Netherlands Annual Photocall (Winter & Summer)

Photo: RVD

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. Understand, 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, Austria at the start of the family's winter holiday there every February. Since the change in 2022, the photocall has been held at other locations. 

Year (Month)	Location	Willem-Alexander Maxima & Children	Princess Beatrix	Constantijn Laurentien & children	Mabel & Children
2025	-	-	-	-	-
2024 (Nov)	Het Begijnhof	X
2023 (Dec)	Huis ten Bosch Palace	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: 

2024 - Held in Het Begijnhof, one of Amsterdams oldest hofjes to mark the city's 750th anniversary. 

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

The Summer photocall is usually held in July, but had been held in June in recent years. 

Year (Month)	Location	Willem-Alexander Maxima & Children	Other
2025	-	-	-
2024 (June)	Huis ten Bosch Palace	x	-
2023 (June)	Zuiderstrand Beach
2022 (June)	Paleis Noordeinde
2021 (July)	Huis ten Bosch Palace
2020 (July)	Huis ten Bosch Palace
2019 (July)	Huis ten Bosch Palace
2018 (July)	Villa Eikenhorst
2017 (July)	In Warmond		-
2016 (July)	Villa Eikenhorst		-
2015 (July)	Beach		-
2014	None held?
2013 (July)	Villa Eikenhorst		-

Notes: 

2019 - The family had moved in the Huis ten Bosch Palace a few months earlier. It had previously been the home of Princess Beatirx during her reign. And was renovated at the start of Willem-Alexander's reign. 

2016 - Princess Catarina Amalia had injured her foot and was using crutches for the photo session. 

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 - Queen’s Master Upholsterer upholsters bench with Queen's embroidery. 
• Day 9 - Kladrubers (Czech White Horses) at the Royal Mews
• Video 
• Day 10  (2nd Sunday of Advent) - Crown Prince Frederik lights the 2nd candle of Advent
• Day 11 - Queen's Master of the Royal Household prepares for New Year's Eve Banquet
• Day 12 - Master of the Hunt prepares for move to Marselisborg Palace
• Day 13 - Royal Life Guard’s Drum Corps plays music on the Metro
• Video
• Day 14 - Treasurer’s Office finalize this year's accounts 
• Day 15 - Queen Margrethe wrapping Christmas gifts
• Day 16 - Princess Marie makes roast pork for pre-Chrsitmas dinner for family in Washington DC
• Day 17  (3rd Sunday of Advent) - Prince Christian lights the 3rd candle of Advent
• Video
• Day 18 - Queen Margrethe’s 10-year-old dachshund Tillia goes for a walk in Copenhagen
• Day 19 - The assistant matron at Marselisborg Palace prepares for Queen Margrethe's Christmas stay.
• Day 20 - Master Jointer makes Christmas decorations
• Day 21 - Preparing the Marselisborg Palace Christmas tree
• Day 22 - Attic at Marselisborg Palace where christmas decorations are stored
• Day 23 - Princess Isabella & Princess Josephine label Christmas Gifts
• Day 24 (Christmas Eve) (4th Sunday of Advent)  - Crown Prince Family video calls with Danish Astronaut Andreas Mogensen at International Space Station
• Video

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. 

Insignia

The Men's Insignia for the Grades of the Order of the British Empire
Skukifish, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

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.

Back to UK Honor's Main Page

United Kingdom Honors

• Birthday, New Years and Other UK Honour Lists

Order of Chivalry

• Order of Garter
• Info on Order
• List of Current Royal Knights/Ladies
• Order of Thistle
• Info on Order/ List of Current Royal Knights/Ladies
• Order of Bath
• Order of St Michael and St George
• Royal Victorian Order
• Annual Service
• List of Current Royal Knights/Ladies
• 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
• Order of Wear
• Birthday, New Years and Other UK Honour Lists
• 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)

Page of Honour are a honorary, volunteer role performed by sons of extended family or friends. Pages of Honour are usually 10-13 years old. The Pages assist with the royals robes and train and perform other ceremonial duties during events like the State Opening of Parliament, Order of Garter & Thistle Ceremony, etc  

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.

We are not always told when Pages of Honour begins or end. Any page who had not served in the last calendar year, will be considered "Past".

King Charles III's Reign          

Pages of Honor to King Charles   

How many Pages of Honour serve at a event depends on the needs of the event (I.e. The length of the monarch's robe/train). State Opening usually has 4, other events have 1 or 2. 

Name	Relation	Years
Current
Lord Oliver Cholmondeley	Son of former Lord Great Chamberlain	2023 - Coronation, State Opening 2024 - Order of Bath
Charles Van Cutsem	Son of Family Friend	2023 - State Opening 2024 - Order of Garter
Ralph Tollemache	Son of Charles's Godson	2023 - Coronation, State Opening 2024 - State Opening
Guy Tryon	Son of Charles's Godson Son of former page of honour	2024 - Order of Garter, State Opening
Alexander Trotter	Son of Family Friend	2024 - Order of Thistle
William Sackville	Son of Family Friend	2024 - State Opening
Alfred Wellesley	Son of Family Friend	2024 - State Opening
Past
Prince George of Wales	Charles's grandson	2023 - Coronation
Nicholas Barclay	Son of Family Friend	2023 - Coronation, State Opening

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. 

Pages of Honor to Queen Camilla

Camilla usually has two pages of honor at the State Opening of Parliament. She had fewer than King Charles as her robe is shorter. 

Name	Relation	Years
Current
Arthur Elliot	Camilla's grandnephew	2023 - Coronation, State Opening 2024 - State Opening
William Keswick	Grandson of one of Camilla's Lady Companions	2023 - State Opening 2024 - State Opening
Past
Gus Lopes	Camilla's grandson	2023 - Coronation
Louis Lopes	Camilla's grandson	2023 - Coronation
Freddy Parker Bowles	Camilla's grandson	2023 - Coronation