Τετάρτη 22 Μαΐου 2019

BREAKING: DUBAI' CROWN PRINCE, Two Younger Brothers MARRY to brides of Same Dynasty! (Wednesday 15 May 2019)

Three unexpected Royal Marriages were arranged in Dubai last week! The three elder sons of the Emir (& UAE' Premier) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum were married last Wednesday night. Their three brides, are all from their Al-Maktoum dynasty.

Local media reported that the three Princes had their religious ceremonies on Wednesday night, meaning they had signed their engagement contracts, with the recitation of Al-Fatiha muslim prayer. Members of the public were reportedly overjoyed by the news.

The contract should be signed by the bridegroom's parents, or at least two male relatives, allowing the couple to begin courtship.

Among the grooms was the current Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, who married Sheikha Shaikha Bint Saed Bin Thani Al-Maktoum. Shaikha won't have a special style as future potential ruler's consort, such as polygamy as a right of male royals is still implemented in UAE.

Sheikh Hamdan was born on November 14, 1982, and is also known with his pseudonym as Fazza (the one who helps others).

He was appointed Crown Prince through a royal decree on February 1, 2008, after his elder brother, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum fell out of the Ruler's favour.

Educated in UAE, he studied Economics & Governmental affairs in London & is a graduate of UK' Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.

Hamdan is very popular for UAE youth & has a lot of hobbies, including sports (equestrian & car raises, skydiving, diving...), poetry in his native arabic, animals & photography.
Fazza is also very active on his instagram account, where he often publishes his patriotic poems, images from nature & with desert animals, and his sporting activities.
A champion in several local & international endurance races, he supports some charities, related to sport, learning difficulties & enterpreneurship, often fundraised by his billionaire father.
The second of three grooms, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, Tied-The-Knot with Sheikha Maryam Bint Butti Al-Maktoum. He was born on 24 November 1983, and is the Deputy Ruler of Dubai since 2008. A graduate of the American university with a bachelor's degree in bysiness administration, he also studied governmental affairs in Dubai & enrolled in Harvard as well.

Maktoum is in addition specialized in Media affairs, chairing Dubai's Media Incorporated & Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (TECOM Investments). He has accompanied The nation's President (& Abu Dhabi' Emir) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, while the latter was handing over official visits & events.

Ahmed (left), next to his Sovereign father & elder brothers
The third brother to marry was Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum (born 7 February 1987), who Wed Sheikha Midya Bint Dalmouj Al-Maktoum. Few things are known about Sheikh Ahmed, except that he Chairs the Knowledge Foundation, named after his father.

Though the main ceremony (Al Akhd) is over, lavish celebrations and lavish wedding receptions are now expected, so the couples could finalise their marriage. They are organised privately and often take place months after the contract's signing in UAE.
Wedding receptions are being held separately in UAE for the grooms & brides with only male or female guests (respectively).

More than one grooms can host a common reception, while the bride is usually the star of her own one. In case of a royal wedding, UAE cities are often decorated, with public festivities ongoing.

Such as the marriages were registred during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when families get together, the Royal Wedding - in one day - of three brothers, including the heir apparent, will undoubtedly be a cause of rejoice & major celebrations in near future.

Headline of Sheikh Mohammed's poem on his sons' wedding
The three brothers, are the elder surviving sons of Sheikh Mohammed to his senior wife (& cousin) SHeikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. Sheikh Mohammed, 69, has served as Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE since his accession in 2006.
He launched several initiatives of the country's development, achieving a high rank among first-class countries in the world, however his policies were more than once subject of criticism for alleged human rights abuses.

The uniquely-decorated wedding invitation
Following the publication of pictures from the Princes & their wedding invitations, a large amount of congratulations & best wishes poured in from inside & abroad, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & de-facto Ruler of UAE, being among the first to Congratulate his "brother" & "sons". He wished them success, joy & "overwhelming family happiness".

Videos from the wedding reception & headlines:

& Further links of additional information:
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Κυριακή 19 Μαΐου 2019

Prince MAXIMILIAN of Liechtenstein TURNS 50 (Thursday, 16 May 2019)

Prince Maximilian, the second son of the Sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein (Hans-Adam II) had his 50th birthday last Thursday.

 The 5th-in-line of succession to the rich, tiny European Principality's throne marked the occasion in absolute privacy.

 Maximilian Nikolaus Maria was born on 16 May 1969, to then Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein & his wife, Princess Marie Aglaë (née Countess Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau).

 He was raised in Liechtenstein & after completing grammar school in (capital) Vaduz (1988), studied bysiness & economics at a German university (from 1989 to 1993). Maximilian obtained his MBA in 1998, at Harvard Business School (in USA).
Sovereign Prince Hans-Adam II (centre), his son Hereditary
Prince Alois (left), Prince-Regent since 2004, & elder
grandson, Prince Joseph-Wenzel (right)
His father inherited the throne in 1989, making his elder brother, Alois, the new Hereditary Prince. In 2004 Alois was made Regent of the Principality, as their father decided to relinquish his state duties, while remaining the sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein.

Maximilian now follows his brother & three nephews in the male-only (salic) order of succession to the throne.
Coat-of-Arms of the Liechtenstein' Principality

 In January 2000 he married to Angela Gisela Brown, a fashion designer of Afro-Panamanian descent, owner of her own company.
Angela, who is 11 years older than her husband, is the first-known member of a European reigning dynasty-by-marriage of an African origin. They married civilly in Vaduz & then religiously in NYC, with the bride wearing a self-designed wedding dress.

 Together, the Prince & Princess they have a son, Prince Alfons (b. 2001 in London), who turned eighteen yesterday (May 18, 2019).
Max with Princess Angela & their son Alfons
His Serene Highness Prince Maximilian first worked on a private investment fund in New York City. In 2000 he undertook the directorship of JPMorgan Partners private company in London & Munich, while from 2003, became Manager of its German office.

 Since 2006 he chaired the LGT management group (a private European banking asset), becoming its CEO, later the same year.
Maximilian is refered as 'Prince Max' in his professional time.
Maximilian, Angela & their son Alfons (front-left) ~ 2010?
Prince Maximilian, Princess Angela & Prince Alfons are reportedly appearing in several occasional events with the Princely Family of Liechtenstein, like the annual public celebrations for its national day, each August 15.

 Liechtenstein, while the sixth smallest state in the world, has one of the richest monarchies. Its Princely family are owners of the Liechtenstein Global Trust (the largest European private wealth firm) along with 4-centuries-old art collection (including paintings by Rubens & Rembrandt), & a large property of Castles & Land.


Their family wealth is estimated as high as $US7.6 billion. The same time the country enjoys prosperity, with its ~800-year-old monarchy (constitutional since 19th century) being open to the public in their daily life, without major press attention domestically.
The Castle of Vaduz - Princely family's official residence
Some links with further information:
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A long-lost, "syndicalist" Prince! - Cambodia's NORODOM EkCHARIN At 50 (15/04/2019)

King Norodom Sihamoni (left) with his mother (Queen Mother) Norodom Monineath (82), celebrating his 66th birthday
Past week the King of Cambodia had lavish celebrations for his 66th birthday. But let's take a deeper look to another member of the House of Norodom, who recently had his 50th birthday, but was of course, not mentioned the same way like his Sovereign half-uncle!
Ekcharin (right) with his father Yuvaneath (ca 2010s)
He is Prince Norodom Veakcharin, younger son of HRH Prince Norodom Yuvaneath & grandson of the late statesman-King Sihanouk.

 Norodom Ekcharin was born on 15 April 1969 in (capital) Phnom Penh, the second child (& son) of Prince Yuvaneath and his second wife, Tea Kim Yin. His father, a polyglot & former Scout, was the elder son of then royal Head of State & once was influential in governmental affairs. 

 His family initially lived at the palace.
Norodom Sihanouk (1922-2012) as royal Head-of-State
Although months after Ekcharin's birth, his parents & brother went for a short mission in Hong Kong, leaving him with his grandparents. Shortly afterwards, General Lon Nol led a military coup, deposing Prince Sihanouk as Head of state.

 Yuvaneath's family fled for Beijing & then (1980) to the US. Those Royal family members who remained in Cambodia, passed through the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-79) with some of them being murdered. Ekcharin's family also assumed he was killed in 1976.
Seal of Democratic Kampuchea, during Khmer Rouge' regime
However, he was fortunate enough to survive. While in the years 1975-79 many of his royal relatives were captured & killed by the regime, Ekcharin was brought to a hideout closs to the Thai border. 

 From there he safely reached Sweden, where he grew up in Stockholm, without any connection with his birth family.
Norodom Yuvaneath in February 2013
The only thing Ekcharin remembered is that his origin was from the Cambodian Royal family. In the meantime, Cambodia faced a decade of war with Vietnam, the collapse of its government & its replacement by another, softer one. Monarchy was restored in 1993.

 Norodom Sihanouk was reinstated to state leadership, becoming King of Cambodia for the second time. Prince Yuvaneath returned as well to assume prestigeous positions in the Privy (Royal) Council.
Royal Coat-of-Arms of Cambodia
In the meantime, (V)EakCharin led a private life in Sweden. As years passed, his desire to discover his birth-family increased.
Ekcharin (left) with one of his sisters (after reuniting)

 So after some searching of his roots he came to contact with one of his younger sisters, and then with the rest of his family, in USA!

 His family quickly recognised him & with the help of a CHilean royal biographer, re-established his connections with the House of Norodom, with the Royal Court of Cambodia naming him a Prince again.
Cambodia's Royal Standard
Norodom Ekcharin remained in Sweden for some time, where he developed a sorta syndicalist profil, complaining about the lower income of Cambodian employers at H&M multinational clothing-retail giant company comparative to workers of other ethnicities.
The Prince tried to sensitize public view about the hard working conditions many Cambodians face in the Swedish TV4 documentary series, called "Kalla Fakta" (= cold facts).

 Eventually Prince Ekcharin returned to his birth country in 2013. He was reunited with his family a year later, on their visit to the country.
At Yuvaneath's 75th Birthday' celebrations, last October (2018)
 Ever since then he is thought to spend enough time in Cambodia, ocassionally attending royal events by his own, or along his family.

 His father, Norodom Yuvaneath, turned 75 years old last October.

 Further links of information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Ekcharin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Yuvaneath
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Sihanouk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-life-arts-culture/updated-edition-provides-insight-lives-and-lineage-cambodias-royals
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/swedish-outcry-has-royal-voice-midst
https://karljohanrahm.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/hm-duckar-for-kambodjansk-prins/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Norodom
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Δευτέρα 13 Μαΐου 2019

Racing driver, graphic designer & former Crown PRINCE! Sweden's CARL PHILIP, Duke of Värmland AT 40

40th Birthday portrait - published by the Swedish Royal Court.
Today the fourth-in-line to the Swedish throne celebrates his 40th birthday! The middle child & only son of King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia was born the heir apparent, before the law changed in favor of his elder sister, (Crown) Princess Victoria. The keen sportsman, designer, navy lieutenant & father of two, decided to celebrate his jubilee privately, with his wife, children & friends.

Carl Philip Edmund Bertil was born on 13 May 1979, at Karolinska hospital. His mother (the Queen) went to labour early & his father (the King) wasn't present at his birth (due to an ongoing visit abroad). He was given the Dukedom of Värmland upon birth.
He was baptised on August 31 (1979), and confirmed later (1994).
His godparents include Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (his father's first cousin) & Princess Birgitta of Hohenzollern (a paternal aunt). For the first seven months of his life he was his father's heir apparent (with the title of Crown Prince).
Prince Carl Philip (second right), as a child with his family
However, by the time of his birth the existing salic law of succession was already under consideration by Swedish parliament, with absolute primogeniture being voted later that year & coming into effect since (the New Year of) 1980.

 Thus, the heir-apparent's position passed to his elder sister Victoria (b. 1977), who became the Crown Princess & placed him bellow her in the succession line.
In 1982 their younger sister, Princess Madeleine was born. An "extremely shy" from his early years, then 3-year-old Prince wanted to bring his running shoes to show his baby sister when his father took them to meet her for the first time.

 A dyslexic like his father & siblings, Prince Carl Philip started private studies with a tutor, so to somehow overcome his difficulty.
He is left-handed.
In his naval uniform (2000s)
Carl Philip began his school education in 1986. He attended two-level primary school in Broma, before proceeding to a gymnasium in Stockholm. In 1994 he enrolled to a prestigeous college in Kent, USA, & continued in an upper secondary science school (in Sweden), graduating in 1999.

 His Royal Highness then undertook his military training, completing in 2000 as a combat boat commander. In the years that followed, he was promoted to higher positions in the Swedish Navy, reaching the rank of kapten (lieutenant) in 2008.
In his earlier years (early 2010S).
Passionate in graphic design, Carl Philip completed an yearly course (2007-8) at Rhode Island's School of Design, along with a six-week-long studies at the Swedish National Defence College.

 Finally in 2011 he graduated the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (specializing in Agricultural & Rural Management). He was appointed an (army) major in 2014.
The Duke of Värmland also favours outdoor life's activities, including various sports (football, swimming, sailing etc). He completed the Vasaloppet Swedish cross-country ski-race in 2003 and participated in numerous Scandinavian race-car championship.

 He has a licence of Porsche 911 GT3, which he has completed with for many years.
Carl Philip & Sofia announcing their engagement (27/06/2014)
Prince Carl Philip became engaged to Swedish former glamour model & reality show contestand, Sofia Hellquist in June 2014.

 Their relationship was confirmed in 2010, amid media speculations. Sofia was not immediately welcomed into her new role by the press, and was misstreated by some local media, until Carl Philip responded criticizing them.
With their two sons
Their Royal wedding was held on 13 June 2015 at Stockholm palace's Royal Chapel, with royalty all over the Europe in attendance. Together they have two sons: Prince Alexander, Duke of Södermanland (b. 2016) & Prince Gabriel, Duke of Darlana (b. 2017). They currently live at Villa Solbacken (central Stockholm).


Swedish Royal Family annual Christman photoshoot - 2016
Furthermore, Prince Carl Philip is also a godfather to his niece Princess Estelle & nephew Prince Nicholas (through his elder & younger sisters, respectively).

 His Royal Highness is an active member of Swedish Royal family. Except of being a patron in foundations of Childhood's care & children's sport, he has also co-founded with his wife their own charity, trying to combat bullying & spread awareness of dyslexia.

Recently with his wife & elderly grandaunt-in-law, Marianne Bernadotte (centre)



The Prince enjoys popularity in Sweden & abroad, with some Estonians reportedly wanting him as their King, should their monarchy be restored. Fond in drawing, cover-design, & sports-for-charity, Carl Philip recently joined a 5km-run to raise money for Little Children's Fund, a non-profit organisation, caring about prematurely born children, needing post-natal care. A prominent member of the House of Bernadotte, he holds the knighthood of the Order of Seraphim, along with numerous other honorary awards in Sweden & abroad.
Further links of additional information:

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Δευτέρα 6 Μαΐου 2019

BREAKING: ARCHIE HARRISON MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR - A SON for Duke & Duchess of SUSSEX!

It has been announced that HRH Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has delivered a baby boy on Monday 6 May 2019. The newborn, is the first child of Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex & his wife of almost a year, American-born actress Meghan (nee Markle).

 He is the eighth great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom & her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; fourth grandchild of Charles, Prince of Wales; & takes the 7th place in line of succession to the British throne upon his birth.

His parents wed in May 2018, at a Royal wedding that enjoyed global popularity & announced their expectation last October 15.

 In middle April, when the Duchess entered her final stages of pregnancy, Kensington palace (their former official residence) announced that they wished to share the joy of birth privately, before announcing it to the public.

 In addition they asked well-wishers, in lieu of gifts, to make donations to charities, close to their hearts. A global campaign for their future child had already raised £22,000 for charities by then.
On Monday, just after 2pm (local time), Buckingham palace reported to the press that the Duchess of Sussex was in labour since early morning, with her husband by her side, without providing further information.

 Barely half an hour later, a further statement confirmed that she had safely given birth to a son at 05:26am. The baby was weighting 7lbs & 3oz (3.2 kg) at birth; both he & mother were "doing well".


 The palace statement also added that the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, & further relatives, including the Duke's uncle - Earl Spencer (brother to the late Diana, Princess of Wales), were informed & "delighted" by the news.

It furthermore mentioned that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, was "overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild", and was currently with them at Frogmore Cottage (their current residence).

 Their Royal Highnesses' official Instagram account also revealed the news through a page, covered in blue, with a large white writting "it's a BOY" in centre.
At about the same time with the announcement (~14:30), a traditional wood-framed, typewritten bulletin, with a short announcement of the birth, was placed in the forecourt of Buckingham palace.

 The proud father appeared shortly afterwards at their residence's outdoors, to make a brief statement to the gathered press & answer their questions.
The overwhelmed Prince told that this was "the most amazing experience I could ever imagine". He described his child as "absolutely to die for", & told they were both overjoyed by the arrival & grateful for the support. Harry expressed proudness of his wife, & praised all women's priviledge as something "beyond comprehension".
Traditional royal crier announces the birth in Windsor

The royal birth was welcomed with an outpouring of celebrations, both in Windsor (near the family' residence) & across the UK. The couple received many congratulations, from politicians, royals & Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle, who lives in Mexico.

 It was a special joy to the American citizens, living in the UK. The newborn will be the first close heir to the British throne to bear a double (British-US) citizenship.
Two days after the birth (on Wednesday) the time came for Their Royal Highnesses to introduce their baby into the world. Just after 12pm Prince Harry & Duchess Meghan appeared for the media at St. George's Hall, Windsor Castle with their "little bundle of joy", sleeping in his father's arms.

The new mother said that it was a 'magic' experience & that she was really happy to "have the two best guys in the world". Meghan also noted that her son has the sweetest temperament, while the Prince added that parenting has been n unique experience...
Soon afterwards they took the baby's first photosession inside Windsor Castle with Mrs Ragland, the Queen & Duke of Edinburgh (who met their new great-grandchild for the first time).

 Later the same afternoon, the newborn's name was announced via the official Instagram account of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex.
House of Windsor's (royal) Badge
His full name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, while as of yet he'll not have a royal title (such as he is not in direct line to the throne). Meanwhile in future Archie can be possibly bear one of his father's courtesy titles (eg: Earl of Dumbarton), being also the direct heir of the Dukedom of Sussex. Little Archie, who will be introduced to the rest of his extended family the coming days, is expected to lead a normal life, far enough from the press' spotlight.


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This story has been last time updated on Wednesday, 8 May 2019. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Videos with these days' highlights:



& Further links of additional information:
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