Sunday Stories: January 11
Happy Sunday, everyone! Here are some of the royal stories that have been making news this week…
- The extended grand ducal family of Luxembourg has a new member: Katarina Marie-Christine Fabiola, the daughter of Archduke Christoph and Archduke Adelaide, was born on December 22. Christoph is the nephew of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. Baby Katarina’s middle names honor her aunt and godmother, Archduchess Marie-Christine, and the late Queen Fabiola of Belgium, who was Christoph’s great-aunt. (Luxarazzi)
- Sofia Hellqvist, fiancee of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, has given an interview in which she addresses her reality television past and the welcome she received from the Swedish royal family. (Hello!)
- A judge has rejected an appeal against Infanta Cristina of Spain’s indictment for tax fraud. She will be the first member of the Spanish royal family to stand trial since the restoration of the monarchy. (ABC News)
- The Danish royal court has released new photos of Prince Vincent and Prince Josephine of Denmark, who adorably turned four this week. (Kongehuset)
- Ă…ret med kungafamiljen, the annual documentary about the Swedish royal family’s year, can be seen online here. It was a big year: a royal baptism, a royal engagement, a new royal baby on the way, and the always-adorable antics of Princess Estelle. (SVT)
- The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will travel to Germany for a state visit in June. (Telegraph)
- Prince Andrew’s name is in the news yet again this week: he and ex-wife Sarah have jointly purchased a chalet in Verbier. (Daily Mail)
Monaco Welcomes Gabriella and Jacques
Most of the royals are still enjoying their winter holidays at the moment, so we’re postponing the weekly jewel news until we get, well, more news! In the meantime, let’s look at the big royal event of the week: the official presentation of Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques of Monaco! We’ve got adorable babies, glamorous Grimaldis, and jewels that belonged to Princess Grace…
Prince Albert presented the heir to the throne, Hereditary Prince Jacques…
While Princess Charlene brought Princess Gabriella on to the balcony for her official presentation. Gabriella is the older of the twins by two minutes, but because Monaco still follows male-preference primogeniture rules, Jacques will one day be the nation’s sovereign prince.
For the presentation, Charlene wore pearl stud earrings and an outfit by Akris.
Many of the other members of the Grimaldi family also gathered at the palace for the happy occasion. The twins’ aunt, Princess Stephanie, wore simple silver-toned stud earrings; she and her son, Louis Ducruet, both look especially happy, don’t they?
Princess Caroline looked equally proud and happy as she greeted the crowd. I love that she took the opportunity to wear a set of golden jewelry that belonged to her late mother, Princess Grace. Here’s a picture of a young Grace wearing the set. This was the perfect occasion to bring out a family heirloom or two!
Three of Caroline’s children also attended the presentation. Above, Hollywood film star Pierre Casiraghi and Princess Alexandra of Hanover stand with Princess Stephanie’s younger daughter, Camille. The couple standing on the right side of the image are Princess Charlene’s brother, Gareth, and his girlfriend.
Charlotte Casiraghi was at the presentation with her partner, French comedian Gad Elmaleh.
Princess Antoinette’s daughter, Elisabeth-Anne de Massy, and her daughter Melanie were also spotted on the balcony. You can also glimpse a slightly better view of Charlotte’s earrings in this shot.
After presenting the babies to the Monegasque people, Albert and Charlene greeted the gathered crowd during a short walkabout.