Belgium · Japan · Norway · Sweden

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

Happy MAY to you all! On we go into my favorite month. If you are looking for bit of chatter on Princess Isabella of Denmark’s confirmation, we had a post this weekend. Drop in and add your thoughts!

Getty

We are covering most of the stuff that’s in Getty this week, but if you want to see more photos of the Swedish King’s birthday, Princess Isabella’s confirmation, or the very Kingly King Felipe doing his thing, head on over here.

Belgium

I have a soft spot for Princess Claire of Belgium. We don’t see her often so when she popped up here in a dramatic black and white ensemble, I grabbed the photo. She was opening the Amarlis Contest with Princess Eleonora and Crown Prince Henri. Don’t know who those folks are? Neither did I, but here’s the Wiki entry to get you started.

The King and Queen were in Ghent to attend the Floraliën flower show. The Queen wore a new Oscar de la Renta dress (H/T to Modekoningin Mathilde) and Fabienne Delvigne headpiece. Very on topic for the event, although I personally would have liked a nod rather than a full curtsey, if you know what I mean. However, Tils is colorful as we know!

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Japan

The Emperor and Empress headed to the Parliamentary Museum to attend the MIDORI Prize ceremony. I thought Masako’s green was a lovely nod to springtime and her hat was a bit jauntier than usual. Team Brooch should also be happy with her embellishement.

Sweden

Sweden was so so busy last week. Top of the list: King Carl Gustaf celebrated his 76th birthday and the royal grandchildren did what they do best, hang over the balcony and enjoy the crowds. Prince Oscar continue to delight me with his absolute disdain for anything publicly showy, Prince Gabriel enthusiastially joined the group, and Princess Estelle showed off her stylish specs.

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Prince Daniel received an Honorary Doctorate from Karolinska Institutet for his ongoing initiatives regarding public health. Bravo, sir! Crown Princess Victoria was on hand to support him wearing a very sparkly Malina Cheri gown.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (well, palace, actually), the King and Queen hosted a Sweden dinner to honor locals who are serving the community. They were joined by Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia. The Queen is in a repeated gown that is one of my favorites due to the perfect neckline and color, while the Princess debuted a Pia Tjelta gown.

Some Royal Real Estate in action here. Worth a look for the panorama of Lovisa Ulrika’s Dining Room and other bits of Stockholm Palace.

For those of you who didn’t see this on Bits last week, Crown Princess Victoria handed out awards at the Crafoord Prize, wearing an extremely and flattering ensemble. The top is by Andiata and the “dirty white” skirt is by !MaxJenny.

Princess Madeleine will have you know she isn’t just sitting around in Florida, doing nothing! She spoke at her local chapter of SWEAS. It is the largest organization outside Sweden promoting the Swedish language, culture, and tradition. The Princess wore a perfectly spring-like pink Veronica Beard suit.

Norway/Sweden

If that wasn’t enough excitement in Sweden, the Norwegians are on an official visit to the country for the next two days. Here the good buddies are pictured outside of Haga Palace.

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Heaven at UFO NoMore is her usual quick study on the closets of these ladies!

Birthday Bookends

Happy seventh birthday to Princess Charlotte, who was photographed by her mother for the occasion. And, yes, I do feel old whydoyouask? I see Middleton coloring and dad’s smile and her own personality – everyone else will see what they see and I am fascinated to hear your observations! The dog is Orla. Love.

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Happy 83rd birthday to that dreamy professor who was lucky enough to marry Princess Margriet.

Exhibitions

Is anyone planning a trip to New York City this fall? The museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is holding a Dior & Balenciaga exhibit from June 1 to November 6. If you do make it, please report back! You have an avid audience here.

We’ve profiled both designers in our Designer Diary Series. If you want to be reminded how very much those fashion houses intersect with royals, here are the posts:

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