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This week saw royal watchers, historians and the Irish diaspora closely watch the first state visit by a British monarch to the Republic of Ireland. Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Dublin on Tuesday to mark warming relations between Great Britain and Ireland after centuries of animosity. For years, there was talk of the Queen making such a visit and it finally materialized.
 See more pics from May 17th 2011 here But not everyone was celebrating. Protests and even a bomb threat occurred throughout the visit as plenty of Irish voiced their disdain over a British head of state setting foot in their country. Security in Dublin was unprecedentedly high and there were dozens of arrests. All this showcased that despite closer ties, Ireland and the UK still have healing to do.
Even so, Queen Elizabeth was welcomed by those who didn’t mind having the British monarch on Irish soil. One of the first things she did was lay a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance with Irish President Mary McAleese, who is credited with making this state visit possible.
“I think it is an extraordinary moment in Irish history, a phenomenal sign and signal of the success of the peace process and absolutely the right moment for us to welcome (the queen) onto Irish soil,” McAleese told RTE television.
The Garden of Remembrance commemorates those who fought for Irish freedom and having the Queen laying a wreath there was a sensitive moment.
She said nothing and didn’t show any emotion when a band played the British and Irish national anthems at the Garden.
Later on, she and husband Prince Philip visited Trinity College, where they met with several students taking a break from finals. The couple also received a tour of the College and saw the Book of Kells, a 9th century Biblical manuscript.
 See more pics from May 18th 2011 here Wednesday saw more visits to sensitive but poignant spots. The Queen was shown around Croke Park Stadium, where in 1920, British forces shot dead 14 people.
Later in the evening, during the state dinner, Queen Elizabeth II addressed the pain many Irish feel about British treatment over the decades. Dressed in a white gown with shamrocks sewn on and a golden harp sewn on her left shoulder, she opened her speech in Irish Gaelic: “A hUachtarain agus a chairde” – which means President and friends.
“Together we have much to celebrate: the ties between our people, the shared values, and the economic, business and cultural links that make us so much more than just neighbours, that make us firm friends and equal partners.
“Madam President, speaking here in Dublin Castle it is impossible to ignore the weight of history, as it was yesterday when you and I laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance.
“Indeed, so much of this visit reminds us of the complexity of our history, its many layers and traditions, but also the importance of forbearance and conciliation. Of being able to bow to the past, but not be bound by it.”
The Queen went on to mention Northern Ireland and the peace relations since 1998.
“What were once only hopes for the future have now come to pass; it is almost exactly 13 years since the overwhelming majority of people in Ireland and Northern Ireland voted in favour of the agreement signed on Good Friday 1998, paving the way for Northern Ireland to become the exciting and inspirational place that it is today.
“I applaud the work of all those involved in the peace process, and of all those who support and nurture peace, including members of the police, the gardai, and the other emergency services, and those who work in the communities, the churches and charitable bodies like Co-operation Ireland.”
She then talked about the close ties between the two countries, more than the political links as she closed her speech.
“There are other stories written daily across these islands which do not find their voice in solemn pages of history books, or newspaper headlines, but which are at the heart of our shared narrative. Many British families have members who live in this country, as many Irish families have close relatives in the United Kingdom.
“These families share the two islands; they have visited each other and have come home to each other over the years. They are the ordinary people who yearned for the peace and understanding we now have between our two nations and between the communities within those two nations; a living testament to how much in common we have.”
“These ties of family, friendship and affection are our most precious resource. They are the lifeblood of the partnership across these islands, a golden thread that runs through all our joint successes so far, and all we will go on to achieve.
“They are a reminder that we have much to do together to build a future for all our grandchildren: the kind of future our grandparents could only dream of.
“So we celebrate together the widespread spirit of goodwill and deep mutual understanding that has served to make the relationship more harmonious, close as good neighbours should always be.”
During the speech, President McAleese mouthed the word, “wow” several times. The Queen’s speech was praised by many prominent Irish, such as Peter Sheridan, chief executive of the peace-building charity Co-Operation Ireland. “Somehow when you focus on the future that the Queen and the President pointed to, the dark, horrible past takes on a new perspective.”
 See more pics from May 19th 2011 here Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who runs the most vocal party in Northern Ireland for independence from Britain, had this to say.
“Queen Elizabeth’s acknowledgment that the relationship between Britain and Ireland has not been entirely benign is a gross understatement. This will be forgiven if the future policy of her government is about building an entirely new future based on genuine equality, and mutual respect.”
The next day, the Queen’s final day of her state visit, saw her in Tully where she visited Ireland’s Horse Valley. There, the Queen and Prince Philip saw up close the best of Irish horses.
In the evening, Her Majesty relaxed a little at the Dublin Convention Center for some music, fashion and theatre. She saw a fashion show, traditional Irish dancing, and some performers by Westlife, the Chieftains and Mary Bryne. When the Queen walked out on stage, she received a standing ovation by the 2,000 guests in the audience.
With her Irish visit done, many could say this was one of the 85 year old monarch’s most poignant engagements ever – and she pulled it off. By speaking Irish, showing sensitivity to the past and hope for the future, Queen Elizabeth II likely built a bridge between Ireland and Great Britain. Hopefully, nothing will destroy what she did this week.
Sources: AFP, Irish Times, Telegraph, RTE
April 21st is a day of milestones for the Windsors as they prepare for their biggest event in years – the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, just eight days away.
But first, today marks not only Queen Elizabeth II’s 85th birthday, but also as her being the oldest British monarch to reign. She became Queen back in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI, and was coronated in 1953.
For Thursday, Her Majesty spent it celebrating Maundy Thursday at Westminster Abbey. As tradition holds, she gave out Maundy money to 170 elderly people waiting outside – that’s 85 men and 85 women, one for each year the Queen has lived.
Yesterday saw another milestone for the British royals – the Queen’s son and heir, Prince Charles, became the longest serving heir in British history. Born in 1948, the Prince of Wales has been waiting to become King since he was a child. Now at age 62, it doesn’t look like Charles will be King anytime soon.
“If she [Queen Elizabeth] lives as long as her mother she could go another 15 years, 16 years, which will put Charles around about 78,” Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, told ABC News. “She has sworn an oath to the people. She is committed until the day she draws her last breath.”
Source: ABC News
As the world reacted with shock and sadness at the 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan Friday, world leaders were quick to express their condolences to Emperor Akihito, the head of state.
 AP Photo/Keichi Nakane, The Yomiuri Shimbun
“I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake which has struck north east Japan today,” Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II told the emperor.
“Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to your Majesty and the people of Japan. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the dreadful disaster.”
On Twitter, the two Queens of Jordan expressed their sadness over the disaster.
“My heart goes out to all affected by quake &tsunami in Japan including my beloved child who works there. God bless. &protect all,” tweeted Queen Noor, who was referring to youngest daughter, Princess Raiyah.
Noor’s stepdaughter-in-law, Queen Rania, wrote on the social networking site: “Awestruck by devastating power of nature in Japan. Thoughts & prayers are with those who lost loved ones, & those who wait in uncertainty.”
“A truly humbling reminder of our vulnerability, as humans in the end, we only have each other and our faith.”
On a personal note, I would like to express my condolences to the Japanese readers of Royalty in the News. The world is on your side, and my prayers are with you. – Megan
Sources: Telegraph, Twitter
A new addition to the British royal family!
 Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images Last night, Princess Anne’s daughter-in-law, Autumn Phillips, gave birth to a girl at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The little baby weighed 8lbs 8oz, but her name has not yet been released. Peter Phillips, the Princess’ son and eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was present for the birth.
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips and Autumn’s family have been informed and are delighted with the news,” said a statement from the British royal court.
This baby is now both the first grandchild for Princess Anne and also the first great-grandchild for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
She will be 12th in line to the British throne.
Her parents married in May 2008 at Windsor Castle after dating for several years.
Congratulations to Peter and Autumn!
While Christmas Eve saw three European monarchs give their annual speeches, Christmas Day saw another three deliver theirs. Queen Elizabeth II, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Beatrix had previously recorded their speeches, and they aired on national television on one of the most festive times of the year.
 REUTERS/John Stillwell/Pool For the British Queen, it was a moment to talk about how sports could unite people and create communities. She was referring to this year’s Commonwealth Games, or even the London Summer Olympics which are less than 2 years away.
“During this past year of abundant sporting events, I have seen for myself just how important sport is in bringing people together from all backgrounds, from all walks of life and from all age groups,” the 84-year-old monarch said.
“We see this vividly at the Commonwealth Games, for example, which is known to many as the Friendly Games and where I am sure you have noticed that it is always the competitors from the smallest countries who receive the loudest cheers,” she said.
Analysts of the Queen’s Christmas speech say she might have been criticizing the government’s decision to cut funds for school sporting programs.
To the north in Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf had plenty to say about what has been a busy year for his family and country. He referred to the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the House of Bernadotte. But mostly, the King talked about the June wedding of his eldest daughter and heir, Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling.
 Kungehuset.se “It was a glorious day of celebration,” said King Carl Gustaf. “And our joy was shared with all those hundreds of thousands who had gathered along the motorcade route and below the castle, and with all the millions who followed the wedding on television all over the country and abroad. I want to express my and my family’s heartfelt thanks for all the appreciation and warmth that has come to Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.”
His Majesty also mentioned Sweden’s economic growth after troubled following the world economic crisis. “In Sweden we can for now rejoice in the strong economic growth. Exports are growing and employment has begun to increase. But we have reason to respect for those in the financial turmoil abroad and what it can get for the consequences.”
He also touched on the environment, mentioning the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and the fragility of the earth by pointing out the earthquakes in Haiti, China and Turkey, and even the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
“Our planet is vulnerable. I tend to think of Earth as an apple – with the crust as thin as an apple peel,” the King said. “If the Earth is an apple, so is life on the planet – humans, animals and plants – as delicate as the dew on an apple that can be easily rub off on your sleeve. We must do everything to protect Earth’s environment and promote sustainable development. We must succeed in reconciling the poor countries for economic development with the need for measures to ensure our common future on Earth.”
No where in the King’s speech did he mention stepping down in favor of Crown Princess Victoria, something a recent poll says most Swedes want to see done.
To the south in the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix gave a speech about living in harmony with others. This may have been a reflection of this past year’s political crisis after Dutch politicians failed to create a government for most of the year.
 AP “Every person needs a safe place and a life in harmony with others, together we are part of a society,” she said. “Therefore we must ensure the base remains strong and balanced proportions. Fear of change leads to vague unrest and uncertainty about the future. Then comes the social fabric under tension. When people no longer recognize the familiar, distrust grows. But patience, respect and solidarity can counterbalance. It comes down to social solidarity. The challenge is always to each other in solving problems. Anyone who feels participant, is also strengthened in the sense of self.”
Beatrix used World War II as an example of people being brave in the face of disharmony. “The stories from World War II, we know impressive examples of personal courage, when people themselves are not considered brave, but stood for their principles. Their choice had serious consequences for others and for themselves. Despite fear and despair they felt after all the strength to remain true to their faith in human solidarity.”
“Divergent views together of course with an open society. We can not deny the differences, but they see it as a starting point for social dialogue. It is not necessary to persuade each other to endure. That is the basis of mutual respect.”
There were some who felt Queen Beatrix was referring to Geert Wilders, a Dutch parliamentarian who leads the anti-Islam Freedom Party, as she talked about respect for one another.
Sources: AFP, Kungehuset, Koninklijkhuis
Thursday night saw Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II land in Muscat to begin her three day state visit to Oman. She was greeted by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who this year is celebrating 40 years on the throne. The Queen is in his country to commemorate that milestone with the Sultan as well as strengthen bilateral ties. The last time she visited Oman was in 1979.
 -/AFP/Getty Images The U.K. and Oman have relations going back 200 years with treaties of friendship signed in 1798, 1800, 1891 and 1951.
During her visit, Queen Elizabeth saw the major changes that have happened in the Sultanate, from state-of-the-art technologies to international standard infrastructure. In addition, delegates from the U.K. will focus on broaden ties with Oman in terms of trade, education, energy security, defense and foreign policy.
As part of his welcoming of Elizabeth, the Sultan gave her a Fabrege style egg and a gold vase.
On Friday, the Queen attended an equestrian show intended as part of Sultan Qaboos’ 40 years on the throne festivities.
About 7,000 Britons live in Oman, while many other Omanis have either homes or business interests in the U.K. Sultan Qaboos even attended the famous Sandhurst military academy.
Source: AFP, ITN
The Queen of the U.K. recently finished a state visit to the United Arab Emirates, which began on Tuesday. This was her first time visiting the Persian Gulf state since 1979. Along with her husband, Prince Philip, and second son, Prince Andrew, the Queen sought to broaden the already close links between Great Britain and the UAE.
 WPA Pool - John Stillwell/Getty Images After landing in Abu Dhabi, the Queen and her entourage were greeted by the emirate’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Soon after, Her Majesty was given a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. She wore a scarf around her hat and removed her shoes out of respect. As she walked, the Queen was fascinated by the mosque’s floor designs, which have mosaic floral designs. A crowd gathered to see the monarch, releasing an audible “wow” as they caught a glimpse of her.
While at the mosque, Queen Elizabeth, her husband and son, went to the tomb of the father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She also listened to students reciting the Quran.
The next day, the British delegation attended a UAE – UK partnership ceremony. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the British Foreign Secretary William Hague signed at the ceremony the “Abu Dhabi Declaration 2010″ reaffirming the UAE-UK Friendship treaty signed in 1971 that asserted that the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom will, in times of need, will consult each other on matters of close to each other’s interests.
The UAE is a collection of seven emirates that united in 1971 after gaining full independence from the UK.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York said: “I think you have to look back to the fact this is a long-standing relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom which reaches back over 40 years when the UAE was a protectorate.
 John Stillwell - Pool/Getty Images “A lot of work has gone on in the intervening period. Since the new [UK] government came in there’s been an increased level of concern for this particular region in terms of investment, in terms of business opportunities.
“This has been reciprocated by the UAE and other countries in the region.”
Also while in the UAE, Queen Elizabeth unveiled the Zayed National Museum with the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. She even gave orders to the Sheikh as well as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi Thursday at a state banquet at Mushrif Palace. The latter Sheikh received the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, GCB, while the Dubai Sheikh got the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, GCMG.
Starting Thursday, the Queen and the British delegation will go to Oman for a three day state visit. I will keep you posted on that one.
Source: Emirates News Agency, Gulf News
Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani of Qatar, and his wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned, were welcomed to the UK in an elaborate ceremony at Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were at the event, in which everyone arrived in golden carriages. The Emir is in the country in hopes of investing in British companies.
 REUTERS/Kirsty Wigglesworth/POOL Among the firms the Emir is looking at is the auction house, Christie’s, which he would like to see add to Qatar’s Islamic Museum of Art.
“We are building a museum and it (Christie’s) has links with the stuff we are collecting for our museum,” he told the Financial Times newspaper.
“It depends on the opportunity — if we had a good opportunity we would not hesitate.”
Qatar already has a growing influence in the UK. In May, it bought the famous department store Harrod’s for about 1.5 billion pounds. The gulf state also has a 6.8 percent stake in British banking giant Barclays and a 25.9 percent share in the Sainsbury’s supermarket chain.
The Qatari royals seem to be good friends of the British royal family as a result of the investments. During the welcoming ceremony, all appeared to be joking with each other.
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, even appeared to be flirtatious with Sheikha Mozah. Royal reporter Richard Palmer from the Daily Express said on Twitter that the Prince playfully teased about her looking youthful despite being 51 years old.
There was an exchange of gifts between Qatar and UK. The Queen gave the Emir a 16th century engraving of Windsor Castle and a history of the town. In return, His Highness gave her jewel encrusted box.
There will be a state dinner at Windsor Castle this evening. Tomorrow, the Emir and Sheikha Mozah would receive a tour of the Olympic stadium meant for the 2012 Summer Games.
Source: AFP, Daily Express
Admist the budget cuts to both the British government and the monarchy, there may be some good news for Queen Elizabeth II: she could get a raise.
 PETER MUHLY/AFP/Getty Images The Conservative party is planning to give the monarchy a portion of the profits of the 6.6 billion pounds ($10 billion) Crown Estate, which was taken away from King George III in the 18th century.
As a result, the Queen could receive 15 percent of the Crown Estate’s profits, which would equate to 37.5 million pounds (about $45 million) if it earns its stated target of a 250 million pounds profit per year.
That means, if Queen Elizabeth had receive the portion of the profits earlier, she would’ve earned 34 million pounds in 2009 and 31 million in 2010. This year, she only got 30 million pounds.
The Crown Estate consists of London property, Ascot Racecourse, the ruined Tintern Abbey in Wales, remote cattle farms in Scotland and all coastal waters, and many more.
Despite the good news for the Queen, everything is in preliminary talks.
”This is entirely speculative. We have no knowledge of this figure and it will take at least a year for the details of this legislation to be thrashed out in Parliament,” a royal source said.
If the grant does happen, not everyone would be pleased.
“The Crown Estate is a huge portfolio, and its value will go up and up. Linking Royal Household funding to profits is ultimately like handing over a blank check,” said Graham Smith, a spokesman for Republic, an anti-monarchy group.
Sources: UPI, Telegraph
Queen Elizabeth II is under fire in the U.K. as a newspaper ran a story saying she tried to use the country’s poverty grant to help heat Buckingham Palace.
 John Linton - WPA Pool/Getty Images According to The Independent, when the staff at the Palace looked into getting money from the program, they were turned down by the fund’s officials out of fear of a public relations backlash.
The newspaper learned of this after requesting documents under the U.K.’s Freedom of Information law.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman confirmed that royal officials had looked into using the poverty fund, explaining it was part of an attempt to reduce both taxpayer money and improve the palaces’ energy efficiency. She claimed the royal household was not initially aware that the money had been earmarked for low-income Britons.
Royal aides complained to ministers in 2004 that the Queen’s gas and electricity bills had become “untenable”, having increased by 50 percent that year to more than £1 million.
News of Queen Elizabeth trying to use government funds intended for her subjects that live in poverty has lead her to be accused of “contempt” by the anti-monarchy campaign group, Republic. They called for the management of all of the Queen’s palaces to be opened up to full scrutiny.
A Republic spokesman said: “These documents are clear evidence of the contempt the Palace has for ordinary people in this country. We have our head of state demanding cash that has been set aside for low-income families, for the most vulnerable in our society.
“This sense of entitlement speaks volumes about the attitudes of the Windsors and their household. For them it’s all about take, take, take.”
Many in Britain are disappointed in their Queen. As one of the wealthiest women in the country, some say there are a lot who need government grants than she does.
Sources: The Independent, Press Association, AP
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