Category: Britain

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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Match the Dress to the Designer (Updated!)
Britain

Match the Dress to the Designer (Updated!)

The HandbagLeave a comment

When you’re self-isolated, you fall down rabbit holes. I am revisiting my glory days, the eighties and nineties, and looking at photos of the most photographed woman of that period, Princess Diana.

The following dresses are (slightly) less well known, although there a couple that should be slam-dunks. Let’s see if you can match them to the designer. There may be more than one dress per designer, and the following designers are all represented:

  • Catherine Walker
  • The Emanuels
  • Victor Edelstein
  • Versace

Dress One

Catherine Walker, worn to the Serpentine Gallery in London in 1995. It was Lot 3 in the Christie’s dress auction, raising $77,300.00.

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Dress Two

Versace, worn to the Pavarotti concert in 1995.

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Dress Three

Edelstein, worn to the White House in 1985, for the famous dance with Travolta. It is a deep blue, not black, which I did not know!

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Dress Four

Catherine Walker, worn to Cannes in 1987. Inspired by Grace Kelly, and sold as Lot 6 in the Christie’s auction, bringing in $70,000.00.

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Dress Five

Versace, worn in Sydney in 1996 to a benefit dinner.

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Dress Six

Emanuels, worn first in 1981 and several times therafter. She styled it with out without gloves, and with different treatments around the waist.

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Dress Seven

Catherine Walker Elvis dress, worn here in 1990 without the bolero.

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Dress Eight

This maternity gown is interesting. Diana is shown here at a 1984 visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, and per some sources this is a modified Edelstein gown. We are willing to be corrected if someone has different information.

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Dress Nine

This dress (it’s not a gown, but a below the knee dress) was worn by Diana in 1981 to her first speech in Welsh, at Cardiff. She received a standing ovation. It is said to be designed by the Emanuels, but that information comes from Pinterest. I might be persuaded it was a Sassoon, because it has that look about it ; ).

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All right – I’ve had my chance. Although I feel that you all will have these answers in a hot minute, we’ll see if we have managed to stump you. If you think you can trick us with an obscure Diana dress, post it in the comments.

Floof–The Magic of Camilla’s Hats
Britain

Floof–The Magic of Camilla’s Hats

OrangeChiaLeave a comment

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has a real talent for wearing substantial headgear. More often than not, there is a spectacular display of floof, which is officially defined as the stuff on a hat that isn’t a structural part of said hat.

Let’s start with one of the Duchess’s early events–the blessing of her marriage to Charles. Arguably this is more of a headpiece than a hat, but it’s on her head so we’ll go with it. Gold and tipped with Swarovski crystals? I’m here for it.

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A fun red entry with some feather accents for the Braemar games.

A fun St. Patrick’s Day appearance from 2006.

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Our first Ascot entry, from 2007. I love the texture in this one.

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A lovely light blue entry from 2016.

Purple? Did someone ask for purple?

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She even has a leopard print entry.

This FABULOUS pink entry from Ascot 2009 takes my breath away every time I see a photo. Love, love, LOVE.

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Do you fancy any of the hats shown here? What do you think about the floof? Show us some of your favorite Camilla hat appearances in the comments!

Royal Rooms
Britain · Denmark · Netherlands · Norway · Spain · Sweden

Royal Rooms

The HandbagLeave a comment

One of the few benefits of the present sequestering is that we get to see much more of the personal working spces of royals. Voyeur that I am, I love this. I know a few of you do, too, if the “guess the photo on the table” game we play whenever we post a photo of HerMaj at an audience is any indication. It’s also interesting to see how difference cultures and different tastes play out in royal decor.

Here’s a sampling of the interior of a few royal studies. You lucked out in that I did not include a photo of me in sweats at my Ikea desk. We’ll stick to the more glamorous people.

Belgium

I wonder, if like many of us, if Philippe is camped out temporarily at the dining room table?

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⁣ ⁣ Skypegesprek met Prof. Marc Van Ranst en het team van het Rega Instituut voor Medisch Onderzoek. Het Rega Instituut is een voortrekker in de strijd tegen infectieziekten.⁣ —————⁣ Conversation par skype avec le Prof. Marc Van Ranst et son équipe de l’Institut de Recherche Médicale Rega. Cet institut est à l’avant-garde de la lutte contre les maladies virales.⁣ —————⁣ Skype conversation with Prof. dr. Marc Van Ranst and his team of the Rega Institute for Medical Research. The Rega Institute is a pioneer in the fight against infectious diseases.⁣ ⁣ #marcvanranst @kuleuven #SamenTegenCorona #EnsembleContreCorona #GemeinsamGegenCorona #TogetherAgainstCorona #Corona #Covid_19 #COVID19 #COVID19BE #CoronaVirus #MonarchieBe #BelgianRoyalPalace

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Britain

The Queen holds her first ever audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson from her study at Windsor. Not too many family photos in view, but I am intrigued by the many porcelain animal sculptures on disply.

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William and Kate are at work,too, in what looks like Kensington Palace offices. I am speculating that it’s not Anmer since they are wearing the clothes they wore for their last appearance in London. Bonus points for guessing the books on Kate’s desk.

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Self-isolation and social distancing can pose huge challenges to our mental health — in recent weeks The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been in regular contact with organisations and patronages to understand the issues they are facing during this difficult time. Last week ☎️ The Duke spoke to @mindcharity CEO Paul Farmer, and The Duchess spoke to Catherine Roche, CEO of @_place2be. Today Public Health England has published new guidance to help support people during the COVID-19 outbreak, and updated its world-leading Every Mind Matters platform, with specific advice on maintaining good mental wellbeing during the outbreak; take a look at our Story or visit the link in our bio 📱 to find out more. Speaking about the new guidance, The Duke and Duchess said: • “It is great to see the mental health sector working together with the NHS to help people keep on top of their mental well-being. • By pulling together and taking simple steps each day, we can all be better prepared for the times ahead”. • The Government has also announced a grant for @MindCharity to help fund their services for people struggling with their mental wellbeing during this time.

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Denmark

Fred at work in his spacious office with the bonkers wallpaper. The entire family did a PSA in the yard, too.

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Jeg har i dag gennem FaceTime været på besøg hos Røde Kors, der har etableret et væsentligt beredskab for at hjælpe danskere, der er berørt af corona. Enten fordi de har spørgsmål eller har brug for hjælp til at handle, hente pakker eller medicin på apoteket. Jeg har mødt de frivillige, der i et callcenter besvarer og hjælper folk, der har spørgsmål om corona. Jeg har også mødt frivillige, der i et hjælpecenter sørger for at få matchet folk, der gerne vil hjælpe andre, der har brug for hjælp. Som dansker er jeg stolt over det store samfundssind, der udvises for tiden. Over 11.500 har meldt sig som frivillige hos Røde Kors. Så hvis man har brug for hjælp og ikke selv kan komme ud, er der hjælp at hente. Røde Kors hjælper, så vi fortsat kan passe på hinanden ved at blive hjemme, men uden at miste kontakten til hinanden. Det er også grunden til, at jeg i dag ikke har besøgt Røde Kors fysisk, men digitalt. #sammenhverforsig 📸 Fotos af H.K.H. Prins Christian og Jacob Dall, Røde Kors©️

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I am so intrigued by the hand sculpture in the background.

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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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The Netherlands

If you take even a cursory tour through Getty, you’ll see that WAX has been energized by this virus, and has been everywhere (six feet from everyone). He is great at this kinging business. It’s almost a shame to show him sitting, but this is a royal room post, so here we are. Who is in that photo behind him?

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Norway

My favorite interiors are in this country. We featured Haakon yesterday in his office, but I think he likes to move around the palace. It looks like he is in the living room here, but correct me if you think I am wrong. He keeps up the sartorial standards, anyway. It’s also a good time to peek back at Harald in the best office ever.

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«Arbeidet dere på sykehusene gjør er utrolig viktig for oss alle sammen. Det er en fellesinnsats i helsesektoren nå som det står respekt av. På vegne av alle oss andre i samfunnet, så vil jeg si at vi setter veldig pris på den innsatsen dere gjør», sa Kronprins Haakon i et videomøte med ansatte ved Haukeland universitetssykehus i dag. Administrerende direktør Eivind Hansen ledet møtet fra Bergen. ⁣ ⁣ Tidligere i dag deltok Kronprinsen også i et videomøte med rundt 150 av de ansatte i Folkehelseinstituttet. Gruppen orienterte om status for norske smittetilfeller, tiltak og råd. «Med den kunnskapen som dere har, sammen med handlekraft, er jeg sikker på at vi kommer gjennom dette på den beste måten vi kan», sa Kronprinsen. ⁣ ⁣ Foto: Aleksander Valestrand, Anne Taule og Katrine Sunde / Haukeland universitetssykehus og Det kongelige hoff.⁣ ⁣ #kongehuset #kronprinshaakon #crownprincehaakon

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Spain

We focused on the people yesterday, but today we’ll pull back so you can take in the room. In particular, look at that great carpet. I hope Iselen can clue us in on which palace we are gazing upon.

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Sweden

I hope one of our Swedish community members can identify which palace Victoria and Daniel are in here, because this is a great room for an audience. I am mentally moving everyone several feet apart in my mind, though. This was back a couple of weeks ago.

Ah, better. Victoria works in her office with some light and scrolly wallpaper behind.

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Såväl privat, offentlig som ideell sektor påverkas av coronakrisen. Runtom i Sverige arbetar människor dag och natt för att vårda sjuka och minska smittspridningen. Många känner oro för framtiden, blandat med oro för nära och kära. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Under förra veckan började Kronprinsessan och Prins Daniel att ringa runt till ett stort antal svenska organisationer och företag för att informera sig om läget. Under telefon- och videosamtalen, som fortsatte under gårdagen, framför Kronprinsessparet samtidigt sina hälsningar till alla de medarbetare och medlemmar som berörs av coronakrisen – och som bidrar med viktiga insatser för att mildra dess effekter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸: Victor Ericsson/Kungl. Hovstaterna

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Carl Gustaf and Silvia are isolating as well. Do you think the white horse placed against the dark painting was deliberate?

Carl and Sofia have lovely light-filled workspaces, too.

How would you sequester like a royal?
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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.

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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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