Royalty in the News » India

Belgium’s Princess Astrid in India on Health Mission

Megan M — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:59:38 +0000

PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images

The only daughter of Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paola was in India this week, touring leprosy and TB centers. Princess Astrid was there as honorary president of Action Damien, which aims to fight those diseases. This was her first official trip to India.

“I have such great stories about the country heard from my parents,” said an enthusiastic Princess Astrid on arrival. Her eldest children Amadeo (24) and Maria Laura (22) have already traveled to India. “They were in the country pulling their backpacks. My children are not so keen on keeping up appearances. They have very basic traveled the country to really see it. ”

Besides meeting with patients and inspecting health centers, Astrid also saw the scientific and medical side of the centers. She viewed samples from the TB patients through microscopes.

The Princess is very active in health issues. Besides TB and leprosy, she also cares for those suffering from malaria.

Sources: Het Nieuwsblad, AFP/Getty Images

Norwegian Crown Princely Family Say Hello During World Tour

Megan M — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:58:57 +0000

Nearly six weeks since they set out for a family journey around the world, Norway’s Crown Princely family invited the media to join them in Sikkim, in northeast India, so they could show their country what they are up to, plus send Christmas greetings.

The family began their three month global tour in Istanbul, Turkey. There, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit took their three children – Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus – to see Hagia Sophia, which was once the seat of Eastern Christendom before it became a mosque when the Ottoman empire was established.

Next stop was Jordan before the family went to India. Their first stop was in Jodphur before they went to Dzonghu, Sikkim, which borders the Himalayan mountains and Tibet.

In the valley, the royals stayed with another family as it is done in Dzonghu. Haakon, Mette Marit and the children ate and lived just as this family did.

The area is only for the indigenous Lepcha tribe, and permission must be granted to enter the region. The people there live simply, with little electricity or telephones.

Here’s video of the family in Dzonghu:

Bhutan King Stresses Human Values

Megan M — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:10:05 +0000

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Wangchuk, was in Kolkatta Tuesday where he delivered a speech to the Convocation of Calcutta University. Although he was there to get his honorary degree, the young King was really there to make an emphasis on values based on humanity, rather than materialism.

Sushanta Patronobish/Hindu Business Line

“We have been born into a world where it is more likely that we will pursue material rewards, instead of what is morally right. And we will follow the path of individualism at the cost of community and fraternit,” King Jigme said.

He urged students to induce “a new kind of individualism – an individualism of values” that leads to progress as a person and then the progress of humanity.

“Values shape the future of humanity; the values are root of our character and if we do not tend the roots, the characters that spring from it, no matter how much wealth and fame surrounds it, will bring little benefit to oneself, the lives of others and to the well-being of the plant.”

The King expressed his feelings that there was a need for a fundamental change of thought – a social revolution that would change the way the humanity would pursue growth for ever.

“Our generation is called upon to rethink and to redefine the true purpose of growth,” he said.

“The journey forward has to be one that we must all make together and no one should be left behind.”

The King made note of several challenges facing the world today: degradation of environment, poverty, inequality and non-availability of health care to over a billion people.

“No matter how much scientific or material progress is made in our lifetime, global problems will prevail, in fact multiply and we will continue to endanger each other and the future of our children,” he said.

“None of us here may have, today, the wealth or skills to combat natural disasters or plug the ozone layer or remove world poverty but we know that there is one thing we can change – that is ourselves,” he said, adding, “that is the most important thing – that is the one obvious starting point in our quest to find a solution to global problems – one’s self.”

King Jigme has been King of Bhutan for only two years. Until 2008, Bhutan was an absolute monarchy, but this King’s father allowed for a constitution and stepped down to allow his son to takeover, in order to allow change to really come.

King Jigme is 30 years old and was educated at Oxford University.

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Royal Blog News Summary

Philippe & Mathilde End Indian Trip

Megan M — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:24:35 +0000

As the Belgian Crown Princely couple wrap their week-long economic mission to India, they leave behind strengthened business ties between the two countries. Their visit took them to Pune and Mumbai, and they got a good glimpse of India along the way.

BELGA PHOTO/DIRK WAEM

In Pune on Wednesday, Crown Prince Philippe presided over the signing of the business agreement between a trade and investment agency in Antwerp, and a Pune Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. The deal is meant to allow collaborations with firms in the two cities.

While that happened, Princess Mathilde met with local schoolchildren. Some of the little girls who were there to see her were dressed in Disney-like princess dresses.

Later, Mathilde went to the Gandhi National Memorial Society in the Agakhan Palace.

REUTERS/Manav Manglani

After Pune, the couple headed for Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. There, the Crown Princess attended the “Day of Hope” celebration, which was organized by the National Domestic Workers Movement. A non-governmental organization (NGO), the movement marks “Day of Hope” with the children of domestic workers and child domestic workers from Mumbai and Thane districts.

In the evening, Mathilde and Philippe rubbed shoulders with Bollywood stars in the likes of Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, during a fashion show, which showcased the latest in Indian style.

On Friday, the couple’s last official day in India, business and trade agreements by four Belgian and four Indian firms in the aerospace and technology sectors were signed. The Crown Prince personally witnessed these signings, which seemed to top off the week-long economic mission. It tightened the already close ties between the two countries. Belgium is India’s third biggest EU trading partner, after Germany and the United Kingdom.

Philippe & Mathilde Begin Economic Mission to India

Megan M — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:05:26 +0000

The Belgian Crown Princely couple are on a week-long economic mission to India, where about 28 business agreements between the two countries are expected to take place. Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, and Monday was their first day of operation.

AP Photo/Saurabh Das

First, the couple went to Rajghat, which is the memorial to Indian independence leader Mahatama Gandhi. They paid their respects by laying a floral wreath and posing with a bust of Gandhi.

Afterward, Philippe met with India’s President Pratibha Patil and the two discussed the visit, plus other ways for India and Belgium to strengthen ties.

During the couple’s week-long visit, they will go to the cities of Pune, Mumbai and possibly Bangalore. They have been to India before for their honeymoon just over 10 years ago.

Before leaving for the country, the Crown Prince gave an interview and was asked about his impression of India.

REUTERS/B Mathur

“India is a fabulous country which has managed unity in diversity and combines its very ancient wisdom with a forward looking spirit of entrepreneurship,” Philippe said.

“I spent much time reading books on Indian history, philosophy and literature, the famous author Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen and others. I have also frequent contacts with Indian friends who keep me informed on the fascinating evolution of the country. My wife, Princess Mathilde, shares this attraction for India. We spent our honeymoon in India and came back several times afterwards. Princess Mathilde will also take part in the mission with a very interesting and varied program.”

Accompanying the royal couple on this trip are 340 Belgian business leaders and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Steven Vanackere. The sectors included in this economic mission are the automobile, aeronautics, transport infrastructure, clean technology, diamonds, renewable energy, bio-pharma, and audiovisual fields.

Belgium is India’s biggest supporter in the European Union. As of late, the country has been pushing for India to become a permanent U.N. Security Council.

Felipe & Letizia in India

Megan M — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:53:49 +0000

The Prince and Princess of Asturias are currently on an official visit to India. They arrived Monday, and their trip is based mostly on Spanish and Indian business relations. At the same time, Felipe and Letizia opened an Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi.

MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images

But their first stop was in Mumbai for a Spain-India Managerial Forum at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Yes, that is the same hotel where terrorists killed 173 people nearly a year ago. But with the forum taking place, it could be said that things are back to normal at the hotel.

95 Spanish executives took part in the business forum. The Governor of Maharastra, the Indian state Mumbai is in, Sanayangba Chubatoshi Jamir, also was present. The forum discussed ways Spain could invest in India, despite the poor global economy.

Later on, Felipe and Letizia attended a reception for Spanish citizens living in Mumbai. They then flew north to New Delhi.

In the capital, the Crown Princely couple met with the chief of the Indian diplomacy, S.M. Krishna, and then with Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh. After those two meetings, the two opened the Instituto Cervantes, a school funded by Spain’s government to teach Spanish language and culture. During the inauguration, Felipe and Letizia were entertained by a traditional Indian dancer.

After opening the school, the couple lunched with Indian President Pratibha Patil. They later visited the mausoleum of the hero of India, Mahatma Gandhi.

Felipe and Letizia’s short trip to India ended with a reception given by Spanish citizens residing in New Delhi.

Queen Elizabeth II Welcomes Pratibha Patil

Megan M — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:09:06 +0000

India’s President, Pratibha Patil, began her state visit to the United Kingdom Tuesday, and Queen Elizabeth II welcomed her with pomp and pageantry.

AP Photo/Chris Jackson, pool

Patil first was welcomed to the country at Heathrow airport by several British dignitaries. But her real greeting came when she arrived at Windsor Castle outside London. There, she met with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip who had an entire military guard on hand to welcome the first Indian head of state to visit the UK in 20 years.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were also in attendance for the ceremony. They had traveled with Patil from Heathrow to Windsor in a car fleet.

Tonight, there will be a banquet in Patil’s honor. On Wednesday, she will meet with Prime Minister Gordon Brown for talks. They will discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two nations which already have strong relations.

“Apart from the growing trade and economic relations, India and Britain cooperate well in a number of areas including education, research, science and technology,” foreign secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters last week.

Patil is also in the UK for the beginning of the Commonwealth Games baton relay race, which will start at Buckingham Palace and end in India.

She is also only the fourth female head of state to go on a state visit to the UK. The other three were all monarchs: Queens Juliana and Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Spanish Royals Welcome Indian President

royaltyinthenews — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:42:34 +0000

The royal family of Spain welcomed Indian President Pratibha Patil to their country Tuesday. This is the first time an Indian leader has made a state visit to the European country.

The president is in Spain to promote economic, cultural and political ties with the country.

In a recent interview, Patil said relations between Spain and India have been gaining momentum as of late.

“We whole-heartedly support this trend. My visit to Spain is an expression of the importance that India attaches to a strong relationship with Spain,” she said.

Patil and her husband, Devisingh Ravisingh Shekhawat, were greeted by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. The foursome then gathered in from of El Pardo palace to listen to their national anthems and watch a military parade.

They all then had lunch together, before Patil went on to meet with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Later, there was a state dinner for the Indian leader, which was attended by Crown Prince Felipe and Crown Princess Letizia.

Crown Princess Maxima Opens Amsterdam-India Festival

royaltyinthenews — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:51:06 +0000

Another European royal celebrated Indian culture this week, this time in her own country. Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands launched the Amsterdam-India festival on Wednesday. This two week event is the largest celebration of Indian art and culture in Amsterdam.

The Argentinian born princess opened the event in Amsterdam’s Museum Square. After that, she attended the dance performance by Karthakali dance theater at the Royal Concertgebouw.

The Dutch paint and coatings manufacturer, AkzoNobel, helped organize this event. Being a paint company, it went out of its way to ensure that India’s love for color was as bright and vibrant as possible.

Running until November 30th, the Amsterdam-India Festival will hold concerts, exhibitions, seminars and many more to celebrate India’s unique culture.

It seems like there’s India fever with royals lately. Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paola just got back from a 10 day tour of the country. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also spent nearly two weeks there last month.

Belgian King & Queen Wrap India Tour

royaltyinthenews — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:57:07 +0000

After ten days of signing business deals, seeing landmarks and visiting the needy, Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paola said farewell to India. The visit intended to strengthen economic and academic ties with the two nations, and clearly a lot of that was done.

King Albert oversaw the signing of nuclear deals, business and academic deals. The nuclear deals came towards the end, in Chennai. The point of that deal was to promote cooperation in nuclear science for use in medical research, cancer therapy, crop mutation and applied sciences between both the Indian and the Belgian Nuclear Societies. The agreement is to be updated every five years.

During that time, Queen Paola took time to visit leprosy and HIV patients at Tiruchirapalli in Tamil-Nadu. The hands-on Queen spent three hours walking among, talking to and even touching the people often cast out by society. She assured the Rev. Sister Rita that she will made sure the facility in which the patients were staying will be taken care of by her in the future.

At the end of his tour, King Albert II stopped by the Hindu temple of Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore, Chennai. He wore traditional garments to the temple, and even said a prayer inside.

Many Indians were excited and curious to see the Belgian royal couple. No doubt this tour will remain the minds of Indians, and will indeed strengthen the relationship between both countries for years to come.