Click here for photos of the visit to Oman

Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed greeted Queen Beatrix, [...]]]> The Dutch royal trio went on a three day state visit to the Sultanate of Oman. Originally scheduled last year, the trip was put off for this year due to the Arab Spring protests in the country.

Click here for photos of the visit to Oman

Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed greeted Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima on Tuesday at Al Alam Palace in Muscat. National anthems of Oman and the Netherlands were played, followed by a 21 gun salute welcoming the Dutch royals.

Their Majesties then went indoors for bilateral talks, followed by a lunch at the Beit al Zhubair museum.

In the evening, there was a state banquet hosted by the Sultan in honor of the Dutch royals. They also exchanged orders. The Sultan bestowed the Order of Al Said on the Queen while she conferred the Order of the Netherlands Lion to him.

Even Willem Alexander and Maxima received orders. The Dutch heir was bestowed the Great Order of Renaissance while his wife got the the Sultan Qaboos Order.

The next day saw the royals go to the Port of Sohar, where they were given a tour of its eco-friendly, industrial projects. They also went to the Sohar Free Zone, where they saw joint Omani-Dutch projects.

Next came Nakhl Fort, where the visiting royals were greeted by music and the children of the Omani Women’s Association of Nakhl with flowers and Omani and Dutch flags. The Queen, the Crown Prince and Princess were briefed about the fort by the students, and then later were shown Omani crafts.

Thursday morning concluded the state visit for the Dutch royals. They met with Sultan Qaboos again in Muscat who bid them farewell.

Sources: Gulf News, Times of Oman, Omani News Agency

Click here for recent pics of Queen Beatrix

The royals were greeted at the Mushrif Palace [...]]]> On Sunday, the Dutch royal trio – Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima – began their two day state visit to the United Arab Emirates. They arrived the previous night, but began their agenda Sunday.

Click here for recent pics of Queen Beatrix

The royals were greeted at the Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. There was a 21 gun salute in honor of the Queen, her son and daughter in law.

An exchange of honors took place between the Sheikh and Her Majesty. His Highness the Sheikh gave Beatrix the Order of Zayed, one of the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decorations given to kings and heads of state. In return the Queen gave him one of the Netherlands’ highest orders.

Also on Sunday, the Dutch royals toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Queen donned a long black dress and wore a blue scarf over her hat while Princess Maxima wore a caftan and a headscarf. This caused a bit of a uproar back in the Netherlands.

“Not to have worn one during a visit to a mosque wasn’t an option. In that case, the invitation to visit to the mosque, one of the most important in the United Arab Emirates, would have to have been refused,” explained Foreign Minister Ufi Rosenthal.

However, the Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders, complained that Beatrix was legitimizing Islam’s oppression of women. In response, Green Left MP Tofik Dibi, called Wilders’ comments a waste of time.

For Monday, the royals the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and met with officials and senior managements of companies that specialize in oil and petroleum. Since the Netherlands have their own oil industry – Shell – this was an obvious part of their agenda.

The Dutch trio then went to Masdar, where they met with Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, for a round table discussion on tightening Dutch-UAE relations.

“This meeting builds on an historic relationship,” said the Sheikha. “Trade was always considered the most important factor for relations between the Netherlands and the UAE, and these ties continue to become stronger today. In fact, most people would be surprised to know that the Netherlands’ ties with the Arab world date back more than three centuries.”

That concluded the Dutch state visit to the UAE. Tuesday will see the same trio go to Oman for another state visit.

This visit was historic for Queen Beatrix. This was her 50th state visit since her ascension to the throne in 1980.

Sources: Khaleej Times, Radio Netherlands, WAM, Dutch News

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II’s televised message spoke mainly of the state and goodwill visits she and [...]]]> For Christmas Eve and Day, most of the reigning heads of state in Europe spoke to their people. They wished them a good Christmas, reflected on 2011 and talked about what to look for in the following year.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II’s televised message spoke mainly of the state and goodwill visits she and her family made this year. She brought up the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to North America, her historic state visit to Ireland and the recent tour of Australia.

Click here to read the Queen's Speech in its entirety.

“The spirit of friendship so evident in both these nations can fill us all with hope,” Her Majesty said. “Relationships that years ago were once so strained have through sorrow and forgiveness blossomed into long term friendship. It is through this lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so give us hope for tomorrow.

“Of course, family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation. The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals”

The Queen then mentioned briefly the two weddings the House of Windsor saw this year – Prince William’s and Zara Philips’.

“The importance of family has, of course, come home to Prince Philip and me personally this year with the marriages of two of our grandchildren, each in their own way a celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together.”

Finally, Queen Elizabeth touched on the need to forgive one another. “Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf spoke about this year’s state visits from Estonia and to Botswana. He also mentioned visiting Swedish troops in Afghanistan. “After one such trip, I am even more convinced that we must not give up. We must continue to problems and conflicts should be resolved. Peace and reconciliation are powerful forces that can win over hatred and violence.”

Read the King's Speech here (its in Swedish)

The King also talked about something he mentioned in his Christmas message two years ago. In it, he brought up how he and Queen Silvia wanted to open a forum to discuss children’s issues. 2011 saw the second such forum in Stockholm at the palace.

“Over 400 participants listened to representatives of various child rights issues,” His Majesty said. “It was an important day, the whole palace was filled with dedicated people who talked about how children’s rights can be strengthened in practice.”

King Carl Gustaf went on to discuss the importance of monarchy in Sweden. “My ambition is that the Royal Palace to be alive and help to tell us about our heritage and history of our country. We continuously organize exhibitions, seminars, lectures and tours of the castle. This past year we have had almost one million visitors. The royal palaces in Sweden, I would like to be open so that everyone has an opportunity to take part of our shared history.”

“Sweden is a small nation. To build a sustainable society is the importance of working across borders. That is when we reach the big goals.”

The King then ended his message with a nod to Crown Princess Victoria, who will deliver her first child next year.

King Juan Carlos of Spain’s speech was broadcasted Christmas Eve. In it, he discussed the difficulties the country has experienced with its economy and high unemployment rate.

Click here to read (in Spanish) the King's speech

“We have several years mired in a severe economic and financial crisis whose complex causes are not always easy to understand, but whose negative effects are evident to all. For many, sadly too obvious by their hardness. It is a crisis that is likely to modify call habits and economic and social behaviors,” His Majesty told his people.

“If Spain has achieved in recent decades the highest levels of progress and welfare of its history, we now recognize with humility to know what were the behaviors in which, as individuals and as a group, we could be wrong. Only after this recognition, and the best values ​​of our society before we can begin to overcome this crisis.”

In addition, Juan Carlos touched on the distrust many Spaniards have for what he said was “some of our institutions”. Some translate this as him giving Spain his thoughts on the recent scandal involving his son-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarin.

“I also greatly concerned about the distrust that seems to be spreading in some sectors of public opinion regarding the credibility and prestige of some of our institutions. We need rigor, professionalism and exemplary in every way. Everyone, especially people with public responsibilities, we have the duty to observe appropriate behavior, exemplary behavior.

“When misconduct occurs that do not conform to the law or ethics, it is natural that society reacts. Fortunately we live in a state of law, and any objectionable act should be tried and punished under the law. Equal justice for all,” said the King.

To end his message, King Juan Carlos talked about the recent elections, his heir Prince Felipe’s efforts in representing Spain and gave his condolences to the victims of terrorism.

Over in the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix voiced her concern for stewardship of the earth and the distribution of wealth. “Our precious planet is handled carelessly and what they give us is badly distributed,” she told the Dutch people.

Click here to see video and read the speech (in Dutch)

She went on to talk about how personal gain and abusing the environment undermine the world’s sense of community. But she was optimistic.

“Everywhere people are already taking their own initiatives to a more conscious way of life. This offers hope for a new perspective. It is the youngsters who encourage us to do so today,” said the Queen.

“Entrepreneurs focus more and more responsible production and take into account the climatic effects. Many people work towards the conservation and teach children closely at the irreplaceable treasures of the earth. For the connection between agriculture and environment put many will enthusiastically. In all these possibilities, we can address each other. Old and new media information and call us to take responsibility, each at their own level. What starts in the small can grow into a new culture of concern for the future. Who wants to change the world, must simply begin with himself.”

Her Majesty also quoted Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi – “The earth has enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed.”

With that, Queen Beatrix wished the Dutch a happy Christmas.

Sources: British Monarchy, Kungahuset, Casa Real, De Telegraaf

NOTE: Once the English versions of the speeches are available, I will link them.

Click here to learn more

During the ceremony, [...]]]> In the presence of his family, the Netherlands’ Prince Constantijn gave out the annual Prince Claus Award, which is named after his late father. The Award is given to 11 cultural pioneers in developing countries, more specifically those who inspire change and make a difference.

Click here to learn more

During the ceremony, Constantijn, the youngest son of Queen Beatrix, spoke about his father and how his upbringing influenced him.

“After he had lived under two dictatorships in Germany and the Dominican Republic, he was convinced that people feel obliged to show civil courage,” said the Prince at the presentation at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

“[P]eople really can make a difference by showing civil courage. This was a kind of mantra for my father.”

“In remembering him, we celebrate today: the courage to speak up, to perform, and express. The Prince Claus Awards provide a stage to acknowledge the exceptional work of organisations and people who make a real difference. They contribute to culture, and through culture. In doing so, they offer – in their own small or grand manner – new pathways for hope and development,” concluded Constantijn.

This year, the main winner of the Prince Claus award was Ntone Edjabe. Born in Cameroon, studied in Nigeria and now lives in South Africa, he is the founder of Chimurenga (Struggle for Freedom) magazine. It is a culture, art and politics publication seen all over Africa. The magazine also focuses on breaking African taboos. Edjabe took home a prize money worth €100,000.

Ten others from countries such as Zimbabwe, Tibet/China, and Kazakhstan have received a prize of €25,000 for their commitment to culture and development.

Sources: De Telegraaf, Prince Claus Fund

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President Touré mentioned the [...]]]> On Tuesday, the royals of the Netherlands welcomed President Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali to their country. The president and his wife, Lobbo Traore, are on a three day state visit. It comes within days of news of a Dutchman being kidnapped in Mali.

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President Touré mentioned the kidnapping in his speech during the state banquet at the Royal Palace Noordeinde at The Hague. He told the Dutch people that he is “terribly sorry that this happened”. He also promised to help the situation.

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix thanked Touré for his apology, saying  “I appreciate very much that you personally spoken in response to your horror over the terrible incident.”

She added, “We all hope for a good outcome.”

The Dutch national, who’s name is unknown, was abducted at a restaurant in Timbuktu along with two others, a Swede and a South African.

Before the state banquet, the President and his wife were received by Queen Beatrix during a welcoming ceremony. Later on, Touré met with members of Parliament and even gave a speech discussing the economic developments of Mali.

Sources: De Telegraaf, Eerstekamer, NOS

Today marks the day the Queen of the Netherlands became the oldest Dutch monarch.

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix beat King Willem III, who died on 23 November 1890 at the age of 73 years and 277 days. Saturday has the Queen at 73 years [...]]]>

Click here to see recent photos of the Queen

Today marks the day the Queen of the Netherlands became the oldest Dutch monarch.

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix beat King Willem III, who died on 23 November 1890 at the age of 73 years and 277 days. Saturday has the Queen at 73 years and 278 days.

None of the other Dutch Kings and Queens made it past this point while on the throne. Those who were older than Beatrix is now had already abdicated. Those include her mother, Queen Juliana, who was 71 when she stepped down because “her strength was diminishing”. She went on to live for another 24 years before dying at the age 94 in March 2004.

Source: Radio Netherlands

The Dutch Caribbean will be getting the royal treatment for ten days. Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima are on tour of the islands that are constituent countries of the Netherlands. They include Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the former Dutch Antilles. The royal trio began their visit Thursday in Aruba.

See more photos here at Daylife.com

Arriving in Oranjestad, the Dutch royals were greeted by Prime Minister Mike Eman. There was a private dinner hosted by Governor Fredis Refunjol before the Queen, her son and her daughter-in-law began their agenda.

That included taking part in the Fiesta Popular held at Linear Park, which showcases the island’s diverse cultures. The royals marched in the parade along with beauty queens and dancers wearing fabulous headgear.

For the rest of their Aruba visit, the Queen, Willem Alexander and Maxima will be shown Arikok National Park, see the“Bo Bario” beautification project in the Juwana Morto section of San Nicolas. The Queen and Maxima then will visit a foundation for battered women while Willem Alexander will meet with the Aruba Green Energy Conference. After that, the royals will head to Bonaire, formerly part of the Dutch Antilles, now a Dutch municipality.

There has been some unhappy sentiment in the former Antilles over its breakup. It is expected there will be protests and flashes of anger towards Queen Beatrix as she tours those islands, which are Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba.

“The Queen is above politics,” says an organizer of a protest. “She can say and do everything, and change the laws.”

Another place where the royals won’t be seeing many joyousness over their visit is Curaçao, where there has been an increase in anti-Dutch sentiment. Some parliamentarians back in the Netherlands suggested the Queen not go to that island, but ever true to their royal roles, Beatrix, Willem-Alexander and Maxima will go to Curaçao.

Sources: Aruba.com, Radio Netherlands

Click here for more recent photos of Queen Beatrix

The Queen of the Netherlands showed up Sunday for the final day of the European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam. She brought with her granddaughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, who is second in line to the Dutch throne.

This was Queen Beatrix’s first outing since going for cataract [...]]]>

Click here for more Beatrix & Amalia photos

The Queen of the Netherlands showed up Sunday for the final day of the European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam. She brought with her granddaughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, who is second in line to the Dutch throne.

This was Queen Beatrix’s first outing since going for cataract surgery in her right eye on Thursday. She noticably wore sunglasses while spectating the competition.

Also in attendance with Princess Benedikte, the sister of the Queen of Denmark. Benedikte is the patron of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses. The royal trio say in the royal box, cheering loudly for their favorite, Adelinde Cornelissen of the Netherlands, who won the gold medal.

Source: Royalblog.nl, The Royal Forums Blog

Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders is looking to propose a bill that will limit Queen Beatrix’s influence over the Netherlands’ government.

Wilders announced this proposal during a press conference on Monday and said he will present the bill to Parliament on September 1st. While he does [...]]]>

View more pics of Queen Beatrix here

Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders is looking to propose a bill that will limit Queen Beatrix’s influence over the Netherlands’ government.

Wilders announced this proposal during a press conference on Monday and said he will present the bill to Parliament on September 1st. While he does want to preserve the monarchy, he wants the Queen to be solely ceremonial and not involved in politics.

Currently, Her Majesty meets once a week with Prime Minister Mark Rutte to discuss how to run the country.

Rutte denies the Queen has any influence and reportedly does not want any changes towards the Queen’s role in the Netherlands.

Geert Wilders is the head of anti-Islam party, Freedom Party, that is dedicated to restricting immigration. Wilders has caused plenty of controversy over his criticism of Islam and multiculturalism.

Source: Nieuws.nl