Another busy week. First a note on controversies, because there are a couple of them related to the continuing pandemic situation.
Queen Elizabeth appeared in public, which was an occasion for relief but also generated a lot of chatter about her lack of a mask. Yes, I would have loved to see her wear one, but the event was well vetted and social distancing protocol was maintained. I am going to assume that she was well informed on the risks and she knows the country she is representing much better than I do.
Second, and probably more controversial, the Dutch royals cut a holiday to Greece short last week. There has been a great outcry from the public, who are skeptical about royals on vacation while the country is under a new round of restrictions. Asking the public to act in one manner while you act in another is an obvious misstep. I trust the royals will right it, as I believe the Dutch King and Queen are typically in tune with the wishes of the people who support them.
In a non-Covid controversy, King Philippe visited his sister, the new princess Delphine. Reports were that it was a “warm encounter”.
Belgian King Philippe meets half-sister Princess Delphine for the first time https://t.co/DP3AtargAm
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 15, 2020
Finally, we are covering all the Princess of Asturias Awards in tomorrow’s post. As usual with Spain, there is lots going on there and we have Iselen to thank for some local intel. Stay tuned.
Whew! Ok, the rest of you Royals! Form a line and we’ll get to you in order!
Getty
On the serious side, there are photos of the protests greeting the Spanish royals during some of their visits last week, and on the cute side, there is a feature on royal hand-me-downs. On the sartorial side, Haakon and Camilla both bundled up for their visits last week. Lots of scarf action on both them – see it all here.
Britain
The Queen ventured out to visit the Porton Down Science Park, sporting the Grima (which looks HUGE here) and a cheerful pink Stewart Parvin, a repeat worth repeating. Prince William was there in support. In other Queenly news, the Canadian government released an official portrait of her, sporting the Sapphire Tiara.
The Duchess of Cambridge focused on two of her cherished interests last week, photography and children and mothers. She paid a visit to the Natural History Museum in London ahead of announcing the Grand Title winner of this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year. She chose an Alexander McQueen suit for the event, which was simple but stunning.
In a visit that much have touched her heart deeply, the Duchess visited the national charity Tommy’s, stopping at a research center focusing on reducing rates of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. She wore an A-line Emilia Wickstead in deep blue, with a coordinating floral mask.
Netherlands
Max hosted a seminar for a debt-free Netherlands, repeating a Bottegna Venetta dress from 2014 and 2015. I wish the overall effect was a bit crisper, although I like the slightly unusual color. The King also attended.
Denmark
Look who turned 15! He looks more like his mother almost every day to my eyes, although his style is pure Fredi. I know everyone has a different opinion on this, so I’ll throw it out to you all.
Sweden
The Swedes have been all about the deep blue. Last week Victoria visited Västmanland County to meet citizens and gain insight on how the covid-19 pandemic affects various activities. She was head to toe blue, in a repeated Dagmar corduroy suit, which for some reason I like much better here.
Queen Silvia attended Brighthood 2020, a digital conference on preventing sexual violence against children. The Queen was splendid in blue, with her signature shawl in a lovely pattern.
Ghana, Ashanti Kingdom
I thought that we could all use a shot of color, and this meeting at the Manhyia Palace (in the Ashanti Kingdom, Ghana) provides that. His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is wearing a stunning yellow mask to complement his ceremonial Kente cloth. The Manhya Palace is an historical building, so the design elements, including the elephant tusks, are from another era.
His Excellency Henri Konan Bédié, Former President of Côte d’Ivoire, today led an official delegation to Manhyia Palace. At the center of the official visit was a private discussion between His Majesty and His Excellency on mutually beneficial issues. pic.twitter.com/f7dkSnmCZm
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) October 13, 2020
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