhumibol delivered his speech to crowds gathered below.
The King called for national unity, and that the they “are only recommendations, not an order”.
He went on to say it was the Thai people’s duty “to cooperate and fix problems to the best of your ability, especially now that our people are suffering from the floods.”
“The most important thing is you should not be split or fighting each other. We need to inspire and give each other confidence so that the work we do will be fruitful for the well-being of the people and the stability and security of the country.”
About one-fifth of Thailand’s 64 million people have been affected by the devastating floods and more than 600 have died.
Turning 84 years old is a major milestone for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It marks seven cycles of twelve years, so it is an auspicious time for him.
Thailand celebrated their King’s birthday with fireworks and candlelight vigils.
Sources: AP, Bangkok Post
 Click here for more photos of Sverre Magnus It’s a royal birthday in Norway today as the youngest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrates his 6th birthday.
Prince Sverre Magnus began his first term at Jansløkka school this year, which is down the road from where he lives with his family. His sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, age 7, attends that school as did their half brother, Marius Borg Høiby.
In keeping with modernizing the monarchy, Sverre Magnus is styled simply as “His Highness” rather than His Royal Highness. He is not a member of the royal house, which is meant for the monarch and spouse, heir and spouse and the first child of the heir.
But the little Prince is still a member of the royal family and would be expected to carry out duties in the future.
Source: The Royal Forums blog
Princess Aiko, only child of Japan’s Crown Princely couple is celebrating her 10th birthday Thursday.
 View gallery of Princess Aiko here The Princess is a fourth grader at the exclusive Gakushuin school in Tokyo, and joined its orchestra club this past June as a cellist. She also had her own ceramics exhibited at the school and is started to recite “Hyakunin Isshu” (One-hundred waka poems) by memory.
In addition, the Princess is taking care of a cat and its kittens since this summer, along with her dog, Yuri.
Aiko made headlines worldwide last year when it was revealed she was suffering from anxiety due to rowdy classmates. Her mother, Crown Princess Masako, accompanied her to school and even sat through classes with Aiko. But according to the Imperial Household Agency, that is happening less and the Princess is attending almost all her classes.
“It appears she will need just a little more time to get back to normal. We’d like to calmly wait for that,” said a source close to the Imperial Household Agency.
Aiko is also taking part in Japan’s healing from this year’s massive earthquake and tsunami. She said prayers during the one month anniversary in April at the Togu Palace.
She is also healing well after being hospitalized for pneumonia last month.
Source: Mainichi
In an interview marking his 46th birthday, Japan’s Prince Akishino made some controversial remarks about the age limits of Emperors.
 View more images of Prince Akishino & family here He said having a retirement age for monarchs is “one idea” and “discussions should be held including at what age to draw the line.”
“When you pass a certain age, it gradually becomes difficult for people to do various things,” said Akishino, who’s father, Emperor Akihito, will turn 78 in late December.
Under the 1947 Imperial House Law, a male who is a descendant of an Emperor would ascend to the Chrysanthemum throne upon the Emperor’s death.
Akishino’s comments have led many to wonder if there is a crisis going on within the imperial family. According to the Daily Yomiuri, many of the Prince’s comments reflected the beliefs held by many among members of the royals and senior officials of the Imperial Household Agency.
These remarks come just days after it was announced there will be dynastic changes to the family, particularly allowing princesses to maintain their titles after marrying commoners.
Sources: Inside Japan Tours, Daily Yomiuri
This Friday marks the 30th birthday of one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. This week he met with several journalists and told them how he feels about the role of monarchy in a modern age, and him becoming head of state one day. He also discussed his day to day life and also his personal life.
 Click here for more recent photos of HGD Guillaume “This is my reality and I accept it,” Guillaume said about his destiny as Grand Duke. “I grew up with the knowledge that I will one day take over this office. My parents prepared me for this task. It is a process.”
The Hereditary Grand Duke was asked if there’s any need for a constitutional monarchy in Luxembourg. “The monarchy must be a role outside politics,” he said.
“It is good that the president can exercise as chief executive, the role of an arbitrator. The responsibility of the monarchy, it is also responsible for the identity of Luxembourg to the outside world. The monarch was to fulfill this task as worthy and as good as possible. The role of the monarchy is also in preserving the continuity and tradition of the country.”
Guillaume admitted that when he meets with other European royals, they discuss this issue together. “We talk a lot about the future of the monarchy in Europe and I think we all agree on one fact: we must look ahead and meet the expectations of our people, not forgetting our history.”
He went on to describe his daily life, which entails spending Mondays going over with his parents – Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa – about the weekly activities. He then spends the remainder of the week either performing duties or doing office work by writing and answering letters.
“How do you respond to people who accuse you of having an easy life?” one reporter asked Guillaume.
“I invite them to come and see,” he laughed. “One would think maybe not from the outside but the Palace is a mini-enterprise. The best way to represent Luxembourg is as a real job. It requires much preparation, the pace is very demanding and busy days. We are far from at least 40 hours.”
His Royal Highness said despite his busy schedule, he does spare time for himself. That is when he plays tennis, goes to movies or dines with friends. Some weekends he even goes out of Luxembourg with those pals.
Guillaume said that he would like a family of his own, but it can be tough to meet someone given his status. “You must be very clear about research to ensure that the person in front of you is really there for what you are and not for what you represent. But I think seriously about starting a family. I was fortunate to grow up with many brothers and a sister and that’s something I would also like to give to my children.”
When asked about his weaknesses, he was very forthcoming about that. “My forte is probably that I approach people on the course. This spontaneity I inherited from my mother. I would interpret as a weakness, that I still must continue to strive to cultivate myself and read a lot.”
One reporter brought up the constitutional changes made to the role of the Grand Duke back in 2009, when the power to sign laws into power was taken away from Guillaume’s father. The Hereditary Grand Duke said it was best for that to happen.
“My father wanted us to change the Constitution so that there is a genuine respect for the separation of powers. There was an interference by the executive in the legislature that had no purpose. With this reform, there is more logic. I thank my father because he really had the right to have a conflict of conscience at the time. Such a situation does not occur again with his decision.”
Guillaume said if he were not to be head of state one day, he would’ve been a businessman. He also admitted he is not ready to take over for his father, saying he needs several years of more training. Henri is his role model, as well as former U.N. Secretary Generall Kofi Annan.
When asked how is the pressure being the heir to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Guillaume was nonchalant. “Actually, I do not feel much pressure. For me the best way to exert my duty is to be myself. I always want to do everything well, and that is a pressure in of itself.”
Sources: Le Quotidien, Wort.lu
Tuesday was an historic day for Romania, as its former King gave a speech at its Parliament for the first time since 1947 as part of the celebrations of his 90th birthday.
 Click here for more images King Mihai, the last surviving World War II leader, was forced to abdicate by a Soviet backed regime and lived in exile for most of the 20th century. He returned to the country several times in the 1990s and now lives in Bucharest.
Frail, but dignified, the ex-King encouraged Romanians to have faith in democracy.
“All united, we have to pursue our efforts in order to become once more respected and dignified,” he said.
“The time has come after 20 years to … break for good with the bad habits of the past,” said Mihai. He added in 2011 “demagogy, selfishness and attempts to cling to power” should not have their place in Romania, which was a zing against the country’s much criticized leaders.
He also spoke of his “long life, full of happy and unhappy events” and praised the role of monarchy in the country.
“My wife and I will continue to back Romania’s fundamental interests,” Mihai said.
His speech was greeted with a standing ovation and several “Long live the King” by several Parliament members.
 Click here to see more pics But not everyone is willing to celebrate. Romania’s president Traian Basescu has accused Mihai as being “Russia’s servant” and called his abdication “betrayal”. He also said the former King should be accountable for the deaths of Romania’s Jews and Gypsies by the Nazis.
But a member of the ruling Liberal Democrats (PDL), Radu F. Alexandru, said he was happy that parliament “paid homage to this historic moment.”
“It was a constructive and useful speech,” former president Ion Iliescu said.
In the evening came a glittering birthday celebration at the National Opera with members of reigning and non-reigning royals attending. They included the King of Sweden, Queen Sofia of Spain, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, and Grand Duchess Maria and her son Giorgi of the House of Romanov, as well as Bulgaria’s former King Simeon.
Although King Mihai is very popular in Romania, few want the monarchy to be re-established.
Source: AFP, Telegraph
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