We march on toward the holidays, in a much different fashion than our usual. So do the royals, but some cherished traditions remain. Let’s check up on what’s changed up and what is not this season.
Getty
It’s mostly Brits featured in this week’s parade of photos. Charles elbow bumps some enthusiastic citizens, Sophie pulls a hat out of the wayback machine, and Camilla visits the cutest pups in the world. See it all here.
Back in the Bag
Last year was the year of anniversaries. The Belgian royals attended the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a the Mémorial du Mardasson, in Bastogne. Mathilde wore a very dignified Dior, which I would like to see again. Soon.
Britain
The Cambridge clan went en famille to the pantomine. I really want to know what was on offer there because the camera caught Charlotte absolutely beside herself with joy.
Netherlands
OmaPrincessQueen Beatrix visited the exhibition of Diepgeworteld (Deep-rooted), the trees in Dutch Paintings at the Dordrechts Museum in Dordrecht. I simply love a woman who throws on a Christmas green ensemble, complete with matching dyed cotton puffs, adds her blue eye shadow, and springs the season on the town.
Denmark
I was curious on when we would get some Christmas scenes from Amalienborg, but they have had some other things on their minds lately. The family has been quarantined since Prince Christian was diagnosed with Covid last week. Mary released some seasonal photos yesterday, and they are lovely and festive.
Norway
I enjoyed the glimpse of the living room in Skaugum, all decorated Nordic-style for Christmas. The Nordic theme for the season seems to candlesticks of all types. Also nice to see Mette Marit sporting her glasses again.
Isn’t this a cozy corner of the castle? I’m not sure where this was shot, but I want to go to there.
I was interested to read that Norwegians typically exchange gifts on and eat their main holiday meal on Julaften (Christmas Eve). It lead me to wondering what other royal families who celebrate the holiday do in a usual year. We have a somewhat clear picture of the typical Christmas at Sandringham, but the others are not well-known. It seems, from what the Scandinavian and Danish royal families do share, that the Advent wreath and candles are central to the celebrations. If you know of any royal-related traditions, drop them in the comments. Thanks!
Spain
They. Don’t. Stop. Working. Letizia visited the FundeuRAE Foundation at RAE (Royal Academy of the Language). She repeated a couple of her workhorse ensembles, the Hugo Boss power suit and Nina Ricci coat. I don’t know that I have seen them together before (they work really well, I think), but separately they have been out a lot! As always, the Queen Letizia Style Blog has them catalogued for us.
Sweden
Sunday was St. Lucia Day, and the the third day of advent. Carl Philip and Sofia sent us greetings, showing off their lovely family and advent wreath. Most people are aware, but Sofia is expecting her third child, so we will have quite a baby boom in the spring and summer (for those keeping track, it’s three onboard, Eugenie, Sofia and Zara are all pregnant).
Comments
It’s so wonderful to have you all visit. We can’t wait to hear the royal bits you’ve picked up this week – please leave them in the comments. We’ll be here all week ; ).
