Last updated: May 2nd, 2010.
April 1st
As of today Nicholas Michael de Roumanie Medforth-Mills, son of Princess Elena of Romania, has become Prince of Romania. He celebrated his 25th birthday today and according to the succession law of 30 December 2007 he now is His Royal Highness Prince Nicholas (Nicolae) of Romania. The new prince is studying in England and celebrates his birthday there. The royal family will celebrate the event in June in Bucharest.
A man from Uganda, identified as Musoke, turned himself in to the police on Tuesday and claimed he set fire to the Kasubi tombs near Kampala, which were ravaged by fire on 16 March. The police said on Wednesday: "He said he was possessed by the holy spirit and that there was an evil spirit in those tombs that was causing Uganda... problems." The police is not sure whether the story is credible and is making further investigations.
April 2nd
Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, attended the entrance ceremony at the International Christian University in Tokyo today. She will study at the College of Liberal Arts, where classes will start on 12 April. She told the press: "I am mixed with joy and tension."
April 4th
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain attended the traditional Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. She was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of YOrk with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal.
The Spanish royal family attended the traditional Easter Sunday service at Palma de Mallorca. Stealing the show were the little princesses Leonor and Sofia, both dressed in pink.
April 6th
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasir bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia lost a challenge at High Court in London, Great Britain. He had protested after having been refused bail by a judge on 25 March. He is accused of murdering his aide at an hotel in London in February.
April 8th
The Duchess of Cornwall tumbled during a walk in Scotland yesterday. She had an X-ray today, which showed she has a twisted fracture of the fibula. The Duchess is now wearing a plaster cast and will be for six weeks. She has been advised not to put any weight on her leg. The Duchess doesn't intend to cancel any engagements.
April 9th
Princess Aiko of Japan started third grade at Gakushuin Primary School in Tokyo today. She attended a brief session for her grade after the opening ceremony. She was accompanied by her mother Crown Princess Masako of Japan.
Prince Hisahito of Japan attended an entrance ceremony at Ochanomizu University's kindergarten in Tokyo today. The little prince, looking cute in his school uniform, was accompanied by his parents Prince and Princess Akishino. The parents choose for this kindergarten in the hope it will provide him with more opportunities to interact with other children of his age.
April 10th
A poll by the Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten shows that 42,6% of the participants in the poll want Queen Margrethe II of Denmark to remain on the throne, while 45,6% wish her to abdicate in favour of Crown Prince Frederik. Of these 45,6% 23,5% wishes the Queen to announce her abdication in connection with her 70th birthday, while the rest wants her to abdicate only when she turns 80.
After a plane crash in Smolensk, Russia, this morning, in which President Lech Kaczynski of Poland and many others died, Count Bronislaw Komorowski, Marshall of the Sejm, has become the acting president of Poland. He is to call for a presidential election within fourteen days. The count is a relative of countess Anne Udekem d'Acoz née countess Komorowska, the mother of Princess Mathilde of Belgium.
April 12th
Early this morning burglars broke into Orlik Castle, Czechia, property of the princely family of Schwarzenberg. They stole a dozen items, mainly cutting and stabbing weapons and uniforms, worth about one million Czechian Crowns.
April 13th
Three days of 70th birthday celebrations of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark started today with a festive evening for "official Denmark" at Christiansborg Palace. The event was attended by Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, Princess Benedikte and Prince Richard zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. About 375 guests were invited. Celebrations will continue in two days.
Queen Silvia of Sweden said today about the upcoming wedding of her youngest daughter Princess Madeleine and Jonas Bergström: "Unfortunately, there will be no wedding this year. It goes without saying that there is a lot going on right now... I think that Madeleine has the right to a quiet time at her own wedding." She later said also: "I have to say that I have read some newspapers and want to say that Princess Madeleine is fine and everything is OK."
30 Lots are being put up for sale on 8 June by designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The items will be auctioned by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London. Among the items for sale are several clothes of the late Diana Princess of Wales, like a gown she wore for her first official appearance as fiancée of the Prince of Wales, and a blouse she wore for her engagement portrait. The auction will also include original sketches of the princess's wedding dress and the ivory tulle petticoat she wore to her wedding dress rehearsal in July 1981.
April 14th
The Swedish royal court today launched the wedding website of Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling. The big wedding celebrations will start with a private dinner on Thursday 17 June hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden at Drottningholm Palace. On Friday 18 June there will be a government reception at the Stockholm City Hall, and a concert at the Stockholm Concert Hall. The wedding on Saturday 19 June will take place at Stockholm Cathedral at 3.30pm. The ceremony will be followed by a cortège and journey by Royal Barge "Vasaorden". A wedding banquet will be hosted by the King and Queen afterwards at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling have established the Crown Princess Couple's Wedding Foundation to mark the occasion of their wedding. The foundation is to promote good health and combat exclusion among children and young people in Sweden.
Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein celebrated her 70th birthday today. The Princess was born in 1940 in Prague, Czechia, as daughter of Count Ferdinand Carl Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau and his wife Henriette. She married Prince Hans Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein in 1967. The couple has four children. A reception was held at Vaduz Castle today. A mass will be held on Sunday at the cathedral of Vaduz.
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands today opened an interesting exhibition at the railway museum in Utrecht, by arriving herself in her royal train, which she afterwards left at the exhibition. "Royal Class, vorstelijk reizen!" for the first time in history shows royal trains from all over Europe in one exhibition. It gives a unique view on the luxurious way of travelling of the European royalty from the 19th century until today. Apart from Dutch royal trains also royal trains from Great Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, Bavaria, Denmark and Russia are on display.
Lord Kalaniuvalu, son of Princess Mele Siu'ilkutapu of Tonga and the late Kalaniuvalu Foto fili, was buried this afternoon at the ancient royal tombs Paepae 'o Tele'a in Lapaha. He was mourned by family and friends including King George Tupou V of Tonga. Lord Kalaniuvalu suddenly died in Auckland, New Zealand, on 4 April. The 37-year-old Lord had been married since early January.
April 15th
On the occasion of the 70th birthday of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark tomorrow a gala-evening was held today at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, with a programme containing classical music, opera and ballet. Among the guests were the Danish royal family, Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Carina Axelsson, Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Alexander Johannsmann, King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Alexia of Greece, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (arriving late), Crown Princess Victoria of sweden and Daniel Westling, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
Because of the volcano ashes from Iceland in the air some guests had to cancel their attendance at the birthday of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The Swedish and Norwegian royals decided to travel to Denmark by car. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima decided to take the train. Therefore the royal train, just taken to the exhibition "Royal Class" on Wednesday by Queen Beatrix, had to be asked back from the railway museum for some days and was coupled to the City Night Line to Copenhagen. The train was due to arrive in Copenhagen on Friday morning.
The Swedish Royal Court released some official pictures of Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling to the press in connection to their upcoming wedding. The pictures taken by Paul Hansen show the couple in evening dress. The Crown Princess wears a stylish white-black dress.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, his girlfriend Charlene Wittstock, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended the opening of an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London tonight. The exhibition "Grace Kelly Style: Fashion for a Hollywood Princess" is dedicated to the gowns worn by Princess Grace of Monaco as actress, bride and princess.
Prince William of Wales is to be posted to the Royal Air Force Valley in Anglesey, Wales, if he successfully completes his Search and Rescue pilot training. He has been posted there already since late January 2010 as part of his training course. The Prince undertook a Sea King ground-school course at RNAS Culdrose in March and April, which ended last week. The training course, Sea King Operational Conversion Unit Course, is due to end in September.
Prince William of Wales attended the auction "A Positive View 2010" for the homeless aid charity Crisis at Christie's in London today. A double portrait which Prince William and former homeless photographer Jeff Hubbard took of each other some time ago was sold for £24,000. 115 art works, including portraits by wellknown photographers, were sold at auction.
April 16th
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark celebrated her 70th birthday today. In the morning she was woken up by the guests who stayed at Fredensborg Palace with traditional birthday songs. The Queen and Prince Henrik received the tributes from the open window. Their grandchildren Prince Christian and Princess Isabella enthusiastically waved with Danish flags. At noon the Danish royal family appeared on the balcony of Amalienborg in Copenhagen, waved and cheered by thousands of people. Afterwards the Queen and her husband made a carriage ride through the centre of Copenhagen to the townhall, where they attended a reception and lunch. In the evening a dinner and ball took place at Fredensborg Palace. Apart from the guests from Thursday also Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxemburg attended.
Hereditary Prince Christian zu Fürstenberg has become engaged to Jeanette Catherine Griesel. He proposed to her on Easter Sunday. It is not clear when the wedding will take place. Because of the extensive preparations the wedding might only take place in Spring 2011.
April 17th
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was crowned today in a traditional ceremony as King of Toro at the royal palace in Fort Portal, Toro (Uganda), following his 18th birthday yesterday. The celebrations this weekend are among others attended by King Mswati III of Swaziland. Festivities started yesterday with a church service, a traditional lunch and a party in which he said goodbye to childhood. On Sunday the "Omukama Omurugo" ceremony will take place in which the king assumes judicial powers of cultural disputes related to the royal family. There will be a royal luncheon afterwards. In 1995 the then 3-year-old king succeeded the throne when his father Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II died. He was crowned back then, but until now Toro was reigned by regents, and was crowned again now he has reached adulthood. The king will start studying in September, and has to choose a regent to run the kingdom when he is abroad.
Princess Ira von Fürstenberg celebrated her 70th birthday with a party hosted at the white palace in Belgrade, Serbia, by Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia and Yugoslavia. The party was attended by royals and celebrities from all over the world. Because of the volcano ashes from Iceland in the air not all guests were able to attend. Yesterday evening there was already a dinner party at the royal palace in Belgrade. The princess will celebrate her actual birthday on Sunday.
April 18th
Several royals who were to attend the state funeral president Lech Kaczynski of Poland and his wife Maria, had to cancel because of the volcano ashes from Iceland in the air, because of which the airplanes don't fly. Among the people cancelled were King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, King Harald V of Norway, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, the Prince of Wales, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium, as well as the Prince of Orange. The presidential couple died in a plane crash a week ago.
Prince Abdullah bin Miteb of Saudi Arabia has been critizised for appearing in a television advertisement for Etihad Etisalat (Mobily), the second-biggest mobile operator in Saudi Arabia. The Prince is a grandson of the King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He is a professional jockey who is since one year sponsored by Etihad Etisalat. The advertisement shows him caring for his horse and riding it over a fence that is on fire.
April 21st
The Danish royal court released two new black-white pictures of Princess Isabella today, on the occasion of her third birthday. The pictures by Franne Voight show the little princess alone and with her elder brother Prince Christian.
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain celebrated her 84th birthday quietly at Windsor Castle together with the Duke of Edinburgh. Previously unpublished pictures of the Queen as a baby have been released yesterday. They will form part of the exhibition "Marcus Adams: Royal Photographer", that will be on show at Windsor Castle from Saturday to 6 February 2011. The 56 pictures include some that were taken of the Queen when her parents were on a six-month tour of Australia and New Zealand.
April 22nd
The Danish royal court has released the annual report of the Danish royal house today, that for example gives an insight into the royal happenings, certain themes, the court as a working place.
Princess Irene of the Netherlands presented her new book "Leven in verbinding" (Live in connection). The book is based on conversations between the princess and ecologist and philosopher Matthijs Schouten about being a human. The conversations about questions about personal development and broad social themes like leadership and durability.
April 23rd
The Duke of Edinburgh has suffered a bruised ankle while driving a carriage at the Windsor estate. The ponies ran away and the carriage hit a tree stump. The Duke didn't need hospital treatment, and has been out and about as normal in the afternoon. The female groom of the carriage was treated in hospital for an elbow injury.
April 24th
The Swedish royal court today announced that Princess Madeleine of Sweden and her fiance Jonas Bergström have decided to go separate ways after mature consideration. They have come to the conclusion that that is the best for them to move forward with seperate lives. They have asked the media to show respect and consideration for this decision, as they both need peace and quiet in these difficult times. The news comes after weeks of media speculations about a separation and rumours about a very short affair of Jonas Bergström with a Norwegian woman last year. Extreme media coverage will not make the situation easier for the couple, the court said. No further statement will be made.
Prince Philippe of Belgium celebrated his birthday - he became 50 on 15 April - with a huge party at Laken Castle today. Invited were about 200 friends and colleagues. On the guestlist of the private party were the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxemburg with other members of their family, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Infanta Cristina of Spain, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, the Duke of Bragança.
April 25th
Today Princess Beatrice of York became the first royal to complete the London Marathon. She finished in five hours and 13 minutes. Together with 33 others she was part of an interlinked group, linked two by two with bungee cords. By finishing they set a new Guinness world record. They were raising money for the charity Children in Crisis. Beatrice's mother, the Duchess of York, said to be very proud of her daughter and aims to take part in the marathon of 2011 herself.
Sakaeko Sugimoto, the grandmother of Princess Akishino of Japan, died of kidney failure today, aged 94. The princess will take 30 days of mourning.
Hereditary Prince Carl Friedrich zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg died in a car crash during the VLN long-distance championships at the Nürburgring, Germany. In lap 22 his car collided with two other cars and barrel-rolled. The rear of his Aston Martin was damaged upon the impact into the Armco barrier, and caught fire. The Prince couldn't free himself and died of smoke intoxication. The 43-year-old prince is survived by his wife and four young children.
April 26th
Three new pictures of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands were issued on the occasion of her 30th jubilee as Queen. The pictures were taken earlier this month at Palace Huis ten Bosch by Vincent Mentzel.
King Albert II of the Belgians has accepted the resignation of the Belgian government today. Negotiations led by deputy premier Didier Reynders failed after several days. New elections will be held as soon as possible.
In a public address to his people King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand today said to some newly-appointed judges: "In the country, there might be people who neglect their duties, but you can set an example that there are those who perform their duties strictly and honestly. Working honestly will boost the country's progress and serve as an example for citizens, for civil servants and other people. It will help the country to live in peace and contentment." Thailand is a country in crisis right now, and many people are against the present government.
April 27th
The Danish royal court issued several new pictures of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, taken by Steen Brogaard.
The Russian president Dimitri Medvedev and his wife Svetlana paid a state visit to Norway on 26 and 27 April. They were received with an official military ceremony in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo. After lunch a wreath was laid at the monument for the death of World War II. The guests also visited an exhibition about Russian prisoners of war in Norway. Afterwards Queen Sonja and Svetlana Medvedeva visited the Vigelandspark and the National Gallery. In the evening there was a state banquet at the Royal Palace. Today the Akershus fortress was visited, and there a lunch was held at the end of the visit.
April 28th
The Russian president Dimitri Medvedev and his wife Svetlana paid a state visit to Denmark on 27 and 28 April 2010. The purpose of the state visit was to strengthen Danish-Russian relations. The visit was focused on dialogue, environment and closer Danish-Russian business relations. The Danish royal family received the presidential couple on 27 April at the airport. In the evening there was a state banquet at Fredensborg Palace. A full programme on 28 April included a Russian-Danish Business Conference, meetings with the Prime Minister and Danish investors in Russia. Svetlana Medvedeva toured Rosenborg Palace accompanied by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. In the early evening the presidential couple hosted a reception at Restaurant Nimb and a Russian ballet performance at Tivoli Concert Hall.
April 29th
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, accompanied by many members of her family, unveiled a monument for the seven spectators who were killed in the Queen's Day attack in 2009. The monument near the scene of the accident is a box full of balloons symbolizing vulnerability, festivities and mourning. Seven balloons are white and represent the victims. After a minute of silence relatives of the victims and royals laid a white rose next to the monument. Several royals also had to wipe away their tears during the ceremony. The place was heavily secured to avoid any trouble.
Prince Harry of Wales has successfully completed his Army Pilots Course at Middle Wallop. The graduation ceremony will take place on 7 May, when the Prince of Wales will present his son his Provisional Wings. Prince Hary will continue his training to become a full operational Army Air Corps pilot.
April 30th
Mixed feelings on this year's Queen's Day in the Netherlands, which marked the 30th anniversary of the reigh of Queen Beatrix. The Queen and her family travelled to Wemeldinge and Middelburg for the festivities, where the security was thighter than the previous years. After a careful start the royals started to feel more comfortable. Both Wemeldinge and Middelburg had done their utmost best to present a programme full of tradition, sports, music and dance. Wemeldinge attracted less people than expected, due to the rain. It became dry when the royal family reached Middelburg. Queen Beatrix thanked everybody at the end of the programme saying: "You have given us and the country back our Queen's Day." The royals appeared quite relieved at the end of the visit, happy that this time nothing bad had happened. Prince Maurits and Princess Marilène didn't attend the Queen's Day celebrations to be able to attend the funeral service of their good friend Hereditary Prince Carl Friedrich zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden celebrated his 64th birthday today. As usual he appeared at the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where he was cheered by the people. There was music and a military exercise. The King was presented with many flowers and drawings by children. Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling were watching from the balcony, later on accompanied by the King and Prince Carl Philip.
The Swedish press today published the government's list of people invited for the concert on 18 June 2010 on the occasion of the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling. The list is very likely not the final list, but only the list of people who have been invited.
According to a poll commissioned by the Swedish Republican Association more and more Swedes want to see the monarchy abolished. They want an elected head of state. Only 58% of the people questioned were in favour of the monarchy, while 28% wishes to abolish the monarchy. 44% would live to have a democratically elected head of state, 39% is in favour of an inherited position.
According to the Imperial Household Agency Princess Aiko of Japan has begun attending school almost daily. She however still attends a limited number of classes, and is accompanied by her mother Crown Princess Masako, upon advice from a doctor at the crown princely household. She also studies at the palace. An agency official said: "She is doing her best with support from her parents and has been warmly accepted by her classmates." The 8-year-old princess has stayed away from school since early March because she was shocked by the "rough behaviour" of some boys in her class.
The Thai police have arrested and charged a 37-year-old man for insulting the royal family of Thailand on Facebook. Officials say more than 6200 websites have been removed since 2007 for insulting the Thai royal family.
About 500 people, among them many royals and nobles, attended the funeral service of Hereditary Prince Carl Friedrich zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg at the catholic parish church "zur heiligen Dreifaltigkeit" in Kleinheubach, Germany. After the service the guests were received at the Löwenstein Castle. The burial itself took place at the family vault at the Monastry Engelberg in Grossheubach in the early evening. Among the guests were members of the families Habsburg, Prussia, Württemberg, Baden, Oldenburg, Oettingen-Wallerstein, Thurn und Taxis, Hannover, Hohenlohe, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, Wied, Leiningen. Also Grand Duke Henri of Luxemburg attended, as well as Prince Maurits and Princess Marilène van Oranje-Nassau, van Vollenhoven. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Pieter van Vollenhoven arrived late in the afternoon to attend the funeral.
Royal News: March 2010. Last updated: April 18th, 2010.