English Translation - King Felipe's Speech at the Presentation of the Order of the Golden Fleece

King Felipe of Spain's Speech at the Presentation of the Order of the Golden Fleece to Princess Leonor

I am happy to welcome everyone to the Royal Palace of Madrid on such a special day. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister, Government representatives, as well as other officials and guests who have joined us, your presence at this ceremony has such great significance.

Today, the Princess of Asturias [Princess Leonore] receives the Order of the Golden Fleece, which is deeply rooted in the history of Spain and Europe. This is an Order that for centuries has been granted -among others and singularly- to the Prince or Princess of Asturias [Heir to the Throne] from a very young age, so that over time he or she may know, little by little, the traditions and duties of the Crown and understands the responsibilities that one day he or she will have to assume. (King Felipe received the Order at age 13.)

The Order of the Golden Fleece was born in the old Duchy of Burgundy, in the Late Middle Ages, and more than half a millennium ago it was integrated into the Crown of Spain with the Habsburg dynasty. And so, with the Monarchy, it managed to achieve its enormous prestige and worldwide recognition.

It was created to reward and represent the values of excellence, service, and loyalty. Throughout its history it has evolved and adapted to the times, always maintaining its essence and constituting, at the same time, a benchmark of Spain's historic European recognition. At present, membership in the Order represents the highest award, reserved for professionals of excellence linked to great services to Spain and to the Crown.

This day, my 50th Birthday,  I have chosen to formally present Princess Leonor with the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which I granted her on October 31, 2015, when she turned ten-years-old.

In this way, dear Leonor, I have chosen to share with you my special day, to highlight, with the greatest solemnity and symbolism, our personal and institutional commitment to Spain. A commitment that has its roots in the history of Spain, which updates and gives full democratic validity to the 1978 Constitution, approved by the Spanish people, and which is renewed day by day, with dedication, hard work, loyalty and responsibility.

This ceremony represents and celebrates the present and the future. In which, as Monarch and Head of the Order, I have given you the Collar and the insignias that identify it.

Before you, Leonor, and for centuries, People received this order, who dedicated their lives and work, to the service of Spain or who offered their help and friendship. Today, some Monarchs and Heads of State of other friendly countries, as well as Spanish personalities are members of this Order. There are a few Members of the Order attending this event: Mr. Javier Solana Madariaga, Mr. Víctor García de la Concha, and Mr. Enrique Iglesias García.

They received the necklace from, then Monarch and Head of the Order, your grandfather King Juan Carlos, promoter of the Spanish transition (to this current constitution and form of government) and to whom we must thank for their leadership in achieving the democratic system in which we live.

Mr. Javier Solana Madariaga has stood out for promoting at the highest level the international recognition of our country in the political and multilateral spheres, especially in Europe and the Atlantic area.

Mr. Víctor García de la Concha has dedicated his life to the care and expansion of the Spanish Language, that extraordinary way more than 500 million people around the world communicate; Our language, together with the other languages spoken in Spain, is one of our greatest treasures and is an essential part of our cultural heritage.

Mr. Enrique Iglesias García has devoted much of his life to fostering and promoting friendship, development and cooperation between countries on both sides of the Atlantic with whom we share a past, present and future.

Their names evoke important concepts for our country such as Culture, Europe and Latin America. Their qualities and achievements for Spain, as well as their commitment and responsibility to maintain at all times what is right and to be the best example for citizens, determined their appointment as Members of this Order.

I can not forget to mention your great-grandfather, my grandfather Juan, Count of Barcelona, former owner of the collar you have received just today.

Today, Leonor, you take a symbolic and very significant step in your preparation and your future on that path that began on June 19, 2014, when, following my accession, you became the Princess of Asturias and the rest of the titles traditionally bestowed to the heir of the Spanish monarchy. This Order that I just delivered to you - and that I know you receive with joy and aware of its importance - will appear on your coat of arms as a symbol that will remind you of the demands imposed on the heir to the throne.

To receive this Order implies special responsibilities for you, which you must assume inspired by the deepest values and ideals; values that you must hold and strengthen day by day in your heart. Because your actions — all of them —  must be guided by the greater sense of dignity and exemplarity, by honesty and integrity, by the capacity of renunciation and sacrifice, by the permanent spirit of improvement, and by your unreserved dedication to your country and your people.

You must respect others, their ideas and beliefs; and you will love the culture, the arts and the sciences because they give us the best human ways to be better and help to progress in our society. You will be guided permanently by the Constitution, fulfilling and observing it; you will serve Spain with humility and awareness of your position; and you will make yours all the worries and joys, all the wishes and feelings of the Spaniards.

I know that today you may find many demands and many responsibilities, overwhelming and difficult, but you should know that you will have the support of many people who want the best for Spain, for the Crown and for you. Your family will always be by your side: especially your mother and sister, Sofia, who will be with you supporting you; also your grandparents; and of course I, your father, you know that I trust you fully and that I feel enormously proud to have given you this morning the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Congratulations Leonor. And thank you all for your presence.

Royals Attending World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (2018) **

Royals attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Belgium

• King Philippe & Queen Mathilde 

Jordan

• King Abdullah & Queen Rania
• Crown Prince Hussein

Liechtenstein

• Hereditary Prince Alois
• Prince Maximilian

Monaco

• Prince Albert 

Netherlands

• Queen Maxima

Norway

• Crown Prince Haakon & Crown Princess Mette-Marit 

Spain 

• King Felipe

UK

• Princess Beatrice

*

Cambridges Tour of Sweden & Norway

Monday, January 29th - Stockholm, Sweden

• (Arrive in Sweden. Spend the night at the Residence of the British Ambassador)

Tuesday 30th - Stockholm, Sweden

• Attend bandy hockey event at Vasaparken, an outdoor ice-skating venue in the center of Stockholm
• Luncheon at Royal Palace of Stockholm 
• with King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Walk through the cobblestone streets of Stockholm to Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm.
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Meet members of the public
• Visit Nobel Museum
• Meet former Nobel Prize Laureates
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Visit Ark Des, Sweden’s national center for architecture and design
• Dinner at the British Ambassador's residence
• With Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, representatives from government, parliament, business and culture
• Meet with Sweden's Prime Minister

Wednesday 31st - Stockholm, Sweden

• Visit Karolinska Institute, Sweden's largest medical academic research center
• The Karolinska Institute awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Visit Matteusskolan, a comprehensive school
• Hear about the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program run by the National Association for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill Health
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Visit one of Sweden's leading department stores – NK – to open an interactive exhibition of UK design, fashion and brands that operate in Sweden
• Private Tea at Haga Palace the official residence of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
• Attend an event at the Fotografiska Gallery
• Speech by Prince William 
• With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel

Thursday, February 1st - Oslo, Norway

• Visit Arlanda Airport, Sweden, and meet with Mr. Peter Hultqvist (Defence Minister), Major General Mats Helgesson (Head of the Swedish Air Force) and representatives from Saab AB.
• (Depart Sweden from Arlanda Airport. Arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, greeted by  Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit)
• Offical welcome luncheon at Royal Palace 
• With King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Astrid, Princess Märtha Louise
• Visit the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens
• With Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon,Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Princess Ingrid
• Meet members of the public
• Attend an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies 
• With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Official Dinner at Royal Palace
• With King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Astrid, Princess Märtha Louise, members of government, leaders in business, members of the armed forces, etc.
• Speech by King Harald
• Speech by Prince William
• (Spend the night at the Royal Palace)

Friday 2nd - Oslo, Norway

• Visit Hartvig Nissen School
• With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Meet the creators and actors behind the successful TV series "Shame." It is an introduction to discussions with students, teachers and actors about the challenges that can face adolescents in today's society - identity problems, bullying, sexual abuse and eating disorders.
• Private lunch at Skaugum, the official residence of The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway
• With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Visit Holmenkollen, the snowy hills that overlook the city of Oslo
•  Visit the Holmenkollen ski museum and then watch a demonstration from some of Norway's top under-18 ski jumpers
• With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Attend an event organised by the Norwegian Ski Federation
• Join children taking part in a number of outdoors activities
• (Depart for London)

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Commonwealth Day Service & Reception

Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey
Picture credit: Westminster Abbey/Picture Partnership

Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations (AKA the British Commonwealth). It is held on the second Monday in March each year.

Service

Each year on Commonwealth Day, a service is held at Westminster Abbey in London. The service is attended by the Monarch and a number of working royals. As part of the service the Monarch gives a Address. The address has been given in many forms over the years: In person speech, pre-recorded audio and printed in the program. 

The Service usually begins at 2:45 PM. And airs live on BBC 1. 

• Commonwealth Day Addresses
• Queen Elizabeth II
• King Charles III

Reception

Commonwealth Day Reception 2013
Photo: Commonwealth Secretariat

During Queen Elizabeth's reign a reception was held after the service by the Commonwealth Secretary-General at Marlborough House. And was usually attended by a couple. In 2023, during the first year of King Charles's reign, he hosted the reception at Buckingham Palace and attended by almost all of the royals attending the service. 

Royals Attending Service & Reception:

King Charles III's Reign

Boxes in blue represent the Royals in the Procession that year.

Royal	2023	2024	2025 March 10th	2026	2027	2028	2029
Charles	x		X	-	-	-	-
Camilla	x			-	-	-	-
William	x			-	-	-	-
Kate	x		X	-	-	-	-
Edward	x			-	-	-	-
Sophie	x			-	-	-	-
Anne	x			-	-	-	-
Tim	x			-	-	-	-
Duke of Gloucester		x		-	-	-	-
Duchess of Gloucester		x		-	-	-	-
Duke of Kent		x		-	-	-	-
Buckingham Palace Reception	All from Service, except for Kate			-	-	-	-
Attend  Secretary-General's  Reception	No Reception	Camilla	Charles & Camilla	-	-	-	-

Notes:

2023: Princess Kate was initially announced as attending the reception, but did not. The Palace then stated she was never scheduled to attend. 

2024: King Charles was undergoing Cancer Treatment. Princess Kate was on Sick Leave following recovering from Abdominal Surgery.

Queen Elizabeth II's Reign

2021-2022

Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession that year.

	2021	2022
Queen Elizabeth	*	Canceled
Charles	*	X
Camila	*	x
William	*	x
Kate	*	x
Edward
Sophie	*
Anne		-
Alexandra		X
Other Royals		(Duke & Duchess of Gloucester canceled  due to Covid)
Attend Secretary-General Reception	No Reception	Charles

Notes:

2022 - This was Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Year.

2021 - the service was held digitally due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The royals listed * participated in the digital service. 

2011- 2020

Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession. Boxes in Green represent Royals who were listed in the order of Service as being apart of the Procession but weren’t actually. 

	2011	2012 (Diamond Jubilee)	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Queen Elizabeth	x	x	Sick	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Philip	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	Retired
Charles		x		x	x		x	x	x	x
Camilla		x		x	x		x	x	x	x
William					x	x		x	x	x
Kate					x	x		x	x	x
Harry						x	x	x	x	x
Meghan	Pre-Wedding							x	x	x
Andrew						x	x	x	x
Edward				x			x			x
Sophie		x		x				x		x
Anne								x
Duchess of Gloucester								x
Alexandra								x
Other Royals	Did not Attend
Attend Secretary-General Reception	Queen	Queen Philip					Charles Camilla	Charles Camilla  William	Charles Camilla

Note: 

2017- Year of the big media uproar about Prince William & Princess Kate not attending.

2001- 2010

Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession.

	2001	2002 (Golden Jubilee)	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Queen Elizabeth	x	x	x	x	x	Out of  Country	x	x	x	x
Philip	x	x	x	x	x		x	x	x	x
Charles		x		x		x
Camilla	Pre-Wedding					x
Other Royals	Did not Attend
Attend Secretary-General Reception	Queen Philip Charles	?	Queen Philip			Charles Camilla	Queen Philip			Queen Philip Charles Camilla

1991- 2000

	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
Queen Elizabeth	x	?	Sick	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Philip	?	?			x	x	Out of  Country	x	x	Out of  Country
Charles	?	?					x			x
Edward	?	?	x
Anne	?	x
Other Royals	Did not Attend
Attend Secretary-General Reception	?	?	?	?	?	?	Queen Charles	Queen	Queen Philip	Queen Charles

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UK Royal Birthday Bells, Flag, Gun Salutes (2018-Present) **

Photo: Sgt Randall RLC/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The list of Flag days and Gun Salutes is released at the beginning of the year. Westminster Abbey publishes its schedule of bell ringing on a rolling 6 months in advance. 

Which Royals get Bells at Westminster Abbey, Flag Day or 21 gun salute doesn't normally change year to year. 

21 Gun Salutes are the standard. But there are circumstances in which the number of rounds is increased. In Royal Parks (e.g. Hyde Park & The Green Park) they add 20 rounds as they are a Royal Park. The Tower of London add 20 for being a Royal Palace, plus 21 for the “City of London”.

2023-2025

Royal	Bells at Westminster Abbey	UK Flag Day	21 Gun Salute	Month
King Charles	yes	yes	yes	June/November
Queen Camilla	yes	yes	yes	July
Prince William	yes	yes		June
Princess Kate	yes			January

2022*

The first change (since I started recording this) came in 2022, as Westminster Abbey decided to only ring Birthday Bells for Queen Elizabeth & Prince Charles due to "financial strain." 

The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport also changed their Flag Days in 2022 to just include Queen Elizabeth & Prince Charles.

Royal	Bells at Westminster Abbey	UK Flag Day	21 Gun Salute	Month
Queen Elizabeth	yes	yes	yes	April/June
King Charles	yes	yes	yes	November

 

* The schedule for 2022 remained unchanged after Queen Elizabeth's death in September.

2018-2021**

From 2018-2021, there was no change, except for Prince Louis's addition following his birth & Prince Philip's removal following his death. 

Royal	Bells at Westminster Abbey	UK Flag day	21 gun salute	Month
Queen Elizabeth	yes	yes	yes	April/June
Philip*	yes	yes	yes	June
Charles	yes	yes	yes	November
Camilla	yes	yes		July
William	yes	yes		June
Kate	yes	yes		January
Cambridge Kids*	yes			Apr/May/July
Harry				September
Meghan				August
Andrew	yes	yes		February
Edward	yes	yes		March
Sophie		yes		January
Anne	yes	yes		August
Queen's Cousins				Various

* Prince Louis was added in 2018 following his birth. Prince Philip was removed in 2021 following his death. 

**In 2020, due to the Coronavirus, the 21 Gun Salute was canceled for all Royal Birthdays. And all Birthday bells ringing at Westminster Abbey were canceled for April 2020 - August 2021 birthdays. (But because Westminster Abbey published it's bell ringing schedule on a rolling 6 months in advance, we could see who was supposed to get Birthday Bells for much of that period.)

Prince Albert of Monaco's New Years Eve Speech - English Translation (2017)

Dear Citizens, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,

The past year has been marked by a sometimes rough and dark international news.

Yet in the heart of these dark momements, there were gestures of solidarity and creativity. Let us reconize and express our gratitude to those who made those gestures.

I hope that 2018 is the year, political and economic leaders are committed to building a more livable and fairer world through sustainable development, favoring a "green" economy and building peaceful, open societies, away from the temptation of isolation and the balance of power.

The people of Monaco will vote on February 11 to elect their representatives. I remind you that I respect strict neutrality in this regard and do not support any canidate.

I hope that the discussions that will take place during this time will be respectful, focusing on  harmony and unity, and in the spirit of our institutions. They have demonstrated their effectiveness by offering a powerful social and economic model that benefits us. Monaco's strengths and characteristics can not therefore be challenged.

To our young people, I wish you an exciting life, may you meet intresting people and come to understand their different ways.

To the sick, to those who are griefing or mourning overwhelms, I say our closeness and our union in the test.

The sick, the people that the death or grief overwhelms, let us come together and support you.

Dear Citizens, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,

To each and every one of you, Princess Charlene and I express our best wishes for the year 2018. May it be serene and fruitful for you and your loved ones.

And may we continue together to forge a path looking ahead to find a new way in this complex world.

Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy New Year (in Monégasque)

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