Category: Belgium

Royal Rooms, Part II
Belgium · Britain · Luxembourg · Netherlands · Norway

Royal Rooms, Part II

The HandbagLeave a comment

As long as the royals keep giving us glimpses into their private living arrangements, we’ll keep bringing them to you!

Norway

If this is how the Norwegians dine, I’m in. I am all about Scandinavian decorating, it seems. Ingrid Alexandra took the photo of the family sitting down to some chili con carne ; ). Not sure who cooked the dish, but maybe MM’s had her specs on to read the recipe.

Luxembourg

Both Henri and MT give us a glimpse of a much more formal atmosphere. I like that feminine wallpaper, MT.

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D’Grande-Duchesse schafft an dëser Zäit vun hirem Büro vu Schlass Bierg aus. ⁣ Si ass a Kontakt mat deenen Associatiounen wou si d’Présidence oder den Haut Patronage huet wéi zum Beispill d’Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise oder d‘Association Nationale des Infirmières et Infirmiers du Luxembourg (ANIL). Hir Suerg gëlt awer och deenen Associatiounen déi sech em déi Persounen këmmeren, déi dacks um Rand vun der Gesellschaft stinn wéi d’Fondation Maison de la Porte Ouverte déi sech ëm Frae këmmert, déi Affer vun haislecher Gewalt sinn an d’Association Stëmm vun der Strooss, déi sech deene Mënschen unhëlt, déi keen Dach iwwert dem Kapp hunn. Iwwer de Kontakt mat den Direkteren vun den Altersheemer ass si och mat de Senioren am Land verbonnen. ⁣ ⁣ An dëser schwéirer Zäit, wou all Gedanken, all Wuert an all léiwe Geste wichteg sinn, ass d’Grande-Duchesse mat hirer Ënnerstëtzung bei deene Villen, déi all Dag mat groussem Engagement um Terrain schaffen.⁣ ________________________________________⁣ ⁣ S.A.R. la Grande-Duchesse continue à travailler depuis son bureau au château de Berg.⁣ Elle est en contact avec les associations dont elle a la présidence ou le haut patronage, notamment la Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise et l’Association Nationale des Infirmières et Infirmiers du Luxembourg (ANIL), mais aussi avec les associations qui encadrent des personnes fragiles: les femmes victimes de violences conjugales à travers la Fondation Maison de la Porte Ouverte, les personnes sans domicile fixe avec l’association Stëmm vun der Strooss et les personnes seniors grâce au contact avec les directeurs de maisons de soins pour personnes âgées.⁣ ⁣ En cette période difficile où chaque pensée, chaque mot, chaque geste comptent, la Grande-Duchesse reste proche avec son soutien auprès de tous ceux qui se battent avec tant de dévouement chaque jour sur le terrain.

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Henri, on the other hand, has opted for a more manly background, complete with a lion stalking the sill.

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An dëser Zäit vu Confinement huet de Grand-Duc sech mat der Grande-Duchesse op d’Schlass Bierg zréckgezunn. Dat hält hien awer net dovunner of, sech zäitgläich iwwer d’Situatioun vun der Kris z’informéieren, mee och Courage ze maachen a seng Dankbarkeet auszedrécken. ⁣ ⁣ Dem Grand-Duc ass et dofir wichteg, am permanenten, deegleche Kontakt mat deene Mënschen ze sinn, déi och an dësen Deeg musse schaffen a sech mat aller Kraaft géint de COVID-19 asetzen oder d’Land um Lafen halen: Fleegepersonal, den öffentlechen Déngscht, d’Liewensmëttelbranche, d’Wirtschaftsakteuren, d’Berufskummeren, mee och karitativ Organisatiounen a Bénévoler.⁣ ⁣ D’Roll vun eis All, ob mir vir bäi stinn, aus der zweeter Reih hëllefen, oder eis einfach nëmmen un déi strikt Reegelen halen, ass an dëser Zäit vu gréisster Wichtegkeet.⁣ ⁣ _____________________________________________ ⁣ Confiné au château de Berg avec S.A.R. la Grande-Duchesse, S.A.R. le Grand-Duc est en contact quotidien avec l’ensemble des forces vives de la nation mobilisées dans la lutte contre le COVID-19: soignants, services publics, salariés des réseaux d’alimentation, acteurs économiques, chambres professionnelles, œuvres de bienfaisances, bénévoles.⁣ ⁣ Il s’agit de s’informer en temps réel comme d’encourager ou d’exprimer la profonde reconnaissance de notre population solidaire. ⁣ ⁣ Le rôle de chacun qu’il soit en première ligne, en deuxième ligne ou tout simplement en observant les règles strictes de confinement est essentiel.

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Britain

Charles took a look at his daughter-in-law’s book collection and said, well, I will show you a REAL library, my dear. Seriously, though, in my world all books are good. It’s nice to see the prince has recovered and has some kind words for those working so hard to keep society going.

Pulling back to see the family photos and the “wrapped in plastic since the Queen Mum’s era” decor.

The Netherlands

Another look at the DNA room (where the tilework (thanks to Artagnan and Marina) is said to depict the DNA strings of WAX and MAX), and of WAX standing the required six feet from his audience. I do like a tall man in a cutaway coat. If you would like more information on the DNA room, there is more information at the Jacob van der Beugel website. Thank you to community member Marina for this link.

Belgium

Mercy, it’s been fun to follow Philippe around the palace, hasn’t it? He made use of another dining room table, and then, perhaps bored with that large workspace, pulled up a palace footstool as a makeshift desk.

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⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🧑⚕️ 👩⚕️ Echange par skype avec des médecins et infirmières ainsi qu’avec une pharmacienne et avec le responsable de la logistique de l’UCLouvain Saint-Luc à Woluwe. Merci pour votre dévouement !⁣⁣ —————⁣⁣ 👩⚕️ 🧑⚕️ Skypegesprek met artsen, verpleegkundigen, apotheker en logistiek manager van het Universitair ziekenhuis UCLouvain Saint-Luc te Woluwe. Dank voor jullie inzet!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ @cliniques_saint_luc #EnsembleContreCorona #SamenTegenCorona #GemeinsamGegenCorona #confinement #TogetherAgainstCorona #Corona #Covid_19 #COVID19BE #COVID19 #CoronaVirus #BelgianRoyalPalace #MonarchieBe⁣ ⁣ 📸 Royal Palace, Belgium⁣ 📸 CUSL/S.Wittebolle

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What is your favorite part of royal room gazing?
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The Royal Response, Part II
Belgium · Bhutan · Britain · Denmark · Netherlands · Norway · Spain · Sweden

The Royal Response, Part II

The HandbagLeave a comment

For the most part, the royals are not attending their usual activities. A new world is emerging and some of the world’s oldest and most traditional institutions are stepping up to the challenge.

Belgium

Mathilde encourages young people to read during quarantine, I approve that message and the bright yellow she is sporting.

The Duchess of Brabant has returned home and the family is reunited. The family continues their efforts to keep loneliness at bay for thos seniors confined to care centers by making breakfast and phone calls.

Bhutan

Jetsun Pema sends us a lovely message from her mountain country.

Britain

Both the Cambridge and Wessex families clapped for the NHS workers who have been toiling on the front lines of the pandemic.

Camilla, who continues to grow and grow in my estimation, has a message for those who are isolated and at risk of domestic violence.

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“This is a hard time for everyone, as we are all asked to stay at home to stay safe. But for some of you it is even harder, because home is not a safe place. I can only imagine that being asked to stay there could feel very isolating and frightening for you and your family. It may mean spending more time with the person who is harming you. If this is your situation, or you are worried about someone else, I want you to know that you are not alone. Even if you cannot leave your home, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or contact one of the domestic abuse charities. Please stay safe and get help.” – The Duchess of Cornwall . ☎️📞 If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. If you are not in immediate danger, please call one of the following 24 hour helplines: England: 0808 2000 247 Northern Ireland: 0808 802 1414 Scotland: 0800 027 1234 Wales: 0808 8010 800 Charity @safelives_ have an online resource that provides information about staying safe during COVID-19 – you can read it by following the link in our bio. @RefugeCharity @womens_aid #EveryonesProblem 📸 PA

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Denmark

The Royal Run has been postponed, but it will happen in due time.

Norway

Haakon has been working while in isolation, and I chose this particular photo because I love that he does NOT lower his sartorial standards on Zoom.

The Netherlands

Maxima paid a visit to a plant nursery, lending the royal support to a company who has seen their business plummet during the crisis. I applaud the Namaste greeting, and the social distancing on display.

Embed from Getty Images

Spain

Felipe and Letizia have lent support to charities supporting relief efforts through video conferencing. Letizia was fortunately not diagnosed with the virus, and has returned to work.

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Sweden

The Swedish royals have stepped up to provide support to organizations still open and servicing customers. While the King and Queen remain isolated, Sofia and Carl have visited grocery stores, and Victoria and Daniel completed a series of visits, including one to a military field hospital.

As we have been doing so sucessfully, normal commenting rules apply. As always, keep you and yours safe and healthy. Our community is our strength.

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Brothers
Belgium · Bhutan · Britain · Denmark · Spain · Sweden

Brothers

OrangeChiaLeave a comment

We’ve visited Brothers & Sisters and discussed Sisters. Today, let’s wrap up and take a look at photos of royal brothers.

Spain

Here we have Alfonso and Juan Carlos, as cute as can be.

Belgium

Albert and Baudoin, sons of Leopold III.

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Britain

The four sons of King George: Edward, Albert, George, and Henry.

Sweden

Here we have the three sons of of Gustaf V: Gustaf VI Adolf, Wilhelm and Erik.

Bhutan

The current King Jigme Khesar is shown on the bottom left of the photo. The other four brothers are Jigyel, Ugyen, Jigme Dorji, and Khamsum, all sons of Jigme Singye on the far right.

Denmark

Nikolai, Felix and Henri, sons of Joachim.

What other royal brother photos come to mind? Show us your favorites in the comments.

The Royal Response (And a Royal Baby Boy)
Belgium · Britain · Denmark · Netherlands · Norway · Spain · Sweden

The Royal Response (And a Royal Baby Boy)

The HandbagLeave a comment

One of the core roles of a consitutional monarch is to be a statesman, and to provide steady support in times of crisis. The coronavirus has brought out the best in our monarchs, as you will see below.

Alas, there are three unfortunate updates: The Japanese state visit to the UK has been postponed, the Spanish state visit to the U.S. has been cancelled, and Princess Beatrice has scaled back her wedding reception.

Note: We’ll leave the post open for comments, but let’s keep them focused on the royal responses, and not on or personal stories or discussion on how governments are handling the crisis. Everyone has been great about this so far, and we want to maintain that. We have to keep our comments focused on royals because of the limited time we have to moderate them. Thanks!

Bhutan

The good news first: It’s a royal baby boy for the King and Queen, and a brother for the Gyalsey. They added a thoughtful message for the Bhutanese people and all of us.

Belgium

King Philippe laid out a serious message to the people of Belgium.

Britain

Her Majesty the Queen has issued the following message.

Prince William recorded an appeal for the National Emergencies Trust, to raise funds for those who need help during the crisis.

Spain

King Felipe addressed the Spanish people. To see the recording, click here.

Monaco

Unfortunately, Prince Albert has been diagnosed with the coronavirus. He is being treated at the facility named for his mother, the Princess Grace Hospital. He recorded this message a few days prior to his diagnosis.

https://www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/videos/145277026784775/

The Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander’s family came out to support care workers and other essential personnel – very touching and very nice to see the whole famly.

Denmark

Queen Margrethe was forthright and stately, in her usual fashion. “It is the chain we must break and all will break.” The text in English here.

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“Jeg har en appel til alle: Corona-virus er en farlig gæst. Den spreder sig som ringe i vandet, og det går stærkt. Én person kan smitte mange – endda uden selv at føle sig syg, og smitten går videre rundt til endnu flere, en lang og skræmmende kæde. I den kæde vil mennesker dø. Et barn kan miste sin bedstemor, en datter sin far, en hustru sin mand. Venner vil pludselig ikke være der mere. Det er den kæde, vi skal bryde, og som vi kan bryde. Det kan kun ske, når vi alle tænker os om og gør det samme på samme tid – og i rette tid. Myndighedernes råd er egentlig ret enkle: Vask hænder. Hold afstand. Undgå fysisk kontakt. Bliv hjemme.” Læs hele Hendes Majestæt Dronningens tale til befolkningen på Kongehusets hjemmeside. 📸 Kim Refslund, DR ©

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Sweden

King Carl Gustav emphasized joint responsibility.

Norway

King Harald, in a setting so Norwegian it could be used in a movie, addressed his nation.

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Random Royaling – Queen Mathilde
Belgium

Random Royaling – Queen Mathilde

The HandbagLeave a comment

Queen Mathilde, who I have long suspected is our kindest Queen, has continued with a reduced and targeted number of engagements

For International Women’s Day last week, she wore a plaid wrap (I am not sure what else to call it – cape, maybe?) with a sheath style dress while visiting the Flemish Brabant province. She also met with various business and corporate women leaders, wearing a wrap Natan blouse.

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Last week, Mathilde and two of her children, Emmanuel and Eleanore, paid a visit to a care facility that has been sealed off to visitors. They brought homemade cakes and waved to the residents from outside. I am sure the sight of children, flowers, and homemade goodies brought joy to the folks inside, and to their relatives who cannot visit at this time. Darn you, Tilly, for making me teary!

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⁣ ⁣ Huisgemaakte cake en bloemen voor de bewoners van het OCMW Rusthuis Huis Heizel. Hart onder de riem voor de ouderen die momenteel geen bezoek mogen ontvangen en steun aan het verzorgend personeel.⁣ —————⁣ Gâteaux faits maison et fleurs pour les résidents du CPAS Maison Heysel. Courage aux personnes âgées qui ne peuvent recevoir de visiteurs et soutien au personnel soignant. ⁣ —————⁣ Selbstgebackener Kuchen und Blumen für die Bewohner des ÖSHZ Seniorenheims Rusthuis Huis Heizel. Zur Unterstützung der Senioren die momentan keinen Besuch empfangen dürfen und des Pflegepersonals.⁣ —————⁣ Home-made cakes and flowers for the residents of the OCMW nursing home Huis Heizel. Courage for the elderly who cannot receive visitors and support for the nursing staff.⁣ ⁣ #SamenTegenCorona #EnsembleContreCorona #GemeinsamGegenCorona #TogetherAgainstCorona #Covid-19 #COVID19BE #CoronaVirus #Corona #BelgianRoyalPalace #MonarchieBe

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Mathilde wore a long coat by the design house Scapa. Modekoningin Mathilde has a beautiful post on this ensemble, so head there for more info. Our fellow bloggers are continuing to post during the crises and we want to support them as much as possible.