Royal watching got even more complicated this week. We’ll go over the extraordinary first, and then head into the mundane (which is still pretty exciting).
Changes and Controversy
First up, the Sussexes. Yes, even though they won’t be working royals we will still feature them occasionally. We aren’t currently covering each new release of information because, frankly, it is controversial, and it has the potential to take us far from our drama-free mission. Going forward, we will treat the Sussexes like the other British non-working royals. We’ll cover the clothes at their individual events – Invictus, etc., – and definitely give their ensembles a once-over when they appear with the rest of the Windsors at family events.
In Luxembourg the Waringo Report will be released in a few weeks, and it has the potential to significantly change things up in the Ducal household. You can find more information at the link, but we ask that we keep gossip about it off the blog. It, too, has the potential for great controversy. In the meantime, we’ll focus on more happy news out of the Cour, including new tiara surprises, how good the hereditary Grand Duchess has been looking, and the upcoming birth of the heir.
A hat tip to Lesleyc for this next bit of intriguing royal news. The erstwhile Italian royals (the monarchy was abolished in Italy in 1946) are battling the question of absolute primogeniture between two branches of the family. My writing skills are not nearly good enough to describe the various branches of the House of Savoy and their positions on the matter, but this article in The Telegraph details it in all its colorful glory. If anyone can clarify further in the comments, please do!
Manners from Marie-Chantal
Marie-Chantal has carved a bit of a career for herself out of high-end child rearing. She started by selling classic kid clothes and now she is dipping her toe into publishing. She has a book out on manners, and I have a bit of curiousity about how the really rich approach this topic. If it happens to cross your path, let us know what you think of it!
Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece has announced that on March 2020 her first book titled “MANNERS START AT BREAKFAST” will be published!
Written in a lively, conversational style, it is certain to become a perennial and parental must-have resource.
Read: https://t.co/ZPiYMay5q6 pic.twitter.com/qnjgnbnXS9— Andreas Megos (@AndreasMegos) January 15, 2020
Japan
The theme for the January 16th poetry reading was hope, and I think we can all get behind that message. I was particularly touched by the Empress’ poem, and my sartorial side was intrigued by her single lapel dress. You can read all the poems here.
Empress Masako’s poem
The power of youth
Brings hope
To those who strive
To rise up from the calamity they suffer.Imperial Household Agency translation & background info: https://t.co/6UdVvPPM3f
📸 https://t.co/iugNzZPHSc pic.twitter.com/X2wqHJ19mo
— Prisma (@ImperialJPNfan) January 16, 2020
Monaco
The circus came to Monaco, as it does yearly, and we have COLOR IN THE ROOM. On day one, I liked Stephanie’s coat and one shoulder orange-red dress very much, and her daughter Pauline Ducruet wore a flowing dress I would classify as interesting on anyone else, but she looks chic.
On day two, mother and both daughters (Camille Gotlieb joined the fray, in lavender and BIG sleeves) appeared as a trio. I like the black on Stephanie, and the girls are looking pretty snazzy without being ridiculous. Ok, maybe the big sleeves are a tad…..absurd.
Day three! I think this is among the best ever of Stephco’s ensembles. The chic black and white works with her own high contrast coloring, and I am seeing something Char-like in Pauline’s ensemble, in a good way.
Day four brought another good outfit from Steph (all our Stephanies are doing SO WELL, sniff). Love the color, and she is altogther well-pulled together. Pauline looks cute and funky.
Denmark
I wanted to end with Benedikte, but I couldn’t find anything recent for her, so we’ll end with her great nephew instead. Prince Nikolai of Denmark continues his modeling career, and I thought his runway appearance might send you off to your week in a good mood.
Prince Nikolai of Denmark for Dior Mens AW20 pic.twitter.com/u2KUsb6u61
— Maximilian Kilworth (@Max_Kilworth) January 17, 2020
What did I miss?