Click here to learn [...]]]> February 6th marks the day, in 1952, that the then Princess Elizabeth of York receives news of her father, King George VI’s death while touring Kenya. With that, the 25 year old became Queen Elizabeth II and has been the head of state for the United Kingdom ever since.

Click here to learn about the British monarchy

As Britain and the Commonwealth marked Her Majesty’s 60th anniversary on the throne, many reflected on how the Queen has always put duty first and has earned the respect of not just many in her realm, but all over the world.

Earlier on Monday, she renewed her vow to serve the country and told her subjects she was deeply moved” by the support for the Diamond Jubilee.

“I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth,” Her Majesty said.

However, Monday was any other ordinary day for the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip. They went to Norfolk to visit the King’s Lynn Town Hall before going to Dersingham Infant and Nursery School. The main celebrations of her ascension will be between June 2nd and 5th.

In London, there was a41-gun salute was held in Hyde Park, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower. There also was a 21-gun Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle.

Laura Skrzynski, who had come to Norfolk from London was eager to get a glimpse of the Queen.

“I love that the monarchy is above politics and feel that the Queen represents that best of all. She stands for integrity and respect and I am inspired by her faith. She has been a constant through all our lives,” she said.

Queen Elizabeth II, age 85, has seen 11 prime ministers come and go – with David Cameron being her twelfth. She’s also seen six Archbishops of Canterbury. She has traveled on state visits to places no British monarch has ever toured – such as Eastern European nations, the Middle East, China, and last year’s historic visit to the Republic of Ireland. She has also seen numerous advances in technology and society.

As Her Majesty appears to surpass Queen Victoria as the longest reigning British monarch ever – she’s got four years to go – one could only imagine what else would happen.

Sources: BBC, Telegraph

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 for images from the ceremony at Daylife.com

Queen Elizabeth II led the memorial with members of the government, including Prime Minister David [...]]]> Most members of the House of Windsor gathered at or near the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday, the day Britons reflect on those who died fighting for their country.

Click here for images from the ceremony at Daylife.com

Queen Elizabeth II led the memorial with members of the government, including Prime Minister David Cameron and other politicians, plus religious and military leaders.

In addition, more than 7,000 former soldiers marched past the Cenotaph along with 60 war widows.

After the march, at 11am local time, there was a two minute silence as the Big Ben chimed.

To end the silence, artillery fire echoed around the area. Buglers of the Royal Marines played the melody of The Last Post – which often signals the end of a soldier’s day.

Then Her Majesty laid a poppy wreath at the memorial, followed by her husband, Prince Philip.

Click here to see images at Zimbio.com

The rest of the royals who laid wreaths did so according to seniority: Charles, William, Andrew, Edward, Anne, and the Duke of Kent.

Watching from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth building were the two Duchesses, Camilla and Catherine, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex and wife of Prince Edward, and also Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the husband of Princess Anne.

The way it goes in the family is that since those were not born royal, they cannot lay wreaths during Remembrance Sunday. They can lay memorial wreaths during other events such as state visits, just not at the Cenotaph.

Prince Harry was the one senior royal not in the country today. Instead, he attended his Army Air Corps’ remembrance service parade in Arizona, where he is training as a Apache helicopter pilot.

This year marks the 90th year since the Royal British Legion began holding Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.

Sources: BBC, Telgraph, Daily Mirror

Click here for original photo

This ruling means that when William and Catherine have a first born daughter, she’ll be [...]]]> During Friday’s Commonwealth of Nations summit in Perth, Australia, it was unanimously agreed to give girls equal rights to the British throne. This changes centuries where boys were given preference over their sisters.

Click here for original photo

This ruling means that when William and Catherine have a first born daughter, she’ll be the next heir to the monarchy, even if she has a younger brother.

At the same time, monarchs can marry those of the Roman Catholic faith, though they must remain members of the Church of England.

The succession changes are only for Prince Charles’ descendants, however. That means if his nieces, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie marry Catholics, they’ll lose their chance for the throne.

Prime Minister David Cameron hailed this historic move.

“The idea that a younger son should become monarch instead of an elder daughter simply because he is a man, or that a future monarch can marry someone of any faith except a Catholic — this way of thinking is at odds with the modern countries that we have become,” he said.

With this agreement, the procedure to pass this law shall begin. In addition, the United Kingdom becomes the latest European monarchy to allow equal primogeniture. Earlier this year, Luxembourg joined the list. The other countries are Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

The countries that still have male preference are Spain, Monaco and Liechtenstein.

Source: CNN

Click here for more photos at Daylife.com

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, arrived at a Canberra air force base and were greeted by large crowds [...]]]> The Queen of the United Kingdom began her 16th visit to Australia Wednesday in what may be her final visit to the former British colony.

Click here for more photos at Daylife.com

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, arrived at a Canberra air force base and were greeted by large crowds waving Australian flags. Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor General Quentin Bryce officially welcomed the royal couple, followed by a 21 gun salute.

There is some irony to having Gillard welcome the Queen. The Prime Minister has been outspoken over making Australia a republic once Her Majesty passes away, but she has insisted that issue will not be brought up for this royal visit.

“While the Queen is here in Australia, what Australians will be doing is enjoying and celebrating her presence here,” Gillard told reporters hours before the Queen arrived.

“I believe she’s very well respected by Australians and I think she’s going to be tremendously warmly received from the moment that she sets foot on Australian soil,” she added.

Gillard notably did not curtsey to Her Majesty, but instead bowed her head.

The Queen will spend 10 days in the country. She will travel to Brisbane and Melbourne, as well as Perth, where she will preside over next week’s Commonwealth meeting. That meeting is held every two years and consists of the 54 nations once part of the British empire.

Many are wondering if this would be the 85 year old monarch’s final visit to Australia as she advances in years. Some residents are treating this visit as such.

But others point out the Queen’s late mother traveled to Canada when she was in her 90s.

“With the Queen, you should never say ‘last;’ never say ‘never,’” Dickie Arbiter, her former press secretary, said in an interview published in The Canberra Times newspaper Wednesday.

Among the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s itinerary for the next ten days is a trip to Floriade, Australia’s biggest flower festival in Canberra. They will also go to Queensland and meet with the emergency response personnel and communities affected by the recent floods. After that comes a post-flood Rededication Ceremony of Rainforest and the opening of Rain Bank.

In between will be meetings with local politicians and gala banquets in Her Majesty’s honor.

This is the Queen and Prince Philip’s first tour of Australia since 2006.

Sources: AP, Courier Mail

Click here for more photos of Her Majesty

But now, with [...]]]> Last week saw British Prime Minister David Cameron get the ball rolling on changing the succession laws to the throne. Under the current law, boys have a better chance at being monarch over a sister, even if she is the first born.

Click here for more photos of Her Majesty

But now, with Prince William finally being married and the possibility of him and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, providing an heir soon, talk over allowing first born girls inheriting the monarchy is getting stronger.

It is said even William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, supports what is called equal primogeniture and is encouraging Cameron to pursue changing the law.

On Friday, the Prime Minister began to long and complex road to allowing equal primogeniture by contacting his counterparts in the Commonwealth’s 15 countries to see if they also support the move. All countries that have the Queen as head of state have to agree on allowing the first born child – regardless of gender – to inherit the throne in order for the law to pass.

The Queen is said to be pleased that this all taking place just ahead of her tour of Australia later this week. During her trip, she will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth. It is certain the subject of changing the succession law will come up.

Another issue that might change is allowing Roman Catholics to marry the heir to the throne. Under the current law, that is forbidden.

Queen Elizabeth, however, is believed to be less enthusiastic about that since she reportedly thinks it could hurt the monarch’s position as head of the Church of England.

Supposedly, though, the law will insist that the monarch remain a Protestant.

Source: Telegraph

Click here for original article at the [...]]]> Scotland saw its first royal wedding in almost 20 years when Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest granddaughter, Zara Phillips, married rugby player Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh. The House of Windsor all turned up for this low-key ceremony in which no cameras were allowed inside.

Click here for original article at the Daily Mail

But there were plenty outside along with the small but cheering crowds. Those gathered cheered for the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, louder than for Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who were married only three months earlier.

Charles and Camilla were attendance, as were Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, whom were dressed more favorably according to critics than they were at William and Catherine’s wedding on April 29th.

And of course the mother of the bride, Princess Anne, was there, smiling broadly as her youngest child tied the knot.

Zara’s bridal gown was designed by one of her grandmother’s favorite designers, Stewart Parvin. She also wore Jimmy Choo shoes and the Greek Meander tiara.

She was escorted down the aisle by her father, Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.

View gallery at Daylife.com

The doors were closed during the ceremony, but when it was all over, Mike and Zara emerged arm in arm and shared a kiss for the crowds.

After the nuptials, the newlyweds, their friends and family, went to Holyroodhouse – the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh – for the reception.

Zara reportedly will keep her maiden name since she is a competitive equestrian. This is breaking with royal tradition as members of the royal family have always taken the surname of their spouses.

The last royal wedding in Scotland was in 1992 when Princess Anne married her second husband, Tim Laurence.

Source: BBC, Daily Mail

Click here to see pics of their [...]]]> These past five days have been a whirlwind for newlyweds Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Starting on Thursday, the couple made their first official duties and appearances since their April 29th wedding. These engagements included charity galas, milestone birthday celebrations and traditional royal events.

Click here to see pics of their arrival

Throughout these five days, Catherine kept her cool and showcased that she can handle making public appearances. She showed no sign of uneasiness and went along with a warm smile, as well as William’s guiding hand gently placed on her back.

On Thursday, the couple went to the ARK (Absolute Return to Kids) 10th anniversary charity gala dinner, where they were this year’s guests. They attended on behalf of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. The function is co-organized by Arpad Busson and Ian Wace, and it focuses on raising money for needy children worldwide.

Crowds who had gathered to see the couple cheered and gasped when Catherine emerged from the limousine. The Duchess had displayed once again her amazing fashion sense by showing up in a glitterly pink gown made by Jenny Packham.

Once inside, William and Catherine chatted with the guests that included actor Colin Firth, socialite Jemima Khan, Liz Hurley and Greek royals, Crown Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie Chantal.

During the dinner, the Prince gave a speech where he said “My brother, Catherine and I hope to use our philanthropy as a long-term catalyst for meaningful change.”

“Programs from this partnership will raise aspirations, broaden horizons and encourage young people to achieve what may have seemed to them unachievable,” said the Prince

“It will generate opportunities in education for young people in the United Kingdom and then later expand beyond our shores, initially to projects in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Click here to see more photos

Later on Saturday, Catherine took part in her first Trooping the Colour event, which celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s 85th birthday. At the same time, Prince William took part for the first time in the ceremonial parade on horseback.

Wearing the bearskin hat that nearly covered his eyes, William wore the same uniform he wore at his wedding as he rode a horse with the Household Cavalry. Behind the Cavalry were the British royals in their carriages, waving and smiling to the well wishers.

On the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the extended House of Windsor to watch the fly over from the Royal Air Force.

This year’s Trooping the Colour marked the first time three generations of British royals participated.

On Sunday, the royals attended church service at St. George’s Cathedral at Windsor to celebrate the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip’s 90th birthday. That was followed by a reception at the Castle in which some of the Greek royals attended.

Click here to see more photos

Monday saw the Order of the Garter Service, which Prince William was inducted to a few years ago. Catherine attended that event back when she was simply his significant other. But now, as his wife, she had more of a chance to interact with the awaiting crowds. Her stepmother-in-law, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, encouraged her to step forward more in order for the people to see her.

If any still doubt the love between William and Catherine, they need not do so anymore. When the Prince, dressed in the Order’s traditional garments, paraded by his wife, she gave him a simple grin. To which, he smiled back and blushed.

Later this month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit families of those killed in Afghanistan. Towards the end of June, they will also embark on a tour of North America which will take them across Canada and into California.

Judging by the way Catherine has held herself during these past whirlwind days, she will certainly do a regal job for the tour.

Sources: Daily Mail, Telegraph

Click here for [...]]]> The United States’ President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama began their state visit to the U.K., which is still glowing from its royal wedding nearly a month ago. The House of Windsor was ready to welcome the couple with the grandeur the royals are so well known for.

Click here for more pics!

The Obamas arrived last night due to the Icelandic volcanic ash causing air traffic problems. This morning, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, greeted them at the home of the American ambassador. From there, Mr. and Mrs. Obama went to Buckingham Palace where they were welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

This was the second time the Obamas met the royal couple. The first time was in April 2009, during a G20 meeting in London. That was when Michelle Obama famously put her arm around the Queen.

The highlight for the Obamas had to be meeting the newlywed couple, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. The two had just returned from their 10 day honeymoon in Seychelles, and this was their first official engagement after their historic wedding last month.

Click here for more photos

Catherine chatted with Michelle while William spoke to the President. The four discussed the wedding and the Cambridges’ visit to California in July. Catherine handled her first royal engagement with perfect ease, as though she was born to be a royal.

Later in the evening, Queen Elizabeth II hosted a state dinner, in which about 170 guests attended. They included other members of the House of Windsor, such as Princess Anne, and ambassadors, business leaders, leading academics, prominent nobility and even celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic.

Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson were present, as was Tim Burton, Kevin Spacey and Helena Bonham-Carter – who won rave reviewed for portraying the Queen’s mother in the Oscar winning film “The King’s Speech” this year.

As for the Queen’s speech ( ), she said, “We are here to celebrate the tried, tested and – yes – special relationship between our two countries.”

There was a mishap when President Obama gave his speech. He was quoting Shakespeare when the band began to play “God Save the Queen”. Other than that, this first day of their British state visit was memorable for Barack and Michelle Obama.

Sources: AP, Hello!, Telegraph