Thursday 27 December 2018

Annual Tally of Engagements for William, Kate, Harry & Meghan

This tally is based on our calendar of engagements for each year. You can find William & Kate's on the "The Cambridges" tab, and Harry & Meghan's on "The Sussexes" tab. These numbers do not in any way represent all of the Royals' work over a given year.

This is OUR count of engagements. It will be different than other people's. So, you can't compare your numbers with other peoples, as they count differently. For more on, how I count engagements and why people get different counts.

Total Number of Engagements
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
William
131
193
183
213
188
Kate
61
138
99
77
120
Harry
112
179
169
192
152
Meghan
-
-
8
126
71

Includes Meghan's pre-wedding engagements from 2017 & 2018.


Number of Tours
20152016201720182019
William
1
2
2
2
0
Kate
0
2
1
1
0
Harry
2
2
1
1
1
Meghan
-
-
-
1
1

This count is just of official tours. Overseas visits are NOT included in this count.

Number of Non-Tour Engagements
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
William
95
139
152
166
188
Kate
61
84
77
57
120
Harry
70
105
162
136
121
Meghan
-
-
8
74
52

Tours are jammed packed with official engagements, and in a few days, you can do a month or two's worth of engagements. So, I think it is important to not just look at total engagements, but also compare the number of non-tour engagements.

Overseas visits are included in this count. 

Prince Harry - Official Engagements (2019)

Prince Harry's current count is 152 engagements for 2019. 

121 + Autumn Tour (31)= 152

(Unconfirmed) - Not Officially Confirmed/ Announced, Yet, but Expected
(Possible) -  Not Confirmed or 100% Expected, but Possible due to past appearances or reports of their attendance


January (14)
Monday 14th - Birkenhead
  • Visit Hamilton Square to view a new sculpture erected in November to mark the 100th anniversary of Wilfred Owen’s death
    • Unveil plaque
    • Walkabout
  • Visit No 7 a Pyramids shopping centre
  • Visit Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, an organization that supports women in vulnerable circumstances
  • Visit the Hive Wirral Youth Zone
    • Meet young members as they take part in a number of activities and workshops 
    • Unveil plaque
Tuesday 15th 
  •  Attended a Roundtable Discussion on conservation and sustainability (Royal Foundation)
Wednesday 16th 
  • Attended a Creative Workshop on Ministry of Defence Mental Fitness at Kensington Palace
  • Attend Cirque du Soleil’s premiere of TOTEM in aid of Sentebale at the Royal Albert Hall
Tuesday 22nd 
  • Received a briefing from Members of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, on work by Chatham House in Africa
Wednesday 23rd
    • Attend the Endeavour Fund Awards Judging Panel at Kensington Palace
      • With Meghan
    Thursday 24th 
    • Received the Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence
    Wednesday 30th 
    •  Meet with young people from across the Commonwealth at a roundtable discussion at Lancaster House
    Thursday 31st 
    • Attended a Meeting for the Royal Foundation at Kensington Palace
    • Attended a Reception at St James’s Palace for the Royal Foundation
    • Attended a Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy Meeting at Kensington Palace
    February (22)
    Friday 1st 
    • Visit Bristol Old Vic and reopened the renovated theatre foyer
      • Walkabout
      • With Meghan
    • Visit One25
      • With Meghan 
    • Visit Empire Fighting Chance
      • With Meghan
    Tuesday 5th 
    • Received a briefing from members of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, on work by Chatham House in Africa
    Thursday 7th
    • Attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Draper’s Hall
      • With Meghan
    Sunday 10th 
    • Attend the England vs France rugby match at Twickenham Stadium
      •  meet rugby volunteers and children taking part in the RFU's All Schools programme
    Tuesday 12th 
    • Attend the gala performance of ‘The Wider Earth’ in support of Queen's Commonwealth Trust and Queen's Canopy
      • With Meghan
    Wednesday 13th 
    • Attend a reception and take part in a Q&A session with England Rugby union co-captain Dylan Hartley, in aid of England Rugby’s Try for Change programme and the Jonny Wilkinson Foundation
    Thursday 14th 
    • Visit Exercise Clockwork to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the operation in Bardufoss, Norway (Royal Marines)
    Tuesday 19th 
    •  Attended a Fit and Fed holiday programme at Streatham Youth and Community Trust
    Wednesday 20th 
    • Visit 42 Commando Royal Marines at Bickleigh Barracks
      •  Presented Green Berets to Royal Marines recruits
    Saturday 23rd - Casablanca, Morocco 
    • (Arrive at Casablanca airport)
    • Official welcome ceremony
      • Greeted by British Ambassador, Thomas Reilly
      • Inspect Guard of Honour
    • Meet with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan at Royal Residence
    Sunday 24th - Asni and Rabat, Morocco 
    • Visit Education For All boarding houses 
    • Visit Lycee Qualifant Grand Atlas secondary school
    • Hold an Investiture at Dar Asni 1
    • Reception at the British Ambassador's residence
    Monday 25th - Rabat, Morocco
    • Visit Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports
    • Attend cooking demonstration at Villa des Ambassadors hotel
    • Visit arts and crafts market in the Andalusian Gardens
    • Audience with King Mohammed
    Thursday 28th
    • Held a meeting at Kensington Palace with members of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs
      • With Meghan
    March (15)
    Friday 1st 
    • Attended a Board Meeting for Invictus Foundation 
    Monday 4th 
    • Attend a dedication ceremony of new memorial in Cannon Hill Park to the victims of the two terrorist attacks which took place in Tunisia, Africa in 2015
    • Visit the Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
    Tuesday 5th 
    • Attend reception at Buckingham Palace for 50th anniversary of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales
    Wednesday 6th 
    • Attend WE Day UK (Queen’s Commonwealth Trust)
      • Give speech 
    Thursday 7th 
    • Attended a series of Meetings at the ITB Berlin Convention in Germany
    Monday 11th 
    • Attend a Commonwealth Day event at Canada House
    • Attend Commonwealth Day Observance service at Westminster Abbey 
    • Received Mr Peter Fearnhead, Chief Executive of African Parks
      Thursday 14th 
      • Attend the Veterans' Mental Health Conference at King's College London
      • Received Catherine Ferrier upon relinquishing her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Sentebale
      Saturday 16th 
      • Attend the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall in support of the Royal Marine's Charity
      Tuesday 19th 
      • Sign book of condolence at New Zealand High Commission
        • with Meghan 
      • Received Mr Anthony Fitzjohn of George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust 
      Wednesday 20th 
      • Join school children from St Vincent's Primary School as they take part in a tree planting project in support of The Queen's Canopy initiative, together with the Woodland Trust
      April (8)
        Wednesday 3rd 
        • Visit YMCA in South Ealing, London to meet organizations supporting the mental health of teenagers and young adults
            Thursday 4th
            Thursday 11th 
            • Officially open The Future Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham
            Tuesday 16th
            • Received a briefing from members of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs
            • Attended a round-table discussion on conservation and sustainability
              Thursday 25th 
              • Attend Anzac Day service at Westminister Abbey
                • With Kate & Duke of Gloucester
              Sunday 28th 
              May (11)
              Wednesday 8th 
              • Engagement in Amsterdam (Postponed due to logistics.)
              Thursday 9th - Hauge, Netherlands
              • Attend the kick-off of Invictus Games 2020 
                • With Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
              Tuesday 14th  
              • Visit Oxford Children’s Hospital
              • Visit OXSRAD Disability Sports & Leisure Centre
              • Visit Barton Neighbourhood Centre
              Wednesday 15th 
              • Attended a Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy Meeting
              Tuesday 21st
              • Received representatives of the Royal Marines Charity
              Saturday 24th 
              • Attend Sentebale Polo Cup Match at Roma Polo Club, in Italy
                • Attend dinner
              Tuesday 28th 
              • Attended the Endeavour Fund Board Meeting at the headquarters of Rolls-Royce
              Wednesday 29th
              •  Meet with the ICC Cricket World Cup team captains at Buckingham Palace
                • With Queen
              • Attend the Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
              Thursday 30th 
              • Attend the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the Oval in London
              June (12)
              Tuesday 4th 
              • Attend Lunch at Buckingham Palace for US State Visit
              Thursday 6th 
              • Visit Royal Hospital Chelsea in London to review the Chelsea Pensioners at the annual Founder’s Day Parade
              Saturday 8th 
              • Trooping the Colours - Queen's Official Birthday 
                • Grenadier Guards will be trooping
              Tuesday 11th 
              • Received the Mr Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal
              • Attend Sentebale Audi Concert at Hampton Court Palace
              Wednesday 12th 
              • Attend the launch of Made by Sport at Black Prince Trust in London
              Thursday 13th 
              • Attended a Board Meeting at 190 Great Dover Street for the Invictus Games Foundation
              • Received Mr Ralph Rimmer, Chief Executive Officer of the Rugby Football League, at Windsor Castle
              Friday 14th 
              • Attend a Garden Party at Marlborough House to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Commonwealth
              Monday 17th 
              • Attend a Chatham House Africa Programme event on ‘Mine Clearance, Conservation, and Economic Development in Angola’, held at Chatham House
              Wednesday 19th 
              • Hold Trustees' meeting for the Royal Foundation at Kensington Palace
                • With William
              Sunday 29th 
              • Attend the Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees baseball game at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in London, in support of the Invictus Games Foundation
              July (12)
              Tuesday 2nd 
              • Attended the Diana Award National Youth Mentoring Summit at Banking Hall
              (Saturday 6th - Archie's Christening at Windsor Castle)
              Wednesday 10th 
              • Play in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day
                • With William 
                Thursday 11th 
                • Meet Youth Ministers from across the Commonwealth for a roundtable discussion at Marlborough House
                • Attended the Royal British Legion Blast Injury Conference at Imperial College London,
                • Received Sir David Manning at Buckingham Palace upon his retirement as Senior Adviser to Prince William, Duchess Kate, Prince Harry & Duchess Meghan
                Sunday 14th
                • Attend the European premiere of The Lion King at the Odeon Leicester Square in support of Protect The Pride charity
                  • With Meghan
                Thursday 18th 
                • Attended a Sentebale Board Meeting 
                Tuesday 23rd
                • Attend a metropolitan police service health and wellbeing event at Country Hall in London
                • Attend Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Global Leadership Meeting at Windsor Castle
                Thursday 25th 
                • Visit Sheffield Children’s Hospital 
                • Visit Sheffield Hallam University 
                • Attend Invictus UK Trials at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield
                August (1)
                Saturday 24th 
                • Attend the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium
                September (8 + Tour)
                  Tuesday 3rd 
                  • Attended the launch of the sustainable tourism initiative Travalyst at A’Dam Tower, Amsterdam
                  Thursday 5th 
                  • Attended the Field Army Health Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
                  Friday 6th
                  • Held a Board Meeting for Invictus Games Foundation
                  Tuesday 10th 
                  • Attend a reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Invictus Games at Guildhall
                  Wednesday 11th 
                  • Attend the 15th annual BGC Charity Day, in support of The Invictus Games Foundation 
                  • Attended an Endeavour Fund Board Meeting
                  Thursday 12th 
                  • Visit Lealands High in Luton to learn more about Their England Rugby Schools programme
                  (15th: Prince Harry's 35th Birthday)
                  Tuesday 17th 
                  • Received Major General Charles Strickland upon relinquishing his appointment as Commandant General and Major General Matthew Holmes upon assuming the appointment (Royal Marines)
                  23rd -October 2nd 
                  October (8+ Tour)
                    23rd -October 2nd 
                    Thursday 10th - Nottingham 
                    • Visit Nottingham Academy 
                    • Visit Community Recording Studio
                    Friday 11th 
                    • Received Ms Samantha Cohen upon relinquishing her appointment as Private Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses
                    Tuesday 15th 
                    Wednesday 16th 
                    • Attended a Reception given by the Endeavour Fund at Kensington Palace
                    Friday 18th 
                    •  Attended a Faith and Mental Health Conference at Lambeth Palace
                    Friday 25th 
                    • Attended a round table discussion with representatives from The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and One Young World at Windsor Castle
                      • With Meghan
                    Tuesday 29th 
                    • Attend the Launch of UK Invctius Team for 2020 Hauge Games
                    November (10)
                    Saturday 2nd - Tokyo, Japan
                    • Meet Japanese Paralympic athletes at training session as they prepare to qualify for Tokyo2020 Paralympics
                    • Attend Rugby World Cup Finals
                    Wednesday 6th 
                    • Visited families of deployed service personnel at Broom Farm Community Centre
                      • With Meghan 
                    Thursday 7th 
                    • Attend Field of Remembrance
                      • With Meghan & Camilla
                    • Attended a meeting at Buckingham Palace for the sustainable tourism initiative, Travalyst
                    Friday 8th 
                    •  Attend a Terrence Higgins Trust event with former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas 
                    Saturday 9th 
                    • Attend Festival of Remembrance Concert at Royal Albert Hall
                      • With Meghan & Royal Family 
                    Sunday 10th 
                    • Remembrance Sunday at Cenotaph in Whitehall, London 
                      • With Meghan & Royal Family 
                    Tuesday 12th 
                    • Attended a Meeting at Coutts and Company for The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust
                    Sunday 17th 
                    • Attend the inaugural OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall
                        December (0)
                        [On a Break from official engagements]

                            Prince Philip - Official Engagements (2019 & 2020)

                            # of engagements since retirement began 17
                            # of engagements in 2019 3
                            # of engagements in 2020 1

                            2019
                            May
                            Tuesday 7th 
                            • Attend a Luncheon for Members of the Order of Merit at Windsor Castle
                              • with The Queen
                            June
                            Friday 21st
                            • Received General Sir Nicholas Carter upon relinquishing his appointment as Colonel Commandant of the Rifles and General Patrick Sanders upon assuming the appointment.
                            August
                            Monday 19th 
                            • Received Mr. Paul Hughes who was invested by the Queen with the Insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order
                            2020
                            July
                            Wednesday 22nd
                            • Attend The Rifles military ceremony at Windsor Castle, before stepping down as Colonel-in-Chief.
                              • Meet with Assistant Colonel Commandant of the Riffles, Major General Tom Copinger-Symes
                            Back to The Queen & Prince Philip - Main Page

                            Wednesday 26 December 2018

                            King Carl Gustaf of Sweden's 2018 Christmas Address - English Translation

                            Clarification or explanation added by Gert's Royals is in Italics. When the speech mentions a specific official engagement, I have linked to the post about that from the Royal Website using [*].

                            Dear people of Sweden, both at home and abroad, everyone in Sweden!

                            Christmas in our country can come in many different ways.

                            Many celebrate with family and friends and gather around the traditions that bind us together across the generations.

                            Some are alone, by choice or otherwise. And others do not celebrate Christmas, but may still enjoy the special atmosphere that characterizes the Christmas holidays.

                            Regardless of how your Christmas looks, I hope these days give you the opportunity to reflect and think now that the year is coming to an end and a new one will soon begin.

                            When I look back on the past year, I think, in particular, of all the people I've met, across our country, who have in different ways chose to take responsibility. Either in daily life or during extraordinary circumstances.

                            People who have made a difference, as they have shown courage, compassion, and action.

                            For example, I am thinking of all those who are committed to giving children and young people access to good education and a positive community.

                            I think of all those who work for sustainable development, helping us take better care of the Earth's limited resources.

                            And, of course, I also think of all those who will work in various crisis situations - like the severe forest fires this summer. [More on the Forest Fires]

                            Rescue workers, members of the Armed Forces & National Guard and volunteers: There were many people in our country who made great sacrifices to fight the fires and minimize its harmful effects.

                            Unlike recent fires in other countries, thankfully, no human life was lost. But for those who were affected by the fires, the damage is still felt, as generations of forests were reduced to nothing.

                            When the most difficult part of the fire was extinguished, I had the opportunity to visit one of the affected areas, in the Ragunda municipality in Jämtland County. [*] The Crown Princess couple [Victoria & Daniel] and the Prince couple [Carl Philip & Sofia] made similar visits to Hälsingland and Dalarna. [*]

                            The workers and volunteers did an amazing job of working together during those hot summer months.

                            To all of you who contributed, I want to express my heartfelt respect and gratitude: Thank you for choosing to take responsibility.

                            2018 has been a memorable year, with several important anniversaries.

                            This year, we marked 100 years since the cannons silenced on the battlefield of World War I. A war that cost millions of lives. And, unfortunately, that was not the last war that would take place.

                            This year, also marked 100 years since Sweden's Riksdag [Parliment], through an agreement in principle, took the first crucial step towards universal and equal voting rights for men and women. Something that laid the foundation for modern Swedish democracy. [*]

                            This year's parliamentary election was the 29th since this important reform was fully implemented. The process of forming a new government has been going on throughout the autumn. Maybe we can become a little impatient. But that is how our democracy works: Important matters must take its time.

                            And although there are differences in opinions and approaches, I want to emphasize how much, that still, unites us all in Sweden. There is a fundamental cohesion, which is shown in particular when difficult trials occur.

                            In 2018, we also marked two hundred years since my ancestor, Jean Baptiste Bernadotte became King Karl XIV Johan. [He was the founder of the Royal House of Bernadotte, which the current Swedish Royals are a part of. More on King Karl XIV Johan]

                            A little more than a week ago we re-dedicated the Karl Johan's equestrian statue which is now located out here at Slottsbacken [A street close to the palace]. [*]

                            There he now looks out over the newly renovated National Museum - which I had the opportunity to visit together with the Crown Princess [Victoria] and Princess Estelle before the solemn re-opening in November. [*]

                            Earlier this autumn, The Queen and I, along with Crown Princess Couple [Victoria & Daniel] visited the city of Pau in France. That was where my ancestor [Karl XIV Johan of Sweden] was born in 1763. [*]

                            And there the Crown Princess receive a magnolia seedling; a cutting from a tree that King Oscar II planted on his visit to Pau in 1899. [King Oscar II was Karl XIV Johan's grandson and is the current King's great-great-grandfather. More on King Oscar II]

                            It was handed over to the Crown Princess as a gift to Princess Estelle. In the spring, it will be planted at Haga Castle [The Crown Princess Family's home]. There, it will hopefully take root and eventually flower as a symbol of history's covenant with the future.

                            Yes, we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. We have been reminded many times during the past year.

                            It can be a place. A story. Or a mission. We are all links in a chain. And we all have a responsibility to those who come after us.

                            This applies particularly to those of us who represent various institutions of central importance to our country. Those institutions that have existed long before us and will remain long after we are gone.

                            In us lies a special responsibility to look beyond ourselves. To act in a way that honors the trust we have received - and which, in fact, is only borrowed.

                            Every year, my family and I participate in the Nobel festivities. And this year as well. [*] According to Alfred Nobel's will, the Nobel Prize will be awarded to the people who make the "greatest benefit to mankind" during the year.

                            And so it really is: This year's laureates have all, in different ways, helped to make our world slightly better.

                            Yes, they even have saved lives. All these advances, I think, are a good reason to have hope in the future!

                            Just a few days ago, we celebrated the Queen's 75th birthday. Over the years, the Queen has worked stubbornly and purposefully to improve the conditions for vulnerable children and young people, but also people with dementia.

                            And it felt important and good to be able to recognize these efforts in conjunction with the Queen's birthday.

                            During the year, we also welcomed a new grandchild, little Princess Adrienne. It made us very happy!

                            Now I look forward to spending a few more days of good company with my whole family.

                            I want to end this Christmas greeting from the Royal Palace in Stockholm by wishing you a Merry Christmas - and a happy New Year in 2019.

                            Back to Christmas/New Years 2018 Speeches - Main Page

                            Tuesday 25 December 2018

                            Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg's Christmas Eve Address (2018) - English Translation

                            Dear fellow citizens,

                            A few weeks ago, in Luxembourg, in Paris, and in other major cities of Europe, with dignity we remembered the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

                            11 November 1918 is a very distinctive day, a turning point in the history of our continent. After more than 4 years of horrific war, which cost the lives of nearly 20 million people, the moment of the ceasefire finally came.

                            But the world was changed. The European "leadership" was always in question. And the fight for peace was, unfortunately, quickly lost: after another twenty-five years, another world war began.

                            And the end of World War II until today is of great significance because it marked the beginning of a new era. I'm talking about the cooperation between the states and nations.

                            A new system has been introduced:
                            - with rules that all nations, whether large or small, must be respected in the same measure
                            - and also international organizations where collaboration works.

                            The League of Nations, the forerunner of the UN, was founded. But the crisis [Great Depression] and nationalism in the 30s did not allow this system to develop. Only after World War II did the importance of international co-operation begin to win.

                            In today's world, multilateralism, meaning the cooperation between several countries on an equal footing, is more important than ever. It fills in the gaps wherever bilateral agreements reach their limits:

                            • To organize fair international trade, 
                            • bring climate change under control, 
                            • find more global solutions to migration issues, and
                            • avoid conflict.

                            Luxembourg's diplomats have been champions for the respect of international law and the furtherance of multilateral cooperation for decades and they are receiving recognition for it.

                            I was able to see this personally at the COP24 conference in Katowice [United Nations Climate Change Conference in December in Poland]. Let us stick to those instruments and institutions that are available to us. They have done their preliminary work and delivered results, even if their work needs further development.

                            In a time characterized by national egoism, all international actors must be aware of their responsibility. We have only one world, with challenges that we all work on.

                            Dear fellow citizens,

                            The outcome of the elections this autumn allows for the ongoing coalition, to create a further legislature period, and I wish our government the best of luck in their important and noble tasks.

                            As in our neighboring countries, there are also changes in our political landscape. More parties find a connection among voters, who feel less well-off than before. Specific demands or topics get a greater resonance.

                            However, I am pleased to note that the good of the party is not being held above the common good.

                            The exclusionary or simplistic slogan have hardly been found. We must be proud of the diversity and cohesion of our society.

                            [Switches from Luxembourgish to French]

                            At this point, I would like to thank the non-Luxembourgers, who live or work in our country, for their valuable contribution to our society. Economic cohesion, but also the social cohesion, of our country are assets which we must defend at all costs. They are at the heart of our projects and our success. It's the common good for everyone.

                            [Switches back to Luxembourgish]

                            Today, on this Christmas, I do not just want to limit my speech to the political plan.

                            A large, deep thanks to the many members of our society, who, both at home or in crises zones, are serving people in emergencies.

                            Solidarity and social commitment are often the only light that stays on when politics reach their limits.

                            It is not enough to worry about it, you should have the courage to make the world better.

                            This help can be done on many levels. The Grand Duchess [Maria Teresa], with heart and conviction, works to call people to action, notably in the fight against any form of sexual violence, particularly in matters that stem from war and conflict. I stand fully behind this initiative of the Grand Duchess. Many others, including 3 Nobel Peace Nobles, will join her and attend the international [Stand Speak Rise Up!] forum in the spring of 2019 here in Luxembourg.

                            Dear all people,

                            Many of us celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. But I also think about the sick or those who are alone… Why not just give them a good word or a little time on this Christmas?

                            In that spirit and together with the Grand Duchess [Maria Teresa], Grand Duc Jean, Prince Guillaume, Princess Stéphanie and all our children, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy New Year.

                            Back to Christmas/New Years 2018 Speeches - Main Page

                            Monday 24 December 2018

                            King Philippe of Belgium's Christmas Eve Speech (2018) - English Translation

                            Ladies and gentlemen,

                            The Christmas and New Year holidays are the perfect occasion to step back, to stop our race in the pursuit of time. To look where we are in life. But also to remember that life is a path that we do not follow alone, but with fellow travelers, who, like us, need companionship, someone to listen, and give advice.

                            For most of us, the Christmas holidays are a time to come together and share. Moments in which we take time for each other. For those who endure severe trials, are lonely or who have lost a dear one, the loving presence of another is invaluable.

                            Let us especially remember the most fragile in our society during the holidays. And also remember those who surround them, with their care and attention to ensure that they can live dignified.

                            With those who have children, the Queen and I share the desire to live with them in the moment, in the true and real presence of each other. We know how important these moments are, but also how easily you miss them. These are the moments when we can experience our children as they are and rejoice in rediscovering them.

                            Moments in which our children can understand that we, their parents, and everyone else who cares for their upbringing are equally vulnerable. That we do not retreat from our problems or flee from them, but try to overcome them - and draw from our inner strength. With this inner strength, we can really open ourselves up to the others and assume our responsibility.

                            Our country is going through a turbulent period [refering to the recent political drama in Belgium]. Our fellow citizens are rightly concerned about important issues. We are currently experiencing serious political tensions. I trust in the sense of responsibility of our decision-makers that they act in the interest of the country and its people.

                            Inequality, poverty, intolerance, and climate change are questions that require comprehensive answers. These crucial problems of our society require from us all listening, openness, courage and initiative.

                            Democracy requires listening and dialogue. In the run-up to the federal, regional and European elections, let us have open and honest debates, respecting each other. Because the moment of the vote must be the result of careful reflection.

                            "Give me a lever and a place to stand and I will move the Earth," said Archimedes [200s BC mathematician]. To fully inhabit our time, to cultivate an inner strength that opens us to others, these are the places to stand and levers that can move the Earth.

                            The Queen and I, and all our family, wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

                            Back to Christmas & New Year Addresses 2018

                            Thursday 6 December 2018

                            Nobel Prize Banquet - Detailed Schedule (2018)

                            Detailed schedule for 2018 Nobel Prize Banquet in the Blue Hall at Stockholm City Hall.

                            All times are Local Stockholm. Note: they do often run behind schedule.

                            (7 PM Stockholm = 6 PM London, 1 PM New York, 10 AM Los Angeles, 5 AM Thurs Sydney)


                            6:30 PM
                            • Guests begin to arrive at the Banquet and take their seats
                            7:03 PM
                            • Guests at the Table of Honor process in
                              • These are the Laureates, Royals, Nobel Prize Officials, etc. 
                            7:15
                            • King Carl Gustaf gives a toast
                            (Photo are taken at the Table of Honor.)
                            7:25 
                            • 1st Entertainment performance
                            7:30
                            • 1st Course is served
                            (Photo are taken at the Table of Honor.)
                            8:20 PM 
                            • 2nd Entertainment performance
                            8:40 
                            • Main course is served
                            9:20 PM
                            • Dessert Wine is served
                            9:40 
                            • 3rd & 4th Entertainment performance
                            9:50
                            • Desert is served with coffee and liqueur
                            10:30 PM
                            • Student of Sweden parade their University Flags
                            10:30
                                  10:50
                                  • Banquet Ends and Table of Honor processes out
                                  • After Party Begins

                                  Sunday 2 December 2018

                                  Christmas Events (2018)

                                  As there are a lot of Christmas Events for all the different royals. We are sticking to the big annual events, that you love seeing each year.

                                  (Annual events with dates not yet announced are listed at the Bottom of the Page.)

                                  December

                                  1st

                                  4th
                                  • UK - Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace
                                    • Attending: Queen, Charles, Camilla, William, Kate
                                  6th 
                                  • UK - Camilla invites Children from her patronages to decorate Clarence House Christmas Tree
                                    • Attending: Camilla, children from  Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity
                                  10th 
                                  11th 
                                  13th 
                                  • Spain - King Felipe & Queen Letizia and King Juan Carlos & Queen Sofia release photo of their Official Christmas Card
                                  14th 
                                  17th 
                                  • Sweden - Accept the Christmas Trees for the Palace from the Royal College of Forestry's student union
                                    •  Attending: Prince Carl Philip & Prince Alexander
                                  18th 
                                  • Sweden 
                                    • Seminar for Queen Silvia's 75th Birthday 
                                  19th 
                                  • UK - Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace for members of the extended royal family 
                                  • Belgium - Annual Christmas Concert at the Palace
                                    • Attending: 
                                      • King Philippe & Queen Mathilde
                                        • Their children 
                                      • King Albert 
                                      • Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz
                                  • Monaco - Pass out gifts to Monaco Children at Palace
                                    • Attending: Prince Albert, Louis Ducruet (Princess Stephanie's son)
                                  • Sweden 
                                  20th 
                                  • UK - Queen travels to Sandringham by Train
                                  21st


                                  22nd 
                                  23rd (Sunday)
                                  • UK - Sunday Church Service Royals at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham 
                                  • Sweden - Queen Silvia's 75th Birthday 
                                  24th 
                                  25th 
                                  • Christmas Morning Church Service
                                    • UK Royals at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham 
                                    • Norway Royals at Holmenkollen Chapel
                                  • Christmas Day Speeches (Link for details)
                                    • UK 
                                    • Sweden 
                                    • Netherlands
                                  26th 
                                  27th 
                                  28th 
                                  29th 
                                  30th (Sunday)
                                  • UK - Sunday Church Service at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham 
                                  31st 

                                  January

                                  1st
                                  • Denmark - New Year's Day Banquet at Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg
                                    • (Tiara Event)
                                  2nd
                                  3rd
                                  • Denmark - New Year's Reception for Supreme Court judges, the Royal Guard and Regiments Officer Corps at Christian VII's Palace
                                  • Denmark - New Year's Reception for Diplomatic Corps at Christiansborg Palace
                                  4th 
                                  • Denmark - New Year's Reception for the military, patronages, country leaders, etc. at Christiansborg Palace
                                  5th 
                                  6th (Sunday)
                                  • UK - Sunday Church Service Royals at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham 
                                  • UK - Queen presents the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Academic Excellence to a student from Springwood High School in King's Lynn (a short drive from Sandringham).

                                  Date not yet announced:

                                  Monaco

                                  • Visit Christmas Villiage