Crowds and media on the Greek island of Spetses turned out in droves to get a glimpse of one of the biggest royal events of the year: the marriage of Greek Prince Nikolaos and Tatiana Blatnik.
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Though the wedding is Wednesday, the pre-wedding reception took place the night before at the Grace Poseidon Hotel. Royals from all over Europe gave the people a chance to see them as they arrived for the dinner.
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Although the monarchy was abolished in Greece in the 1970s, its exiled royal family are allowed to come back for major events such as this wedding. Prince Nikolaos is the second son of King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie.
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Many of the royal coming to this wedding are their relatives. For example, the children of King Juan Carlos of Spain are o Spetses. That is because their mother, Queen Sofia, is Constantine’s sister.
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Also related to the Greek royal family are the Danish royals. Queen Anne-Marie is sister to Queen Margrethe II, and therefore is aunt to Crown Prince Frederik and Princes Joachim. Frederik’s wife, Crown Princess Mary, is representing him at the wedding, while Joachim and his wife Princess Marie are also there.
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Also in attendance are newlyweds Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, along with the Netherlands’ Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima, and Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon.
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Though there is much media attention surrounding this wedding, Nikolaos and Tatiana hope the press would keep their distance Wednesday.
“The couple’s wish is to celebrate their wedding with close family and friends in as much a discreet and calm way as possible,” King Constantine’s office said in a statement.
It was a night of celebration as Sweden and royals from all over the world marked Saturday’s wedding between Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling. Just like her parents had 34 years ago, Victoria and her fiancè were a given a special concert at the Royal Concert Hall in Stockholm. Pop acts and classical artists played through the night as if it were a final hurrah before tomorrow’s big event.
First arriving at the Hall was the House of Bernadotte. When she got out of the car, Crown Princess Victoria wowed the crowd waiting for her. Beaming and radiating of joy, the Crown Princess waved as the people gave her and Daniel a four-fold cheer.
They walked up the red carpet behind her parents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Bringing up the rear were her two younger siblings, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine.
After the Swedish royal family came the friends and relatives of the royal couple, and the Swedish government leaders. Then came the royals from all over Europe, plus Japan and Jordan. The royal guest list even included those who are from deposed monarchies, such as Romania and Serbia.
All in all, 1,600 guests.
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Once inside, everyone dined amongst each other before the big concert. Those who haven’t seen each other in a while were able to say hello, such as Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary and Spain’s Crown Princess Letizia.
King Carl XVI Gustaf gave a small speech during the dinner, thanking the Prime Minister for allowing the wedding to take place – after all, the wedding of an heir to the throne needs government approval.
“We can all see how happy and engaged the engaged couple looks,” the King went on to say. “They really… You can feel the joy and youth and optimism in their eyes. We can all feel the warmth and happiness also in this hall and during this day.”
At about a quarter to nine local time, all those in attendance were in the Hall. Everyone stood and sang when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra played the Swedish national anthem. Even Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, who’s mother was a Swedish Princess, sang along.
Right after that, the orchestra began to play “Party Song” and right in the middle of the stage, lights went on, illuminating two
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figures holding hands. Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling had made their appearance. They received a standing ovation as they made their way to two seats in the front row especially made for them. With that, the concert began.
It was clearly a joyous occasion for everyone in the Hall. Ballet was performed, the opera classic “Nessun Dorma” was sung – even pop and jazz acts played. The host of the event also poked playful fun at the royals in attendance. At one point, the group Jazz Divas of Scandinavia were about the perform and the host gave a nod to the Scandinavian Crown Princesses – Victoria, Mette-Marit and Mary. The women had a good laugh about it.
But the biggest act to perform that night was probably the 80s Swedish pop duo, Roxette, said to be one of Victoria’s favorite bands. As the band played “The Look,” everyone in the hall clapped along and a few – such as Norway’s Princess Martha Louise – moved their heads to the song. Once done, there was a standing ovation for Roxette.
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The concert came to a close when all the singers returned to the stage and together sang Elvis Presley’s classic, “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” As they did with the Roxette song, many of the royals sang along.
Overall, it was an emotional event for everyone. Queen Silvia was seen wiping away some tears and it looked as if King Carl Gustaf was getting teary-eyed. Even Princess Madeleine looked red in the eyes – as did Queen Margrethe and Dutch Queen Beatrix.
With that, the pre-wedding events were over. Tomorrow comes the wedding of the year as Crown Princess Victoria marries her love – and a former gym owner from a small village in central Sweden becomes Prince Daniel.
Nearly the entire royal family of Spain gathered on Monday to award their country’s best athletes. Everyone from the regent couple, the Prince and Princess of Asturias to Infanta Elena and even King Juan Carlos’ sister Infanta Pilar were at the royal palace to hand out the massive trophies to the best sportsmen and women of 2009.
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One of the recipients of the award was steeplechase runner Marta Dominguez, who won before in 2002.
Golfer Severiano Ballesteros, who pulled the biggest ovation, received the lifetime achievement award.
Barcelonan Footballer Xavi Hernandez was notably absent from the ceremony. That was because he has a game to play on Tuesday.
Crown Princess Letizia delivered the first National Award for most improved athlete under the age of 18. That is the latest award for this ceremony, and it went to Alberto Aragon Gavalda.
In attendance for the award program were federation presidents, retired athletes, and members of the Spanish Olympic Committee.
The royal family of Spain is in mourning with the rest of the country the loss of the former International Olympics Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch, who died Wednesday at the age of 89 of heart failure. Thursday saw the family come to Barcelona for his funeral.
Samaranch’s coffin was brought to the hall of the Palau Sant Jordi of the Generalitat, the Catalan government headquarters, at noon local time. Thousands of people marched pass by to pay their respects.
Overseeing this was Crown Prince Felipe, Crown Princess Letizia and Infanta Cristina. Felipe would later give a speech, bidding farewell to a “friend” and a “universal Spaniard.”
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After the viewing, the coffin was taken to Barcelona Cathedral, where a mass was performed. King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and their two daughters, Elena and Cristina, attended the service, as did two other royals who once participated in the Olympics – Prince Albert II of Monaco and Constantine, the former King of Greece.
Furthermore, many athletes and politicians came to the funeral of the man who many say changed the Olympics into a major world sporting event. Some of the Spanish athletes even carried out his casket, such as tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Samaranch was a member of Spain’s aristocracy. His title was that of Marquess of Samaranch, and he preferred to be called, “Your Excellency.”
Today, Spain’s royal family officially released their annual Christmas cards. This year, as every year, those cards include pictures of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s grandchildren – the children of Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina and Crown Prince Felipe.
Infanta Elena’s two children – Felipe and Victoria – posed for their picture during what looks like the summertime. Both are wearing short sleeved t-shirts and are outdoors. Using summer photos seem to be a theme for Elena. Last year, her children’s Christmas picture had them on a yacht in bathing suits.
Next is Infanta Cristina’s four children: Miguel, Pablo, Juan and Irene. All three boys seem to be up to mischief as they flash wicked grins. Some of their sneakers are noticably untied, so perhaps they were up to something at the time of the photograph! Cristina’s youngest child, Irene, appears to be well protected by her older brothers. Like her sister Elena, Cristina chose a summertime picture. It is unknown if it was taken in Spain or in Washington, DC, where Cristina and her family relocated to over the summer.
Last but not least is the family photo of the Crown Princely couple. Felipe and Letizia posed happily with their two daughters, Leonor and Sofia, who are growing up to be very pretty young girls. Last year, Leonor looked so much like her cousin, Irene. But this year, the little princess appears to be much more different. Sofia’s hair has grown out, and is looking a lot like her mother, the Princess of Asturias.
As for the King and Queen, their Christmas photo was of statues of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the baby Jesus.
To check out the signatures on the cards, click here
2009 saw a lot in the world of royalty. From wedding announcements and divorces, royal scandals and royal births, legal issues and attacks, this year certainly kept royals all over the world in the news.
Vote now on what was the biggest royal news story of 2009!
The lawyers for Spain’s Infanta Elena and Jaime de Marichalar admitted today to the Spanish media that the couple have signed their divorce papers. While there was no official statement from the royal court, it is clear that the eldest daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia is no longer married.
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Both signed the divorce papers as a “mutual agreement”, the statements claim, which add that they “maintain a fluid dialogue on all matters relating to the common interest of their children.” Also, both “testify to the affection and regard that Don Jaime feels the Family of Her Royal Highness the Infanta, as has been well over the last two years.”
Married in Seville in 1995, Elena and Jaime separated two years ago. The couple have two children, Felipe Froilan age 11 and Victoria age 9. The children will stay with their mother while their father will have free access to them.
While it is not known why exactly the marriage fell apart, it is rumored that Jaime’s stroke in 2001 may be the reason.
The 45 year-old Infanta Elena is fourth in line to the Spanish throne.
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.
Less than a week after the first Holy Communions for the sons of Infanta Cristina, the Spanish royal family were together once again to mark the samek Catholic rite for Infanta Elena’s daughter, Victoria Frederica de Marichalar.
All of the Spanish royals were in Madrid, except for the Crown Princely family. Felipe and Letizia are on an official visit to Colombia this week, and their two young daughters were not at the gathering.
King Juan Carlos arrived just in time from Rome, where a major football match is taking place.
Victoria is the King’s eldest granddaughter, from his eldest daughter.
Victoria’s parents were together for the ceremony, which is rare since Infanta Elena and Jaime de Marichalar separated in late 2007.
The Royal House of Bourbon had Spaniards and other royal watchers gushing as the eight grandchildren of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia happily posed for this year’s Christmas cards.
Each child took a chance to show the world how much they’ve grown.
Spain’s little princesses, Leonor and Sofia posed like buddies for their picture. 3 year old Leonor had her arm around 1 1/2 year old Sofia, while the younger princess displayed how much she resembles her mother, Crown Princess Letizia.
What makes the Christmas cards of Letizia and Crown Prince Felipe different is that it is bilingual – written in both Spanish and English.
Next comes, Felipe’s older sister, Infanta Cristina’s four children. Pablo, Miguel, Irene and Juan bunched up and smiled happily for their photo. It should be noted how much Irene and Leonor resemble each other.
Lastly, Infanta Elena’s two children, Frederick and Victoria – although they are on what looks to be a boat, dressed in summer clothes. This is because King Juan Carlos wanted to use photographs from throughout the year, not some taken recently.
The card the photographs appear in has a painting of the Magi giving gifts to the infant Jesus.
Next comes, Felipe’s older sister, Infanta Cristina’s four children. Pablo, Miguel, Irene and Juan bunched up and smiled happily for their photo. It should be noted how much Irene and Leonor resemble each other.
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