Royalty in the News

On Monday, Dutch Crown Princess Maxima attended the microfinancing event, “Who Profits?” at the Peace Palace at The Hague. The meeting, organized by Radio Netherlands Worldwide, focused on how to help Third World nations receive proper finances, and Maxima asked for developed nations to allow poorer countries to get easier funding.

“What I would like to make clear here is that we are inclined to focus on loans, while other financial products like savings are possibly more important for poor people,” the former banker said in her opening speech.

Check out the video below about the “Who Profits?” event, which includes an excerpt of the Crown Princess’ speech (in English)

On Monday, royals from three countries were among the participants in the World Future Energy Summit, taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Spain and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan took part in the event, which focuses on finding ways to create environmentally friendly products in an increasingly energy reliant world.

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Crown Prince Felipe of Spain gave a speech to open the summit. Before he went in depth on the event, he gave his condolences to the people of Haiti. “The sheer magnitude of tragic human loss and general devastation is very hard to conceive and makes for such a prompt and generous large scale multinational effort in emergency and humanitarian relief that is currently. We wish that this will be sustained in all fields to help Haitians regain hope and put their country back on its feet as soon as possible”

After paying homage to the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the Crown Prince then discussed the summit and how the world could benefit from it.

“In the energy sector, interdependence has become an even more pressing issue. Major energy sources are geographically concentrated. Transport and distribution infrastructures often require transnational agreements. Moreover, greenhouse gases, wherever their origin, affect the environmental balance all over the planet.

“Such growing interdependence explains why international cooperation and, especially, multilateralism are so important in the energy sector; hence the high value of jointly analysing the energy challenges of the future at this Summit. Although interdependence means sharing our problems, fortunately it also means working together on to solve them.

“Therefore I am very pleased to underline how the development of renewable energy is offering the international community a course of action able to reconcile the demands of future economic growth with the necessary respect of the environment,” Felipe said.

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Next, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark delivered his speech. He spoke out the environment and his account with climate change.

“The impact of climate change is global, but the signs are more evident in extreme climatic areas, for example, the Arctic,” he said. “Greenland holds a special place in my heart.  From my first meeting with Greenland and the Greenlandic people to my 3 months expedition with dog sledges covering more than 2000 km along the northern and north-eastern coastline during spring.  A grueling expedition that honored the way the Greenlandic people have always travelled and survived.  Since then my visits have been regular, the last with my cousins and colleagues Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.  A visit that again illustrated that Climate change is changing the way the Greenlandic people live. Hunting and Fishing are their primary sources of income and food and this is being threatened by rising temperatures.  For me, this is a clear example of the necessity to adapt.  How are we as a global community able to adapt in order to combat the negative impact of climate change?  How can we adapt by rethinking our use and conservation of energy?  Tough questions….questions that are to be addressed in the course of this Summit.”

Frederik than used his country as an example of how new forms of energy can be used.

“In Denmark the oil crisis of the ‘70s pushed us to search for alternative energy solutions. Over the last 30 years, we have had an economic growth of 78 %, but almost zero growth in energy consumption. And 28% of our electricity supply comes from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. It proves that economic prosperity and climate friendly solutions can co-exist.

“Denmark has shown that no country is too small to become a leader within green and clean technology and providing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The royals were then given a tour of the many vehicles, computers and other products on display.

The World Future Energy Summit ended today. The royals involved left Abu Dhabi the day the summit began.

In a radio address last night, Prince Albert II of Monaco wished his subjects a happy 2010, and discussed what the principality had been through in the past year.

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“The year 2009 has been marked by the global economic crisis with the many consequences that entails, especially in the social sphere, even if our country was less severely affected and sees taking shape in the last quarter, signs of recovery.

“I would like, once again, everyone, to Monaco, which measures the opportunity is his to live in a free and peaceful, enjoying security, comfort and facilities with little benefit through world.

“It is my hope that this crisis will lead us to recognize the need to adapt our development to environmental conservation,” the Prince said.

He then thanked the outgoing Monegasque prime minister and government for their work.

“Mr Jean-Paul Proust has implemented efficiently and the political authority which I have traced the contours in all important areas of life of the Principality. I want to remind everyone in his place, must play its full role, but only its role within the institutions of our country.”

Finally, to end off a short and simple speech, Albert said, “to all I ask solemnly beyond the divisions and move forward in a spirit of unity, not only in words but in deeds. I welcome and encourage all initiatives of actors in our economy who are keen to implement projects in the Principality and implement innovative achievements. Their dynamism and determination to succeed are the guarantee of social benefits to which I am very attached.”

While most of Europe’s monarchs give their annual speeches during Christmas, King Harald V of Norway and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark give theirs on New Year’s. Just like their European counterparts, the New Year’s speeches of these two monarchs are popular because they are written by them, not by any member of government.

The Norwegian King delivered his speech during the day, hours before midnight local time.

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King Harald discussed such issues as the environment. Norway itself is a very eco-conscious nation, and its monarch urged for the continuation of that mindset.

“Perhaps we have been better to count our money, than we have to count our days. Are we not to deal better with the imbalance in the planet’s climate, we will be faced with very serious consequences,” Harald said.

He also mentioned the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, and how there are still many walls dividing people in the world, including Norway.

“We see increasing examples of intolerance, extreme views and violence that do not harmonize with the core elements of our heritage. Such things, we must not accept. Yet we must stick to that most are decent, honest people who will do their best to make our world a better place to be. It can cause us to lose footing and it is rootless. At the same time we must not reject the new as alien and hostile.”

Like all of other heads of state, the King talked about the economy, and how Norwegians could learn from it.

“The financial crisis has many causes, but on one level it seems to be related to a short-term rush for profits. In this sense, the crisis can perhaps serve as a useful reminder that the economy and society could not unilaterally based on material values,” he said.

With that, King Harald V wished his people a happy and healthy 2010.

Over in Copenhagen, when the clock struck midnight, Queen Margrethe welcomed the new year, and the new decade, with her annual speech.

“New Year’s Eve is the evening when we look back at the years passed and look forward to the new year, with what wonder will bring. We are hopeful, but anxious because we live in a world where everything that happens can be felt here in Denmark and has consequences for our country and for each of us,” she said.

The Queen talked also discussed how the economy affected young people’s dreams, and she talked about how adventurous youth can be.

“Young people want to address and explore new avenues. They educate themselves…They travel and get the impression back from distant countries worldwide. It gives them a broader horizon than perhaps my generation had when we grew up. We must show young people that need them. We must create space that they can make the experience needed to bring our society forward.

“For many it is getting older that is hard to accept. As a child, we have been scrambling to adulthood, as adults will like to continue to feel young, yes it is almost a requirement to keep not only youthful, but young in ten, twenty years longer than you really are . Our time has been fixated youth. It is both good and bad.

“While it is still to be nice to one another and overcome the other, but it can also be satisfying to sit down calmly and told that there is less to chase after, and that perfection is not always so important.”

Next, the Queen touched on the recent UN Climate Change summit which Copenhagen held in December.

“The Climate Summit in Copenhagen was the culmination of a long and busy process. Many have contributed in different ways. Diplomats and other officials have worked sober and committed to put everything to right. Skilled employees at all levels have tried everything could slip as much as possible for the thousands just incoming. Police have had the difficult task of ensuring security and order around the meeting, and have solved it responsibly and in good conditions,” Margrethe said.

The Queen’s speech also mentioned to troops serving in Afghanistan.

“Right now my thoughts go to all our broadcast and especially to our soldiers in Afghanistan. The Crown Princess has just visited them and meeting with the Danish soldiers and our allies made a deep impression on her. The problem they have is not easy, but they do it with determination and skill, and they show a courage that we must admire. They must know that they and their relatives often are in my thoughts and that their loss affects me deeply. Together with Prince Henrik and Crown Prince Couple, I send them all my warmest greetings and good wishes for the new year.”

In addition, the Danish Queen discussed Greenland’s autonomy which occurred this year. She also wished a happy new year to the Faroe Islands.

Finally, Queen Margrethe touched on some personal family moments she experienced for 2009.

“When I look back at what the year is now nearly over, has meant to me and my family, I primarily think of the great pleasure it was Prince Consort and me again to become grandparents. Together with Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, we would like to thank you for the warm sympathetic heart of Little Prince Henrik’s birth in May and his baptism in the summer. The heater, as did the Prince Consort is touched by all the kindness expressed by his 75th birthday. To see his family grow and prosper is a great joy for him as for me. During our visit to Vietnam in November, he has further been pleased to show both me and the Crown Prince Couple the country where he experienced his earliest years, and where he spent some of his youth. It was as if a call was connected.”

The Queen then ended her speech with a “God Save Denmark.”

The world’s youngest monarch, Bhutan’s Jigme Khesar Wangchuk, recently spoke at India’s National Defense College during a state visit to the country. His speech covered the issues of an increasing globalized world, and how important it is for nations and people to depend on each other.

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“I truly believe that the only way to observe the most important things in life and in this world is by putting them through the lens of ‘Simplicity’. For in the end, no matter what country we may be from, we are human beings – no matter what our cultures and beliefs may be, we share the same needs and abide by the same fundamental values,” the King said.

“This is a world that is shared – not between governments and nations but among us, the people. It may sound idealistic – but this is a natural and practical way of approaching things that seem intractable and inflexible – no matter how big the problem. The image of a shared planet must always be present in our minds – and especially in the minds of those who are in positions of leadership.”

This is coming from a young man who’s Himalayan Kingdom has been emerging from centuries of isolation over the past decade. Bhutan only recently allowed television and the Internet into its borders, and is slowly opening itself to the rest of the world.

King Jigme went on to talk about the dependence of nations on one another.

“Individual or even national success is a ship that cannot carry everyone together to the same place at the same time”. Rich nations must stop to be mindful of the poorer ones left behind. Successful people must stop to remember those who didn’t make it. No nation today can stand alone in achievement. (…) The world must progress together or fail together,” he said.

The 29 year-old monarch then brought up what his father promoted during his days as King of Bhutan – GNH, or Gross National Happiness, over Gross National Product.

“Today, GNH has come to mean so many things to so many people but to me it signifies simply – Development with Values. I am confident that the noble goal of Gross National Happiness will be key to Bhutan’s success in maintaining our unity and harmony – indeed our character as a nation,” King Jigme said as he ended his speech.

The King was only crowned as King of Bhutan in November 2008.

Some of Europe’s Kings and Queens gave their annual speeches this Christmas. Besides wishing their subjects the best during one of the biggest holidays of the year, the monarchs encouraged their subjects in being better citizens, and also touched on the difficulties many faced in 2009.

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Spain’s King Juan Carlos delivered his speech on Christmas Eve. On national television, the King called for unity in order to have a better country. He asked his people to “overcome tensions and difficulties”, follow the Constitution’s values, and “to strengthen the internal cohesion and the international image of the country,” and to “make economy grow up again to create jobs as soon as possible.”

As every year, Juan Carlos remembered the victims of terrorism and gave his condolences to their families. “They count on the support, solidarity and affection of the Crown and also of the Spanish society. Finishing with terrorism is a target for all democrats in defense of freedom and basic human rights,” he said.

On Christmas Day, three other European monarchs spoke to their people. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II called 2009 a “difficult” year during her speech which was broadcast at 1500 GMT.

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“2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn,” the 83-year-old Queen said. “We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.”

She went on to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflicts in Afghanistan.

“I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there,” she said. “Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.”

Queen Elizabeth also praised the Commonwealth, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, and called it the “face of the future.”

“In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching…It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all — there can be no more valuable role for our family of nations.”

Another Queen, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, chose to discuss technology and human interaction in her Christmas speech, airing first in the morning, and then in the afternoon.

“Real contact consists of words and deeds.In the past, people knew each other but today people are mainly busy with themselves. We tend to look the other way and close our eyes and ears to what’s going on around us. Nowadays even our neighbours are strangers,” she said.

Beatrix did not mention the tragic events on Queen’s Day this past April, where a motorist deliberately plowed into crowds at the celebrations in Apeldoorn, killing about a dozen people.

Last but not least at giving the annual Christmas speech was Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf. Like the British Queen, the King talked about the economic difficulties many Swedes experienced this past year.

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“Many are young and many are immigrants. They are a great asset as we in our society find it difficult to fully take advantage of. I sincerely hope that we succeed in protecting these groups and their opportunities. It is hoped that all who are out of work soon to get to know the security of having a workplace to go to.”

The King shared with his people his dreams and hopes for young people.

“I and the Queen has for some time resulted in a common dream. To provide a forum for children and young people in the world – a World Child and Youth Forum – which aims to inspire and support so that the UNCRC is complied with. We hope that it might become as known as the Davos Forum, but with the light directed at children and young people’s situation.”

But perhaps the highlight of King Carl’s speech was him mentioning the upcoming weddings of his two daughters, Victoria and Madeleine. The Crown Princess will marry in June 2010, while her younger sister may marry either later in the year or early in 2011.

“To marry his heart’s choice was not always obvious when I was growing up. I am therefore very happy that my daughters, like me, may be the person they love most at his side. I would like to express my sincere and humble thanks for all the support and encouragement shown to us by the Swedish people.”

One of the reasons why many royal fans enjoy the Christmas speeches is because it is one of the rare moments the monarchs write their words, rather than have them written by someone from the government.

Tuesday evening, British royal brothers, Princes William and Harry, attended the Sun Military Awards to pay tribute to the UK’s servicemen and women. The star-studded event was held at the Imperial War Museum, and was hosted by The Sun newspaper.

William told the troops it was “a privilege and an honor” to wear the same uniform as them.

“This country is blessed with its Armed Forces,” the future King said in a speech.

“These are not just words. It is the truth. Your unremitting pursuit of excellence, your humanity, your humility, your extraordinary self-discipline, your camaraderie – regardless of background – mark you out as amongst the very best in our society.

“Your loyalty to one another will mean the difference between life and death. The example you show us has penetrated the national psyche. It has drawn the British people together in an extraordinary way.

“The magnificent response up and down the country on Armistice Day this year bears powerful testimony to this. So I would say that, although you serve the country, you also show us the way.”

Prince William himself is training to be a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF. Younger brother Harry served in Afghanistan in 2007.

One of the soldiers honored was Royal Marine Ben McBean, who lost an arm and a leg after stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan last year. He returned home with Harry, who called the Marine, a “true hero.”

At the U.N. Climate Change summit in Copenhagen, the heir to the British throne urged the world to take better care of the environment, as well as scolded it for exploiting its resources.

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“The grim reality is that our planet has reached a point of crisis,” Prince Charles said

But he also argued that “just as mankind had the power to push the world to the brink, so too do we have the power to bring it back into balance.”

The dedicated environmentalist, who said earlier this year that the world has less than 100 months to solve climate change, went on to say “A partial solution to climate change is no solution at all. It must be inclusive and it must be a comprehensive approach.”

“In our increasingly precarious situation — on a small, unique and precious planet — this is not a problem resolvable in terms of ‘them and us’,” he said.

“For when it comes to the air we breathe and the water we drink, there are no national boundaries.”

Prince Charles was invited by the Danish government to speak at the summit. He told the delegates that the eyes of the world were upon them, and they have the power to write the future.

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference a few days away, the Danish capital of Copenhagen is bustling with preparations and events related to the summit. Frederik, the Crown Prince of Denmark, has been participating in these events during the past couple of days.

On Thursday, Frederik opened the exhibition e-COLLECTION. It is organized by Design Kolding, Museum of Koldinghus and Trapholt in connection with the Conference. The exhibit includes inovative motorcycles, jewelry and other designs that are green friendly.

Friday saw the Crown Prince at the Climate Consortium and ATP’s international investor conference at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. It was there he gave a speech on how businesses need to be environmentally conscience.

“I have personally witnessed the melting ice caps and glaciers on my travels to Greenland,” Frederik said. “I have seen how changes in water supply can drive thousands of people on the run. It is a scientific fact, that greenhouse gas emissions are pushing this process. In other words, business as usual is NOT an option – action is needed.”

“People around the world are looking to business and government for leadership on climate change. By sharing your views on climate change and demonstrating your efforts to overcome the climate challenge, you have the opportunity to show the world that through common aspirations and efforts by business and government, we can ensure a bright future for our planet.”

Crown Prince Frederik and the rest of the Danish royal family will be playing host to the heads of state and delegations from 190 countries for the summit. Furthermore, Frederik and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will be taking part in some of the conference’s events.

Also to be in attendance are Britain’s Prince Charles and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

On the eve of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, King Abdullah II of Jordan gave a televised speech to the country. In it, he encouraged his people on the Hashemite Kingdom’s progress and even acknowledged the Palestinians.

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“Brothers and sisters, members of the one Jordanian family,” the King said. “Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you. It is my pleasure, on the eve of the Eid Al Adha, an occasion that is special to all Muslims, to send you all and Arab and Muslim nations greetings and good wishes.”

“I also join you in sending special wishes to our brothers and sisters west of the river, who have not experienced the pleasure of Eid for many decades and continue to suffer the injustice of occupation and absence of justice,” King Abdullah continued. “We greet them on this day and emphasize that we stand by their side and will continue to support them in their quest for their legitimate rights, especially their right to freedom and to establish their independent state on their national soil.”

After making those points, the monarch went on to talk about Jordan’s economic, social and political progress. He said he was fully aware of the daily struggles many Jordanian face each day and carried their burden. “Work continues within a clear work plan to improve conditions and achieve the best for you and our country. I will settle for nothing less than the best for you.”

Overall, it was a short speech. After acknowledging the people’s economic struggles, King Abdullah wished the country a happy Eid.

Eid al-Adha is when Muslims commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as commanded by God. Muslims sacrifice goats, camels, sheep and other animals in remembrance of God giving Abraham an animal in place of his son once he saw Abraham’s obedience.

King Abdullah led Thursday night Eid prayers at the King Hussein mosque with many of his male relatives. His son and heir, Crown Prince Hussein was also in attendance.