Royalty in the News » Opening of Parliament

Spanish Royals Attend Opening of Parliament

Megan M — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:42:18 +0000

On Tuesday, Spain witnessed the opening of the Xth legislature, of democracy or its opening of Parliament. King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were in attendance for the event.

Click here for more photos at Zimbio

Not in attendance for the first time since 1979 were the King’s two daughters, Infantas Elena and Cristina. Many wondered if their absence was linked to Cristina’s husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, and his ties to a corruption scandal. Urdangarin has been excluded from the royal family because of it.

“They did not accept their invitation (to attend) for different reasons,” a royal palace communications official said. “It is their decision.”

In his speech to the new legislature, King Juan Carlos reiterated what he said during his Christmas Eve speech to the nation – such as its “responsibility to strengthen trust in the institutions” of Spain. He also added that no public figure was above the law, another echo of the previous speech.

His Majesty also spoke about the high unemployment rate. “All of you, deputies and senators, are united in the obligation to contribute with decisiveness and efficacy to getting over this crisis and its negative effects on citizens,” he said.

Sources: AFP, Hoy Mujer

Opening of Danish Parliament 2011

Megan M — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:28:47 +0000

The Danish Parliament was officially opened Tuesday, and the royal family of Denmark were there to witness it.

Click here to view gallery at SN.dk

Princess Benedikte, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie were the first to arrive. They were followed by the Crown Princely couple, Frederik and Mary. The group waited a few minutes before the regal couple – Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik – arrived.

As they waited, the five chatted with each other. At one point, Joachim and Marie put their arms around each other. The two are expecting their second child in January.

Then Her Majesty and her husband showed up. The Queen was wearing a pink outfit she has worn a few times before. Its been noticeable that Margrethe has been recycling her clothes more so than any royal in Europe.

Different this year, though, when she greeted members of her family, the Queen kissed her sons and daughter in laws on the cheek, rather than simply shaking their hands.

Inside the Parliament, or Folketinget as the Danes call it, the royal family sat in a balcony and watched as politicians made their speeches opening the political year.

As they do each year, the royals made no secret they were bored during inauguration. Some were even photographed staring off into space or rolling their eyes.

Source: TV2

Opening of Norwegian Parliament 2011

Megan M — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:44:35 +0000

His Majesty King Harald V opened the 156th Parliament session Monday. With his wife, Queen Sonja, and his son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, at either side of him, the King read a speech which officially opened the Stortinget.

Click here to view a gallery at Zimbio.com

The first few lines of his speech had Harald discuss the July attacks in Oslo and Utøya by a radical right-winger.

“The Norwegian people responded by defending democracy,” the King said in a speech that was written for him. “Out of the pain grew a strong popular desire for unity, openness and participation.

“In the most critical hours and days our country has experienced since the Second World War, the people took responsibility for our values and showed the way forward. It strengthens democracy. Meanwhile, the tragedy affect people and society for a long time.”

Then the monarch went on to discuss what the Parliament will do about the response towards the attacks, such as how the police and emergency teams reacted to the bombing in Oslo and the shootings on Utøya.

“There will be a need for measures to strengthen our security and emergency preparedness. In addition resulted in terror attacks 22 Jul. significant additional costs in several areas. The Government will come back with proposals concerning allocation changes as a result of the attacks 22 July, beyond the proposals already submitted.

“Government will balance the need for appropriate security and safe emergency response to a common desire for continued closeness between the Norwegian people and key actors in society.”

From there, King Harald discussed what the Stortinget will do for this political year. He highlighted how jobs is a main focus, with the goal of having Norway with the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.

Other issues important to the Stortinget is to make Norway a major player in the fight against climate change, as well as dedicating the country to being one of the best welfare societies.

As he ended his speech, the King pointed out what his government will do in terms of law making and presenting reports on the state of Norway.

Once King Harald completed declaring the Parliament opened, a member of Parliament then spoke to give a State of the Union, followed by an outline of what the government achieved last year.

Sources: regjeringen.no, Kongehuset.no

Queen Beatrix Opens Dutch Parliamentary Year

Megan M — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:48:51 +0000

This Tuesday was Prinsjesdag for the Netherlands – the day Her Majesty Queen Beatrix gives a speech from the throne to officially open the Dutch parliamentary year. This day is also called Budget Day, as the Queen outlines the annual budget in her speech.

Click here for more recent photos of Queen Beatrix

Like so many other governments in the world, the Dutch have to cut back in order to preserve funds due to tough economic times, and that affects all citizens. Beatrix discussed that in her speech.

“The economic and social uncertainties are putting our stamina to the test,” the Queen told the politicians at Knight’s Hall in The Hague.

“The government is making an appeal to everyone to contribute to this — an appeal in this difficult period for everyone to build together a stronger society and a stronger economy in the best traditions of our country.”

But she spoke of hope and optimism during the difficult times.

“Our starting position is positive. The government is looking forward to an involved and open exchange of views. We would like to work with you towards solutions which are widely accepted.”

After giving her speech, the Queen and other members of the Dutch royal family, including Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima, rode in gold trimmed carriages to Noordeinde Palace where they went out onto the balcony to wave to the many Dutch below.

The Netherlands’ budget cuts include raising the retirement level from 65 to 66 in 2020, and deep fund reduction to the social security system.

Source: Reuters, Radio Netherlands, AP

Opening of Swedish Parliament 2011

Megan M — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:03:16 +0000

The House of Bernadotte came together Thursday for the annual opening of the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdagen.

View more photos here at Svensk Damtidning

In the morning, the royal family took part in a church service before the actual opening of the Riksdagen. Everyone was there, from Their Majesties to all three of their children: Crown Princess Victoria with her noticeably growing baby bump, Prince Carl Philip who was taking a day away from his agricultural studies, and Princess Madeleine, who had flown in from New York. Even Prince Daniel was there, on the very day he marked his 38th birthday.

But duties comes first for royalty. After the service, the royals sat through the first day of Sweden’s Parliament session for the political year.

The reason why the royals wear black during the opening of Riksdagen is because that color was the hue for the ladies of the court starting in the late 18th century during the reign of King Gustaf III. It is to upkeep the tradition these days for the royal women.

See more pics at Svensk Damtidning

But black is an option later in the day when an opera is performed and the royals attend. Crown Princess Victoria wore a silvery knee length dress that hid her pregnancy. But her sister, Princess Madeleine wowed many fashion followers by wearing a rather sexy gown – and yes, the color was black.

Source: Svensk Damtidning, Wikipedia

King Abdullah II Opens Parliament

Megan M — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:49:21 +0000

This Sunday saw King Abdullah II inaugurate a new parliament session in Jordan, following the country’s general elections earlier this month. Those elections were held a year after the King dissolved parliament, two years before the end of its mandate. They were the fourth held under the monarch, who inherited the throne in 1999.

REUTERS/Ali Jarekji

“On this occasion, I wish to congratulate the respectable deputies who have won the confidence of our people in the recent parliamentary elections,” King Abdullah told the Chamber of Deputies and Senate. “Which we did our utmost to hold in a transparent and impartial manner. We hope these elections, and this assembly, will further strengthen our democratic process.”

The King stressed the need for the assembly to recognize legislative authority has a pivotal constitutional role, and that the role of the House of Representatives must not be undermined.

“We must learn from the lessons of the past. We must rectify mistakes made,” he said. “And we must admit that relations between the executive and legislative authorities suffered from numerous shortcomings that hindered our reform efforts, to the detriment of the interests of our people.”

King Abdullah went on to highlight what he wants from this new government, such as media rights and the rights of youths and women.

“[My government] will respect the right of media institutions to work freely and independently, and to have access to information. Law, as well as the Code of Conduct that was adopted by the previous government, will govern this relationship. But it is necessary to consider any legislative amendments that can lead to the development of an independent professional media industry, and protect citizens and their rights from unprofessional practices that falsify facts and harm our country.

“In view of the significance of the role of our youth, on whose shoulders lies the responsibility of building our future, the government is working towards implementing a comprehensive plan to develop the role of the youth sector and to equip our youth with necessary skills and knowledge. Likewise, the government will continue to strengthen and reinforce the role of women in society, and will take all necessary measures to protect women’s rights.”

The King added that his country will remain supportive of the Palestinian cause.

“Jordan, which will remain strong, stable and secure, will continue to support our Arab brethren in defending Arab and Islamic just causes. First among these is the Palestinian cause. Jordan has always been and will continue to be the strongest supporter of our Palestinian brethren, and we will do all we can to help them put an end to occupation, to lift the injustice, and to establish their independent state on their national soil, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international law, and within a regional context that ensures comprehensive peace.”

He even talked about Iraq:

“Jordan will also spare no effort in supporting our Iraqi brethren to preserve the stability and security of their country, and to regain Iraq’s pivotal role in the region and the world at large.”

The King then ended his speech with a blessing.

The newly-elected 120-member Lower House is dominated by pro- government loyalists and tribal-linked candidates, including 78 newcomers, two former senators, eight former ministers and a former prime minister. The lower house includes 13 female politicians.

Source: AFP, Ammon News, Xinhua

Mary’s Bump the Focus of Parliament Opening

Megan M — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:24:30 +0000

This Tuesday saw the annual opening of Danish Parliament, or Folketinget as Danes call it. While the main reason for this event is to start off the political year in Denmark, the media focused primarily on Crown Princess Mary and her ever growing belly.

Crowds cheered as Mary arrived at Christiansborg Palace with husband, Crown Prince Frederik. She greeted awaiting officials and in-laws Prince Joachim, Princess Marie and Princess Benedikte. The Crown Princess then waited for the arrival of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik.

When those two came, everyone lined up to bow or curtsy before the Queen and her consort. When it was time for Mary to curtsy, she did it very deeply. This, despite being about six months pregnant with twins!

Afterward, the Danish royal family entered Christiansborg Palace for the inaugural session of Folketinget.

Here is a video from Danish television about the Parliament opening:

King Harald V Opens Norwegian Parliament

Megan M — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:58:34 +0000

On Saturday, Norway’s King Harald V officially opened the 155th Parliament session, or Storting. He gave a speech from the throne in front of the assembled politicians, with Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon on either side of him.

Håkon Mosvold Larsen / Scanpix

Reading a speech written for him, the King laid out the government’s policies for the coming parliamentary year.

Following the completion of Harald’s speech comes the Report on the State of the Realm. That is read by the youngest member of the Storting, according to tradition. The report goes over what the government achieved in the past year.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit was not at this year’s Parliament opening. In fact, she never has and neither has any Crown Princess of Norway. Not even Queen Sonja attended when she was Crown Princess. This is because traditionally, the opening of the Storting was an all-male event because royal women have no real constitutional role in Norway. The Queen, however, attends almost by invitation from the King.

If you want a better explanation, click here. The reason why Crown Princesses do not attend is a bit complicated. But guaranteed, once Haakon becomes King, and his daughter and heir, Princess Ingrid Alexandra reaches adulthood, she’ll be by her father’s side.

Source: Kongehuset.no, Trondni Blogspot

Sweden’s Opening of Parliament 2010

Megan M — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:52:54 +0000

Tuesday marked the opening of Swedish Parliament in Stockholm. Most members of the royal family turned up for the day’s event, first with a church service followed by the inaugural Parliament session.

REUTERS/Bob Strong

King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel arrived at Stockholm Cathedral in the morning. Newlyweds Victoria and Daniel held hands as they entered the church while the Queen bundled up in a fur coat to deal with the frigid weather.

After the service came the official opening of Parliament, or Riksdag as Swedes call it. The King gave a speech before the assembled politicians. At one point, he thanked them for their support during the June wedding of his daughter and son-in-law. As the Riksdag applauded, the Crown Princess smiled and took Daniel’s hand into hers.

In the evening came the reception in which the royals dressed formally for the occasion – meaning they wore tuxedos and formal dresses, though no one wore any tiaras or military uniform.

Prince Carl Philip was not present for this year’s opening nor was Princess Madeleine, who is still in New York.

Sources: Svensk Damtidning, Expressen, TV4

Queen Beatrix Calls for Stable Government from Throne

Megan M — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:26:27 +0000

The third Tuesday of every September is the day Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opens Parliament on a day called Prinsjedag. She arrives at the Hall of Knights in The Hague in a golden coach along with most of her family, and delivers a speech from the throne.

REUTERS/Peter Dejong/Pool

This year, her speech focused on the country’s inability to form a government for almost the entire year, and a need for a balanced budget.

The Queen stressed the need for tolerance between the three political parties that are currently struggling to form a coalition government. She called those parties to work on social cohesion. The parties the Queen did not mention directly are the free market VVD, Christian Democrats and Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Freedom Party.

Next, Her Majesty discussed the budget deficit, in which public spending will be lower this time around. The monarch said the Netherlands would have to take measures in order to remain competitive in the labor market and the world economy.

REUTERS/Jerry Lampen

After her speech, Queen Beatrix joined most of her family, including Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima, Prince Constantijn, Princess Laurentien, and her sister, Princess Margriet and her husband Pieter van Vollenhoven, on the balcony of Noordeinde Palace, where they all waved to the thousands who gathered below.

The Queen seemed calm and cool throughout the day, despite an upsetting disturbance when she rode her golden carriage to the Hall of Knights. A 29 year-old man threw a candlestick holder at the carriage and was quickly tackled by police. A spokesman for The Hague police said the man’s motive was unknown and no one was injured.

Security has been tight around the Dutch royal family since the attack of 2009′s Queen’s Day when a man narrowly missed ramming his car into a bus carrying the royals, and instead plowed his vehicle into the crowds, killing several people.

Sources: AP, Radio Netherlands Worldwide