The name and possible title of the daughter of HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland, and Christopher O'Neill, will be announced later today in a meeting of the Cabinet. Click HERE to watch the meeting live.
More new information:
The newborn girl weighed 3150 grams at birth and was 50 cm long.
Click HERE to view a picture on facebook of a footprint of the daughter of the Princess and Christopher O'Neill on the arm of her father.
Click HERE to view a picture on facebook of the Princess, Christopher O'Neill and their newborn daughter leaving the hospital.
Click HERE to view a video of the (short) press conference with Christopher O'Neill.
The Swedish Royal Court released pictures and a video of TRH Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel and HRH Princess Estelle as Christmas greetings.
A video of the speech by HM King Albert II of the Belgians on occasion of the announcement his abdication. Click HERE to read the Google Translation of the speech. [at my Dutch blog]
You can temporarily (re-)watch the SVT feed of the wedding of HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland, and Christopher O'Neill.
A (farewell) speech by HM Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was broadcasted today.
On the eve of my abdication, I would like to take this opportunity to address you all. Unity and freedom have traditionally been the driving forces shaping our country's constitutional order. In years of struggle and revolt against foreign domination, the words of the Wilhelmus were a source of hope and encouragement:
"I dedicate undying faith to this land of mine"
Since that time, the unconditional loyalty of the founding father of our country has also been demonstrated by all those who have fought for our freedom. To this day, this loyalty forms the bedrock of our country's history, which is closely connected with the House of Orange.
From 1890 onwards, our national unity was inextricably linked with four female heads of state. After Queen Regent Emma, after my grandmother Wilhelmina - so valiant in wartime - and after my mother Juliana, with her strong sense of duty, the task and privilege of being your Queen fell to me. The unifying power shown by previous generations was my inspiration. In our constitutional monarchy, with the Constitution as our foundation, the monarch stands for unity in the service of a constantly changing society.
At the investiture, in the presence of the States General, the monarch swears to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights and freedoms of all the inhabitants of the Kingdom. The converse of ministerial responsibility for the acts of the monarch is the duty of the monarch - within the government - to coordinate his actions with the ministers. Democratically enacted laws and decrees are ratified by the monarch's signature. In day-to-day life, the monarch can contribute to respect for democracy, to solidarity within society and to integration and personal development for all sections of the population. This calls for full and unconditional dedication to what - sooner or later, to a greater or lesser degree - presents itself as the common interest of our society. Neither power, nor personal will, nor a claim to inherited authority, but solely the determination to serve the community can give substance to today's monarchy.
In fulfilling this task, the monarchy aims to foster a community whose members feel solidarity with one another. Throughout the last thirty-three years I have had the privilege of meeting great numbers of my compatriots who put themselves at the service of other people, demonstrate their commitment and are willing to do their utmost for their country. I have seen what creative effort and perseverance can accomplish, in the most diverse circumstances. Over the years, my appreciation of people's impressive achievements in science, art and culture has grown immensely. Scope for self-expression and exploration of new avenues are of vital importance for us all. The way people of different beliefs or convictions seek to draw closer to one other has touched me deeply, also because it is a sign of openness and tolerance.
In all this, the great trust you placed in me was indispensable. I have shared both joy and national pride with you. And I have shared in your sorrow and anxiety. The population of the Netherlands in Europe and in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom have strengthened me with their spontaneous warmth and expressions of solidarity. Beyond our borders too, international contacts proved their worth in furthering mutual understanding. The vicissitudes of the world touch our daily lives. Countless ties bind us to people in other continents. This compels us to remain open to other ways of life and other cultures.
A divided Europe long bore the scars of a past marked by war and violence. Today, peaceful cooperation and an awareness of common interests prevail. Decisions made by the European Union determine our daily life where this is necessary or useful. Our own self-interest obliges us to contribute to the common interest and to the wider perspective of a shared responsibility in the world.
In all this, I had the great good fortune to be able to count on the support of Prince Claus. His level-headed insights and nuanced approach were of great value to me. Through his work in the fields of urban planning, the environment, development cooperation and culture, he focused attention on crucial social issues. He taught our sons, when they were still very young, to be alert to developments in society and to suffering and need in the world. In this way, he brought our House closer to modern times. History may indeed conclude that my choice of husband was the best decision I ever made.
Since I announced my intention to relinquish the throne, I have been overwhelmed by expressions of warmth and kindness, accompanied by a profound understanding of my wish to hand over my task to the Prince of Orange. He is well prepared for every aspect of his new role, through his intensive activities at national and international level and his keen interest in the developments taking place in our world today. During the ceremonial investiture in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander will accept the imperative that is essential to the office: to act without regard to personal preference, and to stand above the interest of party or group. In fulfilling his task, he will ask for the support and trust of the Dutch people. We all feel blessed by the fact that his endearing wife Máxima, with her warm heart and clear understanding of human relations, will play a special role.
In laying down my duties as Queen, I am above all filled with a sense of deep gratitude. Without your heart-warming and encouraging expressions of regard, the burdens of office - and they have certainly made themselves felt - would have been very heavy indeed. I would like to let you know, in saying farewell, that your affection has given me the strength I needed. In the future too, your continuing closeness will remain a great support.
When tomorrow my eldest son assumes this rewarding and responsible task, it is my dearest wish that the new Royal couple will also feel supported by your loving trust. I am convinced that Willem-Alexander will devote himself, with loyalty and dedication, to discharging his duties as a good King should.
The interview with TRH the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands was aired today, 17 April 2013. The future King and Queen of the Netherlands were interviewed by news anchors Mariëlle Tweebeeke of NOS/Nieuwsuur and Rick Nieman of RTL Nieuws.
Source: SVT; Printscreens and photoshop: Current Royal News
SVT has released the video a year with the Swedish Royal family for 2012. Interviewed/featured were TM King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden, TRH Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden with HRH Princess Estelle of Sweden, HRH Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Source: NRK, Julemorgen; Printscreens and photoshop: Current Royal News
HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his daughter, HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, appeared together in the program Julemorgen. The Princess would would have been accompanied by her mother, HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit, but the Crown Princess was sick.
The Dutch Royal Court has released the yearly Christmas message of HM Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. They also released a picture of the Queen sitting ready for the recording of the message.
HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland, and Christopher O'Neill are engaged. The wedding will take place in the summer of 2013.
Interview with the Princess and her fiancé.
- Congratulations on your engagement, how does it feel? * M: We are very excited and happy. It's a special day for us.
- When did Christopher proposed? * M: It was early October. It was very romantic and nice. We are keeping the rest to ourselves.
- Christopher, where you nervous? * C: I've been thinking about it for a while and I wanted to wait for the right moment. But I know Madeleine wanted to marry.
- When did you first meet? * M: We met through mutual friends. For me it started with a close friendship. We shared the same sense of humor and had great fun together. Chris opened up my heart, he is my soul mate.
- Christopher, when you realized you wanted to woo Princess Madeleine? * C: I immediately felt something special for Madeleine.
- What was your first impression of Christopher? * M: I appreciate Chris for his warmth and humor. He has a very big heart and he always manages to get everyone around him feel good. He is an incredible caring and generous person.
- Christopher, have you talked to King about getting marry Princess? * C: It is true that I have spoken to the king and told him that I want to marry Princess Madeleine.
- What was King's reaction? * C: The King and Queen were excited, and a little concerned, I think.
- Christopher, do you speak any Swedish? * C: I can say a few words and I'm going to learn more Swedish.
- Can the Princess tell us something about Christopher's family?
* M: I appreciate Chris family very much. They have always been very nice to me and welcomed me with open arms. Chris has a wonderful family!
- Can you say something about the Princess's family? How was your first meeting?
* C: I have come to know the Swedish Royal family well. I have been extremely well received and felt from the first moment very welcome. They are all friendly and we have very nice when we seen them all.
- How do you see a future family? * M: Of course we are looking forward to getting married and eventually form our own family.
- Where will you stay? * M: Right now, we will continue to stay in New York because of both of our work. But we do not exclude the possibility that we move to Sweden in the future.
- Christopher, what do you know about Sweden? *C: Sweden is a great country. It is so beautiful here and the people friendly. I have mostly visited Stockholm and Öland. I hope to have the opportunity to visit Sweden a bit more often now.
One last question: when will the wedding take place? * M: We'll come back with details about the wedding. But it will take place in Sweden during the summer of 2013.
Responses from the Royal family:
TM King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia: "We are both very excited and happy today. We have come to know Christoper O'Neill as a very friendly and warm-hearted person and we wish them both every success in the future."
TRH Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Duchess and Duke of Västergötland: "We rejoice immensely in the fine news and wish Princess Madeleine and Chris all the best!"
HRH Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland: "I'm very happy for my sister and Chris's sake and wish Chris welcome in the family." Response from the mother of Chris O'Neill, Eva Maria O'Neill: "As the mother of Christopher O'Neill I am delighted with the happy news. I look forward to welcoming Princess Madeleine, who I am very fond of, into our family. I wish them both all possible happiness." Message from Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill:
The Swedish Royal Court released a video of the preparations ahead of the christening of HRH Princess Estelle of Sweden, Duchess of Östergötland, the daughter of TRH Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, Duchess and Duke of Västergötland, on 22 May this year.
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