Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Norway National Day (Constitution Day)

Oslo-May-17th-2005
Palace outside Palace
Morten Johnsen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Norway celebrates its National Day on May 17th each year. The day is also called Constitution Day and marks the anniversary of the signing of the constitution in 1814  and independence from Denmark.

One of the main celebrations are Children's Parades held throughout the country. In the morning (~8:15 AM), the Crown Prince Family greets local children as they pass by their home, Skaugum Estate in Asker (Southwest of Oslo). Later, (~10:30 AM), as the Parade in Oslo passes by the Royal Palace, the Royal Family greets the children from the Balcony.

Dress Code

Traditional Dress or Suit and Tie and Day Dress. 

It is tradition for people to wear a Red, White & Blue  Ribbon(s) usually attached with a pin or a broach. This is not an honor, rather just a expression of national pride to wear the flag's colors. 

Appearances

X - Royals on Balcony at Oslo Palace

S - Royals at Skaugum Estate

                                                                                              
Royal20202021 202220232024
King HaraldX
Queen SonjaX
Crown Prince HaakonXS
Crown Princess Mette-MaritXS
Princess Ingrid AlexandraXS
XS
Prince Sverre MagnusXS
Other





Note: 
2024: Prince Sverre Magnus  not participate due to Russetiden celebrations with his graduating class
2023: Princess Ingrid Alexandra did not participate due to Russetiden celebrations with her graduating class. 
2020 & 2021: parades were modified due to Pandemic

Royal20152016 2017 20182019
King HaraldX
Queen SonjaX
Crown Prince HaakonXS
Crown Princess Mette-MaritXS
Princess Ingrid AlexandraXS
Prince Sverre MagnusXS
Marius Borg HøiibyS





Luxembourg - Annual Events

Grand Ducal Palace (Luxembourg) 20180627
Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 We will be working on adding Annual Events for each European monarchy in 2023. We are only listing annual events here if we have a blog post on that event. 

January 

  • -

February

  • -

March 

  • -

April 

  • -

May 

June

July 

  • -

August

  • -

September

October

  • -

November

  • -

Monday, 15 May 2023

Closing of the Octave Service (Luxembourg)

Tapestry 4 - Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Luxembourg - DSC06053
Our Lady of Luxembourg Tapestry
Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Octave is a 2 week pilgrimage to honor the patron saint of Luxembourg, Our Lady of Luxembourg. The Octave takes place annually between the 3rd & 5th Sunday after Easter. The pilgrimage ends at Notre-Dame de Luxembourg Cathedral with a special closing ceremony. The Royal Family will end the day with a balcony appearance.

Typical Schedule

  • Service at Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg (10:30 AM)
  • Closing procession of the Octave (3 PM)
  • Appearance on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace (5:45 PM)

Royal Attendance at Octave Events       

X- Attended Closing Service
O - Attended Other Events
                                                                 
Royal20212022 20232024
Grand Duke HenriXXOXOXO
Grand Duchess Maria TeresaXXOXOXO
Prince GuillaumeXXOOO
Princess StephanieXXOOO
Prince Charles
OOO
Prince François 

OO
Prince Felix

XO
Princess Claire

XO
Princess Amalia

O
Prince Liam

O
Prince Louis

XO
-




Notes: 
2020 - The service & procession was cancelled due to the Pandemic. 
2021- The procession was canceled due to the Pandemic. 
2024 - The 400th Anniversary of the Octave religious festival

Back to Luxembourg Annual Events - Main Page

Wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif


The wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif will take place on Thursday, June 1st.  The ceremony will take place at 4 PM (GMT+3) at  Zahran Palace, where numerous royal weddings have taken place. No Tiara's for the wedding Ceremony. 

There will be a Banquet later in the evening, and I have heard we may get tiaras for that. 

Wednesday May 31st there was a banquet at 6PM hosted by King Abdullah for 4,000+ men from around Jordan. It was just attended by male members of the Royal Family. 

Live Stream (In Arabic, unless otherwise noted).

Royals Attending                                              

Color Meaning
Purple Monarch/Regent/ Consort
(Includes Abdicated)
Yellow Heir

* indicate a note at the bottom of the section

Current Monarchies

CountryRoyalWeddingReception
Asia
BahrainCrown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al KhalifaX?
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al KhalifaX?
BhutanQueen JetsunXX
Princess EuphelmaXX
BruneiSultan Hassanal BolkiahX?
Prince 'Abdul Mateen X?
Malaysia Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdullah
& Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku
X?
JapanPrincess HisakoXX
Princess TsugukoXX
KuwaitSheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah
& Sheikha Muna Al-Klaib
X?
OmanCrown Prince Theyazin bin HaithamX ?
QatarSheikha MozaXX
UEA (Abu Dhabi) Sheikh Khaled 
(Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi)
X?
----
Europe
BelgiumKing PhilippeXX
Princess ElisabethXX
DenmarkCrown Prince Frederik &
Crown Princess Mary
XX
Liechtenstein*Hereditary Prince Alois
& Hereditary Princess Sophie
XX
Prince Johann Wenzel & 
Princess Felicitas

X
Luxembourg*Prince Sébastian
X
NetherlandsKing Willem-Alexander
& Queen Maxima
XX
Princess Catharina-Amalia
X
NorwayCrown Prince HaakonXX
SwedenCrown Princess Victoria
& Prince Daniel
XX
SpainKing Juan Carlos
& Queen Sofia
XX
UK*Prince William &
Princess Kate
XX
Princess Beatrice &
Edo Mapelli Mozzi
XX

Notes:
Liechtenstein/ Luxembourg Prince Johann Wenzel & Prince Sébastien attended Sandhurst Royal Military Academy at the same time as Hussein. 
UK - This was Prince William & Princess Kate's first big Foreign Royal event. They attended in an official capacity formally representing the UK, while Beatrice & Edo attended as person friends of the couple. 

Former Monarchies 
ColorMeaning
PurpleFormer Monarch/Consort
YellowHeir to Defunct Monarchy/ Head of Royal House


CountryRoyalWeddingReception
BulgariaTsar Simeon & 
Tsaritsa Margarita

X
Prince Kyril of Preslav & Katharine Butler
X
GreeceCrown Prince Pavlos
X
IranEmpress Farah
?
RomaniaMargareta & Prince Radu
X
----

Notes: 
Bulgaria - Katherine is Kyril's Girlfriend. 

Monday, 8 May 2023

King Harald of Norway - Hospitalizations & Health Issues

Rikshospitalet Gaustad 19jun2005
Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet
J. P. Fagerback, BSD, via Wikimedia Commons

I think anytime a royal is in the hospital or having a major health event, there is public concern. I have compiled this information for the purpose of allowing the public to better understand the royal's health history.

All information I share is publicly available information that has been released by the palace. Out of respect for the royals, I don't include any rumors or anything not confirmed by the palace or royals. 

Current:
  • Became ill during holiday in Malaysia
    • Hospitalized at Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Malaysia with infection
      • Tuesday Feb 27th- Sunday March 3rd
      • Surgery to install temporary pacemaker
        • Saturday, March 2nd
    • Medical Transport by Royal Air force
      • March 3rd
      • Langkawi, Malaysia - Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (t0 re-fuel) - Oslo, Norway
    • Hospitalized at Rikshospitalet in Norway
      • Sunday, March 3rd-March 14th
      • Surgery to install permanent pacemaker
        • Tuesday, March 12th
    • Sick Leave
      • Crown Prince Haakon as Regent (expect when out of the country, see below).
        • Monday Feb 26th- April 21st 
      • Government as Regent, while Haakon is out of the country
        • April 3rd-5th
        • April 15th-19th
      • Hakkon was already scheduled to act as regent during the time King Harald was out of the country on Holiday. (Feb 26th-March 6th.)
  • Week 1 Updates:
    • Tuesday February 27th: Initial announcement from palace. The King receives good follow-up from both Malaysian and Norwegian medical personnel.
    • Wednesday Feb 28th: The King's physician is in Langkawi [district of Malaysia] and notes that the King is recovering from his infection. The king is well looked after in the hospital and receives good treatment.
      • The king will remain in the hospital for a few more days. No decision has been made regarding the return journey. 
      • The Norwegian embassy in Kuala Lumpur has offered practical assistance in connection with the visit.
      • The rest of the Royal Family's official program is going as planned.
    • Thursday Feb 29th: King Harald is improving. But still undergoing treatment at hospital. King Harald will remain in the hospital on Malaysia for a few more days. He will then travel back to Norway via plane. 
      • The Norwegian Government is facilitating the transportation, and the Norwegian Armed Forces will be responsible for the practical arrangements for his return to Norway.
    • Friday March 1st: King Harald is still recovering. The king will be in hospital for a few more days for treatment and rest, before returning home.
      • Norway Armed Forces reports that the cost of King Harald's medical transport is estimated at just over NOK 2 million and will be taken from the defense budget.
    • Saturday March 2nd:  King Harald had a temporary pacemaker implanted.
    • The pacemaker was implanted due to a low heart rate. The decision was made earlier today, and the procedure was successful. His Majesty is doing well under the circumstances but still requires rest. The procedure will make the return back home safer.
    • The medical transportation to Norway is likely to take place within the next couple of days. 
    • Sunday March 3rd:  King Harald had departed Malaysia via Air force Medical Transportation. Queen Sonja traveled with him. 
      • King Harald will be admitted to Rikshospitalet Hospital in Norway. 
      • King Harald will be on sick leave for 2 week, while Crown Prince Haakon acts as Regent. 
    • Sunday March 3rd: King Harald has arrived in Norway this evening. 
      • The transportation went well, and His Majesty’s health is improving.
      • The King will be admitted to the hospital Rikshospitalet for medical examinations. He will stay in hospital for a few days for treatment and rest.
    • Monday March 4th: King Harald will require a permanent pacemaker. The surgery will be scheduled for when King Harald is infection free. This may take several days so King Harald will probably remain in the hospital over the weekend. 
      • The general condition is stable and improving.
  • Week 2 Updates:
    • Wednesday March 6th: King Harald's infection is under control, and the permanent pacemaker will likely be inserted early next week.
      • The King's general condition is satisfactory and improving.
  • Week 3 Updates:
    • Tuesday March 12th: King Harald had surgery to install a permanent pacemaker this morning. The operation took place at Rikshospitalet Hospital in Norway and was successful. He will remain in the hospital a "few days."
    • Tuesday March 12th: King Harald is expected to remain on sick leave until after Easter. 
    • Thursday March 14th: King Harald discharged from hospital. He will continue to rest and recover at home. Sick leave until April 8th. Crown Prince Haakon to continue to act as regent. 
  • April Updates:
    • Thursday April 4th: King Harald’s sick leave will be extended for 2 more weeks, until Monday, April 21st. 
      • Crown Prince Haakon’s overseas trip to USA April 15th-19th will continue as planned & “government will oversee the governance of the country”.
    • Friday April 19th: King Harald will resume official engagements on Monday
    • Monday April 22nd: King Harald will resume official engagements today. He will have a permanent reduced number and scope of official engagements. 
2024
  • January
    • Sick Leave with Respiratory Infection
      • January 31st- February 4th
      • Crown Prince Haakon as regent
      • Updates:
        • January 31 - Sick leave announced with the king off Wednesday through Friday (Jan 31st-Feb 2nd).
        • February 2nd - Sick leave extended through Sunday (February 4th), 
  • February 

2023
  • May
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (May 8th - 15th)
      • Infection
      • Updates:
        • Wednesday 10th: Sick leave for rest of week. Recovering, but still in Hospital. Incoming Italy State Visit will continue as planned. 
        • Friday 12th: Recovering, will remain in hospital a few more days. Sick leave until May 16th. 
        • Monday 15: Released from hospital. Will decided on Tuesday if King if we’ll enough for national Day celebrations. 
    • Sick Leave (May 8th -16th)
      • Crown Prince Haakon as Regent
  • August-September
    • Sick with a Cold
      • Sick Leave (August 28th-Sept 3rd)
      • Crown Prince Haakon as Regent
  • October
    • Sick with Covid, has Cold Symptoms
      • Sick Leave (22nd-29th)
        • Crown Prince Haakon as regent
      • Updates:
        • Oct 25th: King Harald is recovering well, but sick leave will continue for rest of the week. The annual Storting (Parliament) Dinner will take place as planned with Crown Prince Haakon will fill in for the King. 
        • Oct 29th: King Harald is healthy and will be back to work on Monday
2022
  • March 
    • Sick with Covid
      • Sick Leave (March 22nd-April 1st)
  • August
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (4th-8th)
      • Infection, treated with intravenous antibiotics.
  • November 
    • Sick with Cold
      • Sick Leave (25th -?)
  • December
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (19th-21st)
      • Infection, treated with intravenous antibiotics.
2021
  • January
    • Sick Leave due to pain in leg (Jan 28th - Jan 31st)
    • Surgery at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (Jan 30th)
      • to repair injured tendon over right knee. 
  • January-April
    • Sick Leave due to knee Surgery (Jan 30th-April 11th)
      • Originally ending Feb 14th, the sick leave was extended twice.
2020
  • January 
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (8th-15th)
      • Dizziness
    • Sick Leave (?8th-Jan 24th)
  • September
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (25th-28th)
      • for "Heavy Breathing"
    • Sick Leave (Sept 25th-October 4th)
  • October
    • Scheduled Surgery at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet
      • To replace heart valve inserted in 2005
    • Sick Leave (October 8th - 30th)
2019
  • -
2018
  • April
    • Sick Leave (April 25th - ?)
      •  Congestion and pain in one foot.
2017
  • November 
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (17th-20th)
      • Infection
2005
  • ?(Month)
    • Surgery at ?
      • To insert heart valve
2004
  • January -?
    • Sick Leave as he recovers from Bladder Removal
2003
  • November-December
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (Nov 25th-26th)
      • Blood in Urine
    • Hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet (Nov 29th- Dec 22nd)
      • Blood in Urine
      • Diagnosed with bladder Cancer
    • Surgery to remove bladder (Dec 8th)
    • Sick Leave (Nov 25th - into 2004)



Monday, 1 May 2023

Royals Attending Met Gala (2000-Present)

The Met Gala is an annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, USA. The event is held each year on the first Monday in May. 

It is regarded as one of the world's most prestigious and glamorous fashion events. Most attendees attend as the guest of a designer or brand. If we know who the royal is a guest of, we have noted that.        
                                              
RoyalSponsor/Guest Of Note
2020s
2026 -  TBA
---
2025 - TBA
---
2024 - "The Garden of Time"
---
---
---
2023 - "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty"
Charlotte Casiraghi  (Monaco)ChanelBrand Ambassador
2022 - "In America: An Anthology of Fashion"
---
2021 - "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion"
-
2020 - "About Time: Fashion and Duration"
Canceled due to Pandemic
2010s
RoyalSponsor/Guest Of Note
2019 - "Celebrating Camp: Notes On Fashion"
Charlotte Casiraghi  (Monaco)Yves Saint LaurentBrand Ambassador
2018 - "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"
Charlotte Casiraghi  (Monaco)Yves Saint LaurentBrand Ambassador
Princess Beatrice--
2017 - "Rei Kawakubo / Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between"
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und TaxisVogueEditor of
2016 - "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology"
Queen Rania of Jordan--
Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan--
Charlotte Casiraghi (Monaco)Gucci Brand Ambassador
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und TaxisVogueEditor of
Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece--
2015 - "China: Through the Looking Glass"
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und TaxisVogueEditor of 
2014 - "Charles James: Beyond Fashion"
--
2013 - "Punk: Chaos to Couture"
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und TaxisVogueEditor of 
2012 - "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations"
Crown Princess Mette-Marie--
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und TaxisVogueEditor of 
2011 - "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty"
--
2010 - "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity"
--
2000s
RoyalSponsor/Guest Of Note
2009 - "The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion"
--
2008 - "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy"
--
2007 - “Poiret King of Fashion”
Queen Rania--
2006 - "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion"
Andrea Casiraghi & Tatiana Santo Domingo--
2005 - "House of Chanel" 
 Princess Caroline of Hanover-Honorary Chair
2004 - "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century"
--
2003 - "Goddess: The Classical Mode"
--
2002
Canceled due to 9/11 terror attack a few months previous. 
2001 - "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years"
Princess Marie-Chantal of GreeceValentino-
2000
Canceled due to museum’s chief curator, Richard Martin's death