Back to the working week for most of us! Hope this finds you in good spirits, whether your part of the world is in deep winter (as mine is) or in lovely summer sun.
Belgium and Spain
King Philippe and Queens Mathilde and Sofia attended the funeral of Pope Benedict, which was held at the Vatican last week. It’s not a fashion occasion, but we can say there were a lot of pearls in evidence. Queen Mathilde wore her seven strand pearl dog collar necklace. Queen Sofia wore the pearl brooch from “La Chata”, which she also wore to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. You can read our write-up here – with many thanks to our Baguette Iselen for the information.
Japan
Princess Akiko of Mikasa was interviewed recently, and it gave us a chance to see a couple examples of traditional Japanese dress. Per Prisma, our friend on Twitter, “Princess Akiko appears to be wearing “Homongi,” semi-formal kimono. The gentleman is Ichikawa Somegorō VIII and is most likely wearing “montsuki-hakama,” formal men’s kimono. His real name is Itsuki Fujima & he succeeded stage name “Ichikawa Somegorō” in 2018 at age 12.”
Sankei interviewed Princess Akiko of Mikasa and kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegorō VIII about their thoughts and dreams regarding Japanese culture. Both are inheritors of traditions that have been cultivated over a long history.
📸 https://t.co/cSsscr3dj4 pic.twitter.com/0KFiSSPbSo— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) January 7, 2023
It was the anniversary of the Emperor Showa’s death, and various family members attended ceremonies honoring his memory. Princess Kako is shown below – brooch lovers who rue the fact that many young western royals don’t wear pins should definitely turn their attention to the young Japanese royals. Kako has quite a collection and this modern piece is particularly beautiful.
January 7: Princess Kako worshipped at Emperor Showa's Mausoleum at Musashino Imperial Graveyard in Tokyo on the 34th anniversary of his death.
Other Imperial family members attended a memorial ceremony at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.
📸 https://t.co/2AGDdQNVs6 pic.twitter.com/NL02hsDzAu— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) January 7, 2023

Lovely color here, and of course, some interesting jewels from our Japanese sparkler.
January 5: Princess Takamado (Hisako) visited the 62nd All Japan Society World Orchid Exhibition 2023 “The Orchid is All” at Sunshine City Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo.
📸 https://t.co/o9rvJ9QsV4 pic.twitter.com/mXc8Vy4vu2— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) January 8, 2023
Britain
We joke about changing the name of this blog to “King Charles’ Overcoat”, and the King is provided us with ample material. He greeted well wishers outside church in Norfolk on Sunday wearing this well-worn favorite. OH – and look closely at his tie!
The Tindalls are back in Australia (I’d love their credit miles for myself). They attended the Magic Millions Festival in Brisbane and Zara opted for some SLEEVES.
*New* 8 January 2022 – Zara Tindall attended the 2023 Magic Millions festival today on the Gold Coast. Outfit below;
Rebecca Vallance 'Isidora' dress
Novo 'Western' wedges
Aspinal of London 'A' camera bag
Rolex 'Yacht Master' watch
Rayban RB4246 sunglasses
Calleija jewellery pic.twitter.com/HY2ldVsD8I— Polka Popp (@polkadotpopp) January 8, 2023
I have always loved this Edelstein dress that Diana wore back in the early nineties. Now, you too can own it!
#NEW A dress belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales will be auctioned off by Sotheby’s next month. Designed by Victor Edelstein in 1989, the Princess wore it for a series of portraits released in 1991 💜
It is estimates to sold between 80,000 and 120,000$ pic.twitter.com/P1ASCg7vRI
— CoutureAndRoyals (@CoutureRoyals) January 7, 2023
Thailand
If you come to this blog purely for beautiful clothes, here is the post for you!
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