ICAP Charity Trading Day

ICAP Charity Day Logo

The broker ICAP holds a Charity Trading Day each year raising millions of pounds for a variety of charities. The event started in 1993 and has been attended by each year by celebrities and public figures. 

The event is known for it's costumes. 

The event should not be confused with the similar BGC Charity Day held in September. 

King Charles III's Reign

 

Year	Royal	Patronage	Note
2020's
2029	-	-	-
2028	-	-	-
2027	-	-	-
2026	-	-	-
2025	-	-	-
2024	-	-	-
2023		The Passage	Video Message from Prince William
2022 (30th)		-

Queen Elizabeth II's Reign

Year	Royal	Note
2020's
2021		-
2020	Prince Charles	Prince Charles sent a video message instead, due to the pandemic.
2010's
2019	Prince Andrew	Andrew canceled after stepping down as a working royal
2018	Duchess Camilla	-
2017	Duchess Camilla	-
2016	Prince Harry	-
2015	Prince William & Duchess Kate	-
2014	Prince Harry	-
2013	Duchess Camilla	-
2012 (20th)	Prince Edward & Countess Sophie
2011	Duchess of Cornwall	-
2010	Prince Charles & Prince William	-
2000's
2009	-	-
2008	Prince Harry	-
2007	-	-
2006	Prince William	-
2005	-	-
2004	-	-
2003	-	-
2002 (10th)	-
2001	-	-
2000	-	-
1990's
1999	-	-
1998	-	-
1997	-	-
1996	-	-
1995	-	-
1994	-	-
1993 (1st)	-	-

Passing of Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein

Coat of Arms of Liechtenstein

HSH Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein died unexpectedly yesterday (Dec 5th, 2023) at age 51. No further details regarding his death have been released by the palace  

Prince Constantin was the youngest son of the monarch, Prince Hans-Adam and his late wife, Princess Marie. And was the younger brother of the current regent, Hereditary Prince Alois. 

Prince Constantin was Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Liechtenstein Group AG and a member of the Board of Directors of Liechtenstein Group Holding AG.

Prince Constantine was married to Princess Marie (Née Countess Marie Gabriele Franziska Kálnoky de Kőröspatak). The couple had 3 children: Prince Moritz (age 20), Princess Georgina "Gina" (age 18), and Prince Benedikt (age 15).

Statement from Palace:

The Princely House regrets to announce that H.S.H. Prince Constantin von und zu Liechtenstein passed away unexpectedly on 5 December 2023.

Full Press release in German 

Statement from Government:

“The government was deeply saddened to note the information about the death of HSH Prince Constantin von und zu Liechtenstein.  

The government offers its sincere condolences to HSH The Prince, HSH The Hereditary Prince and the entire princely family.”

In consultation with the palace, the government has ordered 2 days of national mourning until Friday, December 8, 2023. 

Flags will be flown at half-mast. If that is not possible they should decorated with a mourning ribbon.

During the period of national mourning, public events or celebrations should be reconsidered or carried out with the restraint and respect appropriate during national mourning. 

Public Events that are not canceled will have a minute of silence in remembrance of Prince Constantin. 

 https://www.regierung.li/de/mitteilungen/231525/?typ=news

The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav - Main Page

Order of St. Olav: Grand Cross (ladies)
Photo: Øivind Möller Bakken, Det Kongelige Hoff

The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav is Norway's 3rd highest honor. The Order was founded by King Oscar I in 1847. It is conferred as “a reward for distinguished services rendered to Norway and mankind”. His Majesty The King is the Grand Master of the Order.

There are 5 grade of the Order of Saint Olav:

• Grand Cross (Storkors)
• With Collar
• Without Collar
• Commander with Star or Grand Officer (Kommandør med stjerne)
• Commander (Kommandør)
• Knight 1st Class or Officer (Ridder av 1. klasse)
• Knight (Ridder)

 We have listed the Norwegian names in (italics). We have listed two English translations to some of the titles as sometimes you will see it translated literally from the Norwegian, and sometimes you will use a translation that more closely matches other national honors grade system. 

Given for

The honor is given for “a reward for distinguished services rendered to Norway and mankind”.

Given to

With the exception of foreign royalty and heads of state, the Order of St. Olav is only bestowed on Norwegian nationals.

• Norwegian Nationals
• Given the varying grades based on Merit
• Members of the Norway Royal Family
• Given Grand Cross
• Foreign Heads of State
• Given Grand Cross, except for Nordic Heads of state, which are usually given Grand Cross with Collar.
• Foreign Royals
• Given Grand Cross, except for Monarchs, who are usually given Grand Cross with Collar.

Insignia

When a class of the Order of St. Olav is conferred for military service, this is indicated on the insignia by two blue-enamelled swords, crossed and positioned under the king’s crown on the cross.

The Insignia is returned to the Monarch after the holders death. 

Grand Cross Sash & Badge

Sash and Badge with other Honors
Photo: Jørgen Gomnæs / Det kongelige hoff

Officer Badge 

Women's Officer Badge
Photo: Jan Haug, Det Kongelige Hoff

Men's Officer Badge
Photo: Jan Haug, Det Kongelige Hoff

Netherlands Annual Photocall (Winter & Summer)

2023 Summer Photocall
Photo Credit: RVD, Robin Utrecht

The Netherland Royals host a photocall for the Netherlands media twice a year. The idea behind the photocall is that it give the media a change to film the family, especially the children and then allow them to otherwise live relatively private lives. Other Monarchies will do this sporadically, especially if they have young children they wish to protect from the media. 

The photocalls used to take place before the family's winter & summer holidays.  In 2022, the Palace announced that they would continue to do 2 photocalls a year, but they wouldn't take place in connection with holiday trips. 

"From now on, photo sessions with the royal family will in principle take place at times when all family members can be present. This means that photo sessions no longer automatically take place immediately prior to the Royal Couple's holidays. Unstead, the aim is to have two photo sessions followed by a press interview each year." 

Winter Photocall

The annual winter photocall used to be held in Lech, Astria at the start of the family's winter holiday there every February. Since the change in 2022, the 

Year (Month)	Location	Willem-Alexander Maxima & Children	Princess Beatrix	Constantijn Laurentien & children	Mabel & Children
2025	-	-	-	-	-
2024	-	-	-	-	-
2023 (Dec)	TBA	X	-	-	-
2022* (Nov)	De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam	X	-	-	-
2021	None Held
2019 (Feb)	Lech, Austria	X	X	X
2018 (Feb)
2017 (Feb)
2016 (Feb)			X	X
2015 (Feb)
2014 (Feb)				X	X

Note: 

2022 - This photocall was not referred to as their "Winter Photocall." The group viewed the exhibition 'The century of Juliana'.

2016 - Princess Alexis fractured her fracture right thigh while Skiing during this trip, a few days after the photocall. 

Summer Photocall

We will create a chart for this at a later date, hopefully before their next Summer Photocall. 

Denmark Christmas Calendar - 2023

 

The Denmark Royal's Christmas Calendar runs from December 1st through December 24th (Christmas Eve). This year's theme and image is the same as last year "Christmas behind the Palace Windows". The Christmas Calendar features Royal Family Members & Staff. The drawing is of Christian IX's Palace, Queen Margrethe's home at Amalienborg Palace Complex. 

Each day, one of the Windows of the palace will be opened. Clicking on it pops up a post featuring some member of the Royal Family or a palace department. Past Days are illuminated, and can still be viewed. The Pictures at the top of this page will help you to identify the correct window.  (You will notice throughout the month that more Christmas decorations get added to the Calendar.)

Link to Christmas Calendar

• English Version
• Danish Version

Each Days Topic

• Day 1  (December 1st) - Prince Vincent helping Royal Chef make Pancake Balls
• Video
• Day 2 - Queen's Reference Library at Christiansborg Palace. 
• Day 3 - (1st Sunday of Advent) - Queen Margrethe lights the first candle of Advent
• Video
• Day 4  - Crown Prince Family decorates their Christmas Tree at Frederik VIII’s Palace
• Video
• Day 5 - Royal Family's Christmas Cards from the Queen's Reference Library
• Day 6 - Palace’s canteen manager shares Pebernødder (Pepper Nut) Cookie basket with The Royal Life Guard’s sentry company
• Video
• Day 7 -  Princess Benedikte decorates Christmas Tree at Christian VIII’s Palace
• Day 8 -
• Day 9 -
• Day 10 - (2nd Sunday of Advent) 
• Day 11 -
• Day 12 - 
• Day 13 - 
• Day 14 - 
• Day 15 - 
• Day 16 - 
• Day 17 - (3rd Sunday of Advent) 
• Day 18 -
• Day 19 - 
• Day 20 -
• Day 21 - 
• Day 22 -
• Day 23 -
• Day 24 (Christmas Eve) (4th Sunday of Advent)  -

Back to Denmark Christmas Calendar  - Main Page

Royal Attendance at Spain State Opening of Parliament

State Opening in 2023
Ministry of the Presidency. Government of Spain, via Wikimedia Commons

For more on the Spain State Opening of Parliament. 

King Felipe's Reign

Royal	12th (2016)	14th (2020 )	15th (2023)	16th (?)	17th (?)
King Felipe	X
Queen Letizia	X
Princess Leonor	X
Princess Sofia	X		At School in UK

Notes: 

13th Cortes Generales - No State Opening was held. They were unable to form a coalition so no President of the Government was ever selected.

King Juan Carlos's Reign

Royal	6th	7th	8th (2004)	9th (2008)	10th (2011)
King Juan Carlos	?	?	X
Queen Sofia	?	?	X
Prince Felipe	?	?	X
Princess Letizia	?	?	X
Princess Elena	?	?	X
Jaime de Marichalar, Duke of Lugo	?	?	X
Princess Cristina	?	?	X
Iñaki Urdangarin, Duke of Palma de Mallorca	?	?	X

Notes: 

11th Cortes Generales - No State Opening was held. They were unable to form a coalition so no President of the Government was ever selected.

Back to Spain State Opening of Parliament - Main Page

Spain State Opening of Parliament - Main Page

Ministry of the Presidency. Government of Spain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Spain State Opening of Parliament (also referred to as the Solemn Opening of the Parliament) takes place once each term of the Cortes Generales. And usually takes place approximately 2 weeks after the investiture of the President of the Government. 

Each term can last up to 4 years. So, the State Opening occurs approximately once every four years, unless Parliament is dissolved early.

The State Opening takes place in the Chamber of Congress of the Deputies at the Palace of the Cortes. The Opening is attended by all the Deputies and Senators that forms the Cortes Generales, along with other Government and Judicial.

Schedule

• Arrive at the Palacio de las Cortes
• King reviews the Troops
• Speech at Parliament 
• Military Parade

Speeches

• King Felipe's Reign

Royal Attendance

• 2016-Present

Live Stream 

There is usually a live stream:

• Congreso TV 

Dress code

Suit and Tie or Day Dress.

The Monarch and Heir wear their Congressional and Senate Gold Medals.

Back to State Opening of Parliament - Main Page

The Order of British Empire

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a UK Order of chivalry. It is the lowest of the UK's six Orders of Chivalry. This order had the highest number of living member, as it is the one most commonly given. 

The Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in 1917 to honour those who had served in a non-combative role.

Sovereign: King Charles III

Grand Master: Vacant

Grades

There are 5 grade across both military and civilian divisions, from highest to lowest:

• Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
• Entitled to use "Sir" or "Dame" unless a foreign citizen
• Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
• Entitled to use "Sir" or "Dame" unless a foreign citizen
• Commande (CBE)
• Officer (OBE)
• Member (MBE) 

Which grade a person receives is based on many factors:

• The level of contribution in the field of activity (I.e. noteworthy to. Top of their Field)
• Geographical levels (I.e. local to national)
• etc. 

If it possible for someone to receive a lower grade and then be upgraded later.

Given for?

The award is given for "contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service." Who is given the honor is decided by the UK Government's Honor's Committee. The Honor is formally given by the King in his role as Head of State. 

The honor is given to both military personnel and civilians. There are no restrictions on how can receive the honor. Except that, Foreign Citizens can only be given the honor in honorary form. 

Royals?

Working Royals don't tend to receive this honor, as they are usually given a higher honor. Extended Members of the British Royal Family have received this honor before, including:

• Zara Tindall (then Zara Phillips) - Received MBE as part of the 2007 New Year's Honors for services to Equestrianism as "Individual Three-Day Event World Champion" after winning gold in 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.
• Mike Tindall (Pre-marriage into Royal Family) - Received MBE as part of the 2004 New Year's Honors for Services to Rugby Union. Mike received this honor after his team won the 2003 Six Nations Championship along with other members of the team. 

Chapel 

Chapel within St. Paul's Cathedral
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Order of the British Empire's Chapel is located within St Paul’s Cathedral. Members and Medallists can request use of the Chapel for weddings, baptisms and memorial services. A Service of Thanksgiving is held at the Cathedral for Members and Medallists every four years.

Insignia

Robert Prummel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Civilian and Military Honors are the same except the military honors have a white stripe down the center of the ribbon.

• Mantle 
• Worn by GBE
• Usually just worn during Service of Thanksgiving for the Order

Nicholas Jackson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Collar
• Worn by GBE
• Only worn on Collar Days
• Returned after death
• Star
• Worn by GBE, KBE & DBE
• Badge 
• Sash & Badge
• Worn by GBE
• Neck Badge
• Worn by KBE & Male CBE

Neck Badge Military Ribbion

• Ribbon
• Worn by Male OBE & MBE
• Bow
• Worn by Female OBE & MBE

Women's MBE
Paul Gardner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Lapel Pin/Rosette
• The same lapel pin is used by all ranks and was introduced in 2006.  Lapel pins must be purchased separately by a member of the order.

Back to UK Honor's Main Page

United Kingdom Honors

Order of Chivalry

• Order of Garter
• Info on Order
• List of Current Royal Knights/Ladies
• Order of Thistle
• Order of Bath
• Order of St Michael and St George
• Royal Victorian Order
• Annual Service
• Order of British Empire
• Info on Order
• Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
• (Not part of normal precedence)

Orders of Merit

• Distinguished Service Order
• Order of Merit
• Imperial Service Order
• Order of the Companions of Honour

Decorations

-

Medals

-

Other honors

• Knights Bachelor
• Royal Family Order
• List of Current Holders

Other

• Honors Given/Received During State Visits
• Group Investiture Services
• 2023
• 2024

Crown Princess Victoria & Prince Daniel of Sweden's Official Visit to the UK (2023)

Frankie Fouganthin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Crown Princess Victoria & Prince Daniel of Sweden will Visit to UK November 29th-December 1st, 2023. The visit takes place at the request of the government. "The purpose of the visit is to consolidate and promote the long-standing and very good relations between Sweden and Great Britain. The visit also aims to show the strengthened cooperation in security and defence, green transition, innovation and research, as well as the increased exchange in the business world, which the Swedish-British strategic partnership that was recently signed is an expression of."

Wednesday 29 November

• Visit to Ukrainian soldiers, East of England who are being trained in Great Britain under Swedish leadership within the framework of "Operation Interflex".
• Woodditton Pub lunch for a conversation about the English pub culture and a presentation of the East Anglia region.
• Visit to Imperial College Innovation Hub & NATO's accelerator for defense innovation, DIANA, focusing on how innovation can be accelerated in defense and security.

• Attend International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Candidacy Reception, at Ambassador's Residence
• Attend Sustainability themed dinner at National History Museum hosted by Business Sweden and the embassy the theme of which is the importance of cooperation in sustainability, innovation and security, as well as the importance of progress in the climate negotiations during COP28, for British and Swedish companies. 

Thursday, November 30

• Attend Breakfast with Swedish start-up company, German Gymnasium and meet representatives of Swedish Mindler to share the company's experiences from establishing companies in Great Britain.

• Meeting with Prince William & Princess Kate at Windsor Castle
• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Richmond to take part in various international research projects for the promotion of biodiversity. 
• Plant a tree as a memory of the visit.
• Attendance at the conference Outer Thinking – the Swedish-British Summit, at Nobu Hotel
• Attend the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall with Prince William & Princess Kate

Friday, December 1

• Visit to Cranfield University, School of Aerospace and Aviation Research Technology Centre to hear about  Swedish-British collaborations between academia and industry in green transition and future transport.
• Attend Life Science Lunch, at Ambassador's Residence with invited British politicians as well as business and academia
• Advent coffee with Swedes living in London, at Church of Sweden,

Armistice Day Service at Tomb of Unknown Soldier - Belgium

Tomb of the Unknown Soilder
Agracier, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Each year on Armistice Day (November 11th), a military ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Congress Column in Brussel. The ceremony honors those who died in both World Wars and those  soldiers who died during humanitarian and peace missions since 1945. 

The ceremony is attended each year by the Belgium Monarch, along with the president of the House, Senate, and other representatives of the Belgium Government and established bodies. 

Congress Column is a monumental column in Brussels commemorating the creation of the Belgian Constitution by the National Congress of 1830–31. Located at the foot of the Congress Column is the Tome of the Unknown Soldier.

Back to Belgium - Annual Events

Pages of Honour (UK)

Pages of honour are assist with the royals robes and train and perform other ceremonial duties during events like the State Opening of Parliament. They have been used in the past during the Order of Garter Ceremony, but we have not seen that yet in King Charles's reign as he did not wear a robe with a long train in 2023. 

Page of honour are typically sons of extended family or friends and are usually 10-13 years old.

How long a page of honor serves, depends on how long they can fit into the uniform.  Pages of Honor only perform duties at a few events. So, the uniforms are passed down from page to page & not custom-made.

King Charles III's Reign                  

Name	Relation	Years
Current
Lord Oliver Cholmondeley	Son of former Lord Great Chamberlain	2023-Present
Nicholas Barclay	Son of Family Friend	2023-Present
Ralph Tollemache	Son of Charles's Godson	2023-Present
Charles Van Cutsem	Son of Family Friend	2023-Present (Starting at State Opening)
Past
Prince George of Wales	Charles's grandson	(2023) Just Coronation

Notes: 

Royals do not typically serve as Pages of Honour, expect for extra special occasions like coronations. That is why Prince George only served as Page for the Coronation. 

Name	Relation	Years
Current
Arthur Elliot	Camilla's grandnephew	2023-Present
William Keswick	Grandson of one of Camilla's Lady Companions	2023-Present (Starting at State Opening)
Past
Gus Lopes	Camilla's grandson	Just Coronation
Louis Lopes	Camilla's grandson	Just Coronation
Freddy Parker Bowles	Camilla's grandson	Just Coronation

Princess Leonor of Spain - 18th Birthday Celebrations

Princess Leonor of Spain will turn 18 on October 31st, 2023. This is an extra special occasion as it marks her age of majority. Reaching the age of majority is important to heirs to the throne as they become an adult and legally would be able to ascend the throne without a regent. Princess Leonor will now be able to act as regent. 

October 31st 

• Swear on the Constitution at Cortes Generales (Parliament)
• Attending: 
• King Felipe & Queen Letizia, 
• Princess Leonor
• Princess Sofia
• Swear in at Royal Palace of Madrid
• Receive Collar of the Order of Charles III/Carlos III  (Highest Civil Honor in Spain)
• Lunch with various government officials. 
• Private party with family at Royal Palace of El Pardo
• Attending: 
• Extended Family
  

According to Article 61 of the Constitution, the Crown Prince/ss is required to take a oath to obey the constitution. 

1. The King, on being proclaimed before the Cortes Generales, shall take oath to carry out his duties faithfully, to obey the Constitution and the law and ensure that they are obeyed by, and to respect the rights of citizens and the Autonomous Communities.

2. The Crown Prince, on coming of age, and the Regent or Regents, on assuming office, shall take the same oath, as well as that of loyalty to the King. 

Storting Official Dinner (Stortingsmiddag) - Main Page

Stortingsmiddag 2019
Photo: Simen Sund, Det Kongelige Hoff

Storting Official Dinner (Stortingsmiddag) is an annual dinner hosted at the Oslo Royal Palace for members of Norway's Parliament (Storting) and representatives from Norway. The dinner usually takes place in October shortly after the State Opening of Parliament. 

During the dinner the Monarch gives a speech with the President of Parliament (Sorting) giving a reply.

The first Storting Official Dinner was held in 1906 by King Haakon VII. 

Dress Code: 

• White tie with tiaras & honors

Typically Attending: 

• King Harald & Queen Sonja
• Crown Prince Haakon & Crown Princess Mette-Marit
• Princess Astrid

Back to Norway - Annual Events

Princess of Asturias Awards - Main Page

Ruben Ortega, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Princess of Asturias Awards (Premios Princesa de Asturias) honors individuals, entities or organizations from around the world who make notable achievements in a variety of categories. The awards are held each year at Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias in Spain.

The awards were founded in 1980 by King Felipe (then Prince of Asturias). The first awards were presented in 1981 by the newly founded Prince of Asturias Foundation. 

Asturias is a principality in northern Spain. Prince/ss of Asturias is the special title given to the Heir Apparent or Presumptive of Spain. The awards were renamed after King Felipe's accession, to reflect the new heir.

Events: 

The Princess of Asturias Awards celebrations are usually spread over 3 days. 

• Day 1 
• Concert
• Day 2
• Audience with Winners
• Awards Ceremony
• Day 3 
• Visit to this year's Exemplary Town

Categories:

The awards initially had 6 categories, but added on three more categories shortly after the founding. 

Category	Years	Recognizing
Arts	1981- Present	The work of fostering and advancing the art of film-making, theatre, dance, music, photography, painting, sculpture, architecture or any other form of artistic expression.
Communication  and  Humanities		The work of fostering and advancing the sciences and disciplines considered humanistic activities or any activity related to social communication in any of its forms.
International Cooperation		Individual or collective work, in cooperation with another or others, to develop and promote public health, universal education, the protection and defence of the environment, as well as the economic, cultural and social advancement of peoples.
Literature		The work of fostering and advancing literary creation in all its genres
Social Sciences		Creative and/or research work in the field of history, law, linguistics, teaching, political science, psychology, sociology, ethics, philosophy, geography, economics, demography or anthropology, as well as in the disciplines corresponding to each of these fields.
Technical and Scientific Research		The work of fostering and advancing research in the field of mathematics, astronomy and astrophysics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, medical sciences, earth and space sciences or technological sciences, including those disciplines corresponding to each of these fields as well as their related technologies.
Concord	1986- Present	The work of defending and advancing human rights, as well as promoting and protecting peace, freedom, solidarity, world heritage and, in general, the progress of humanity.
Sports	1987- Present	Careers which, via the promotion, fostering and advancement of sport and sense of solidarity and commitment, have become an example of the benefits that practising sports can bring to people.
Exemplary Town of Asturias	1990- Present	The town, village, population center, space landscape or human group of the Principality of Asturias that has stood out in a notable way in the defense and conservation of its natural, environment, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, in initiatives of economic and social promotion or in the implementation of communal works or other outstanding manifestations of solidarity.

Prizes:

Each recipient (except for Exemplary Town of Asturias) is given a diploma, sculpture created by spanish sculptor Joan Miró, a pin with the emblem of the foundation and  €50,000 (or a share of that amount if there are multiple recipients in a category).

The town or community organization that wins the "Exemplary Town of Asturias" award is given a prize of €25,000 and is visited by the Royal Family usually as part of the Princess of Asturias Awards celebrations.

Royals who have received the Prince/ss of Asturias Award

• King Hussein I of Jordan  was given the Concord Award in 1995 for "his valuable contribution to the cause of peace in the Middle East, which has shown itself to be one of the points of conflict among humanity."

Back to Spain - Annual Events

Order of the Elephant (Denmark) - Main Page

Photo: Kongehuset

The Order of the Elephant (Elefantordenen) is Denmark's highest honor. The honor has only one class, Knight. So, those given the honor are Knights of the Order of Elephant (Ridder af Elefantordenen), and can use the Post-nominal letter R.E. after their name. (Although Royal don't tend to use the Post-Nominal Letters of foreign honors.)

Who this honors is typically given to?

• Children of Danish Monarch and their spouse, and occasionally more extended family. 
• Foreign Monarchs, Consort, Heirs 
• Heads of State

Danish Citizens can be given the honor, but it is given on very rare occasions. There are no non-royal Danish citizens who currently hold this honor (as of Oct 2023).

Prior to 1958, women could received the insignia of the Order but were not made knights. King Frederik IX changed this to in 1958 in connection with then Princess Margrethe's 18th Birthday, with the Women previously given the insignia retroactively made Knights. 

• List of Current, Living Royal Knight of the Order of Elephant

When is the honor given?

• For Denmark Royals, the honor is mostly given to children of the Monarch and their spouse. So, we have seen the honor being given upon their parent's accession or the spouse's marriage into the Denmark Royal Family. Queen Margrethe is expected to give her grandson and heir to the heir, Prince Christian on his 18th Birthday. This is the first time in recent time that Denmark has had an heir to the heir reach the age of majority. 
• For Foreign Royals, the honor is usually given to the monarch, consort or heir during a State Visit, which they participate in. 
• For Extended family/Scandinavian royals, the honor may be given outside of State Visits and will may be given to more than just the monarch, consort and heir. 

When is the honor worn?

This is the higher of Denmark's two Orders. So, we normally always see the Denmark Royals wearing this honor, whenever honors are worn. The one exception is event in foreign countries or State Visits when they would wear their highest honor of the other country, if they had it. (If they don't have a honor from that country, they would wear their highest honor from home.) 

Foreign Royals would only wear this honor when attending events in Denmark. 

Rosette

The Rosette of the Order is a light-blue pin worn on the lapel. This is usually just worn by man. And is worn in less formal occasions usually with a suit and tie. 

Photo: Dennis Stenild, Kongehuset 2023
Rosette worn by Prince Christian & Crown Prince Frederik

Sash

The sash of the order is of light-blue silk with Elephant badge attached at the hip. The men's version is 10 cm wide. And the women's version is 6 cm wide. The Sash is worn on the left shoulder with the elephant resting against the right hip. 

Photo: Steen Brogaard,  Kongehuset 2019
Sash is worn by both along with other honors

Collar

The collar of the Order is made of gold. It consists of alternating elephants and towers, with a large elephant dangling from the centre. The collar is the highest form of the honor. Both Denmark & Foreign Royals can wear the collar when appropriate. The collar is typically only worn on Order Days:

• January 1st: Order of the Knights Day 
• April 16: Queen Margrethe's birthday
• June 28th: King Valdemar II's birthday

Or, on other extra important events like Jubilees. Since January 1st is an Order Day, we see this honor each year at the New Year's Day Gala.

Photo: Kamilla Bryndum,  Kongehuset 2018
Order of Elephant Collar is Worn by both along with other honors

Coat of Arms

The Order of Elephant Collar can be added to a Knight's Coat of Arms. (Although Foreign Royals don't typically display foreign honors on their normal coat of arms. It would only be shown in a variant for a special purpose related to that foreign honor.)

Each knight is required to send a copy of their coat of arms to the order’s secretary, who commissions an Armorial Plate. The armorial plate with the knight's coat of arms is hung in the Chapel of the Royal Orders of Knighthood in Frederiksborg Palace. 

The Knight's coat of arms is encircled by the aollar of the Order of Elephant. And includes the Royal's title and date of admission. Title and Coat of Arms are not updated to reflect the royals change in title or coat of arms. 

Orf3us, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• List of Current, Living Royal Knight of the Order of Elephant

Order of Elephant (Denmark) - Current Royal Knights

King Harald & Queen Sonja of Norway wearing the Order of Elephant Sash
Photo: Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset © 2022

Below is a list of all the current living royals who have been given the Order of Elephant honor from Denmark. 

We explain more about the Order of Elephant here. 

Denmark Royals

Royal	Year	Reason
King Frederick IX's Reign
Princess Margrethe (Later Queen Margrethe)	1947*	King Frederik IX's Accession (Queen Margrethe is now Sovereign of the Order )
Princess Anne-Marie (Later Queen Anne-Marie of Greece)	1947*	King Frederik IX's Accession
Princess Benedikte	1947*	King Frederik IX's Accession
Prince Ingolf (Later Count Ingolf of Rosenborg)	1961	21st Birthday
Queen Margrethe's Reign
Crown Prince Frederik	1972	Queen Margrethe II's Accession
Prince Joachim	1972	Queen Margrethe II's Accession
Princess Alexandra (Later Countess of Frederiksborg)	1995	Marriage to Prince Joachim
Crown Princess Mary	2004	Marriage to Crown Prince Frederik
Princess Marie	2008	Marriage to Prince Joachim
Prince Christian	2023	18th Birthday
-	-	-

Note: 

*Prior to 1958, women could received the Insignia of the Order. but were not made knights. King Frederik IX changed this in 1958 in connection with then Princess Margrethe's 18th Birthday. Women previously given the insignia, were retroactively made Knights. 

**For honors given for a marriage into the Denmark Royal Family, the honor were given on or a few days before the wedding. I thought it was best to list them under their titles upon marriage, instead of their maiden names. 

Foreign Royals

Royal	Year	Position	Reason/Event
King Frederick IX's Reign
Crown Prince Akihito of Japan (Now Emperor Akihito)	1953	Heir	Official Visit to Denmark
Crown Prince Harald of Norway (Now King Harald V)	1958	Heir	State Visit
Queen Sirikit of Thailand	1960	Consort	State Visit
Empress Farah of Iran	1963	Consort	State Visit
Princess Irene of Greece	1964	Extended Family/ In Wedding Party	Marriage of King Constantine of Greece to Princess Anne-Marie  of Denmark
Prince Michael of Greece	1964	Extended Family/ In Wedding Party	Marriage of King Constantine of Greece to Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark
Crown Prince Carl Gustaf of Sweden (Now King Carl XVI Gustaf)	1965	Heir	?
Prince Hitachi of Japan	1965		?
Prince Albert of Belgium  (Now King Albert II)	1968	Heir Presumed	State Visit
Queen Margrethe II's Reign
Princess Christina of Sweden	1973		State Visit
Crown Princess Sonja of Norway (Now Queen Sonja)	1973	Heir's wife	State Visit
Prince Charles of UK  (Now King Charles III)	1974	Heir	State Visit
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands (Late Queen Beatrix)	1975	Heir	State Visit
King Juan Carlos I of Spain	1980	Monarch	State Visit
Queen Sofia of Spain	1980	Consort	State Visit
Queen Silvia of Sweden	1985	Consort	State Visit
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway	1991	Heir	State Visit
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway	1992		State Visit
Queen Paola of Belgium	1995	Consort	State Visit
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden	1995	Heir	18th Birthday
Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece	1997	Heir to Defunct Monarchy/ Nephew	Queen Margrethe's Silver Jubilee
Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands  (Now King Willem-Alexander)	1998	Heir	Queen Beatrix's 60th Birthday
Queen Noor of Jordan	1998	Consort	State Visit
Empress Michiko of Japan	1998	Consort	State Visit
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand  (King Maha Vajiralongkorn)	2001	Heir	State Visit
Prince Philippe of Belgium (Later king Philippe)	2002	Heir	State Visit
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg	2003	Monarch	State Visit
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg	2003	Consort	State Visit
Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (Now Emperor Naruhito)	2004	Heir	State Visit
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway	2014	Heir's Wife	200th Anniversary of Norway's Constitution
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands	2015	Consort	State Visit
Queen Mathilde of Belgium	2017	Consort	State Visit
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway	2022	Heir to Heir	18th Birthday
King Felipe of Spain	2023	Monarch	State Visit
Queen Letizia of Spain	2023	Consort	State Visit

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Together at Christmas Carol Service

Together for Christmas is a Carol Service held at Westminster Abbey in December. This was never been billed as an annual event, but has been described each year as a "Special Carole Service." This year will mark the 3rd annual service. 

Dress Code

According to the invitation, the dress code is: “Smart (no hats)”

Royal Attendance

Royal	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
	Wednesday Dec 8th	Thursday Dec 15th	Friday Dec 8th	?	?
King Charles		X	-	-	-
Queen Camilla		X	-	-	-
Prince William	Gave Reading			-	-
Princess Kate	Host			-	-
Prince George		X	-	-	-
Princess Charlotte		X	-	-	-
Prince Louis			-	-	-
Prince Edward			-	-	-
Duchess Sophie	X	X	-	-	-
Princess Beatrice & Edo Mapelli Mozzi	X		-	-	-
Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank	Just Eugenie	X	-	-	-
Zara & Mike Tindall	X		-	-	-
Duke & Duchess of Gloucester		X		-	-
Duke of Kent		X	-	-	-
Prince & Princess Michael of Kent		X	-	-	-
Lord Frederick & Lady Sophie Windsor		X	-	-	-
Lady Gabriella & Thomas Kingston		X	-	-	-
Princess Alexandra		X	-	-	-
Total	8	23	-	-	-

Notes: 

Naming reflects the royal's titles as of this year (2023).

2021 -  The service was "to celebrating the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the nation who go above and beyond to support their communities."

2022 - The service paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

2023 -  The service "will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings."