• Prince Charles is headed to the Middle East for an official tour. He’ll be visiting Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE (princeofwales.gov.uk)
• Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (pictured above) has given birth to a daughter. The little girl, reportedly named Louisa, is the fourth grandchild of Princess Benedikte of Denmark. She joins the list of Queen Ingrid’s female descendants, which means she may one day wear the Khedive of Egypt Tiara at her wedding (Kongehuset)
• The schedule of events to celebrate the 75th birthday of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has been released, including a special exhibition, two galas, a dinner, and a balcony appearance (Kongehuset)
• Infanta Cristina of Spain is reportedly trying to sell her Barcelona home to help pay her court costs (Guardian)
• The Duke of Edinburgh has been made a knight of the Order of Australia (9 News)

• King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia died on Thursday at the age of 90; he had reigned for almost a decade. The new Saudi king is his brother, Salman. (BBC)
• On Saturday, another royal connection died: Johan Martin Ferner, the husband of Princess Astrid of Norway, died in Oslo. He was 87. (Trond Norén Isaksen)
• Rumors of an engagement were reported — and later denied — for Princess Beatrice and her longtime boyfriend, Dave Clark. I’m still guessing we’ll hear wedding bells for these two … but maybe not until her parents aren’t in the news quite so much? (Independent.ie)
• The Swedish court released a statement denying that Christopher O’Neill is in tax trouble. (Kungahuset)
• The ladies over at Luxarazzi have done a bit of research on Princess Sibilla’s diamond and ruby necklace. (Luxarazzi)
• The Cambridges are on their annual trip to Mustique to celebrate Carole Middleton’s birthday. (Hello!)
• Princess Athena, the youngest child of Prince Joachim of Denmark, turned 3 this week, and new photos were released to celebrate. (Kongehuset)

• Kensington Palace joined Twitter this week! The new account will document the royal engagements of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
• In the continuing saga of Andrew and Fergie, Sarah appeared on American television this week to promote a weight-loss product and defend her ex-husband. (Hello!)
• Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has apologized after he was allowed to cross a bridge that was closed because of dangerous weather. (BBC News)
• Yet more legal woes for the Spanish royals. After losing his immunity following the abdication, King Juan Carlos is set to face a paternity suit in court. (BBC News)
• A glamorous tiara that was once owned by the late Duchess of Alba is for sale in New York. (Erik Schoonhoven)
• A new portrait, complete with tiara and cat, has been released to celebrate Princess Michael’s 70th birthday. (RJWMB)
• Heads up, San Franciscans: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, and Princess Estelle are heading your way. Victoria and Daniel will participate in an official visit from January 19-21. (Kungahuset)