Members of the Spanish Royal Family presided over the annual Pascua Militar celebrations in Madrid on January 6th, the Roman Catholic Feast of the
Epiphany.
The traditional ceremony started at noon and took place at the Palacio Real in Madrid. His Majesty The King, in the presence of the Queen and the Prince and
Princess of Asturias, reviewed members of the armed forces and the Royal Guard. The Royal Family then hosted a reception at the throne room of the Palacio Real, where His Majesty delievered his
annual New Year’s Speech.
The Pascua Militar dates back to the reign of Carlos III, when, on January 6, 1782, Spanish forces retook Menorca, which had been in British hands. As an
expression of joy, Carlos III ordered that the military would be henceforth honored on the Feast of the Epiphany.
La Princesse Charlène donne le coup d’envoi du Monaco Optimist Team Race
(20-22 janvier 2012)
(c) YCM
Conformément à sa vocation sportive, c’est par deux épreuves internationales : le Monaco Optimist Team
Racing (20-22 janvier 2012) et l’incontournable Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse (3-5 et 10-12 février 2012) que le Yacht Club de Monaco donnera ce week-end le coup d’envoi de la saison de régate
en Méditerranée.
Vendredi 20 janvier 2012 - Dans le cadre de sa politique de formation des jeunes régatiers, le
Yacht Club de Monaco, présidé par S.A.S. le Prince Albert II, accueille tout au long de l’année, à travers sa Section Sportive une centaine d’enfants de l’initiation à la compétition, ainsi que
les élèves scolarisés à Monaco (80 classes du primaire au secondaire), en collaboration avec l’éducation nationale.
Découvrir la mer et l’importance de préserver l’environnement maritime, apprendre la voile et la
conduite d’un bateau, éduquer et sensibiliser aux valeurs du Sport… telle est la mission de la Section Sportive du Yacht Club de Monaco.Désireux de partager
et d’échanger ces valeurs avec son réseau international de clubs jumelés et réciproques, le Yacht Club de Monaco, organise ce week-end, du 20 au 22 janvier 2012, le Monaco Optimist Team Racing,
en collaboration avec Slam, FxPro et la Chocolaterie de Monaco, qui a accueilli la veille les enfants pour une dégustation gourmande.
A l’occasion de la présentation des équipes par Alfredo Ricci, président des arbitres, S.A.S. la Princesse Charlene a tenu à venir encourager l’ensemble des
jeunes régatiers, âgés de 12 à 15 ans, ravis de pouvoir présenter leur bateau lors de cette rencontre informelle et conviviale.
C’est donc un plateau international de douze yacht-clubs, représentant huit nations qui entrent en lice ce week-end, par équipe de quatre
régatiers.
Après deux jours intensifs d’entrainement, sous la direction de l’arbitre anglais Bruce Hebbert, de renommée mondiale pour le Team Racing, avec la présence
de la Fédération Tunisienne de Voile, du St Petersburg Yacht Club (Russie), du Royal Cork Yacht Club (Irlande), la Société Nautique de Genève (Suisse), le Clube Naval de Cascais (Portugal), le
Circolo della Vela Sicilia (Italie)…, les coureurs sont fin prêts pour en découdre dans ce format original du Team Race.
Une discipline, où l’ensemble des résultats des quatre équipiers compte et qui n’est pas liée à la performance d’un seul leader. Des valeurs de solidarité
et d’humilité qui s’ajoutent à celles sportives. La victoire des jeunes monégasques, l’an dernier, en témoigne, puisqu’ils s’étaient imposés en phase finale devant les leaders de la discipline,
grâce à leur esprit d’équipe et à leur combattivité.
Déplacement de SAS le Prince Albert II à Cambridge
à l’occasion de la commémoration du centenaire de l’expédition Scott
A l’occasion de la commémoration du centenaire de l’expédition Scott au pôle sud, S.A.S le Prince Albert
II se rendra àl’Institut polaire Scottpour assister à une série de conférences données par d’éminentes
personnalités, le mardi 17 janvier 2012.
Le Souverain, accueilli par le Professeur Dowdeswell, rencontrera Sir Ranulph Fiennes, explorateur
polaire et écrivain, qui interviendra sur le thème des défis qui se posent aux régions polaires.
Le Prince assistera également à la présentation M. David Crane, écrivain, et de Max Jones, professeur à
l’université de Manchester.
S.A.R le Duc D’Edimbourg et le Souverain participeront ensuite à un diner de gala avec les
descendants des aventuriers Scott, Wilson and Bowers, au Corpus Christi College. Le Prince sera accueilli par le Président de ce collège M. Richard McMahon.
Pour en savoir plus sur les actions de la Fondation Prince
Albert II de Monaco en faveur des régions polaires :
Nom: Mountbatten
Prénom: Philip
Il est né le 10 juin 1921à Corfou. Il est le fils d'André de Grèce et d'Alice de Battenberg.
Epouse:
Le 20 novembre 1947, il épouse à Londres la princesse Élisabeth, fille du roi George VI et de la reine Élisabeth.
Enfants:
Charles, prince de Galles, né le 14 novembre 1948
Anne, princesse royale, née le 15 août 1950
Andrew, duc d'York, né le 19 février 1960
Edward, comte de Wessex, né le 10 mars 1964
Petits-enfants:
Le prince William de Galles
Le prince Henry de Galles
La princesse Beatrice d'York
La princesse Eugenie d'York
Le vicomte Severn
La princesse Louise de Wessex
Peter Phillips
Zara Phillips
Following their visit to Roskilde Cathedral yesterday, the
Danish Royal Family continued with the celebrations marking Queen Margrethe II’s fortieth anniversary as monarch in Copenhagen.
View the full image at Billed Bladet
The Danes were joined by their Greek and Berleburg relatives, as well as the Kings and Queens of Norway and Sweden and the President of Iceland, at the Copenhagen Town Hall for a
reception in the early afternoon. Queen Margrethe travelled from Amalienborg Palace through the streets of Copenhagen in a horse-drawn carriage, together with her husband, Prince Henrik.
Thousands lined the streets in the cold weather to cheer on the Queen, who was dressed in a white outfit and hat, envoking many ‘Snow Queen’ likenesses.
Inside the Town Hall, Queen Margrethe was presented with a jubilee gift from the Mayor of Copenhagen, Frank Jensen. She and Prince Henrik then made an appearance on the Town Hall balcony,
and were greeted by the crowds below singing to them.
In the evening, the royals gathered once more, this time in evening dress (and tiaras for the ladies – and mini-tuxedoes for Princes Nikolai and Felix), at the Danmarks Radio Concert
House. 1,500 guests attended the concert, which lasted an hour and a half, featuring performances by the Bournonville Ballet, opera singer Susanne Resmark, the DR Symphony Orchestra and the
satire group Rytteriet. Among the guests were Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg and her husband, Martin Jørgensen.
View the full gallery at Daylife
All the royal ladies reached into their jewellery vaults for the concert, with everyone wearing a tiara except for Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (she went with diamond
star hair ornaments instead). One of the biggest surprises, tiara-wise, was that Princess Theodora of Greece borrowed Aunt Daisy’s turquoise bandeau tiara.
A dinner was held at the end of the concert.
Click here to read more about
the festivities, which continue later today (Danish time) with the Queen’s 500th State Council meeting, a balcony appearance, a church service and a gala dinner.
The engagement of HRH Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Parma and Albert Brenninkmeijer was officially announced today. The wedding will take place later this year.
Princess Maria Carolina, Marchioness of Sala, Duchess of Guernica, is the fourth child and youngest daughter of the late Duke of Parma, Prince Carlos Hugo, and of his former
wife, Princess Irene of the Netherlands. She has two older brothers, Prince Carlos [who is married to Princesss Anne-Marie, née Annemarie Gualthérie van Weezel. They are currently expecting their
first child together. Prince Carlos has a son, Carlos, with Brigitte Klynstra.] and Prince Jaime and an older sister, Princess Margarita. [who is married to Tjalling ten Cate. They have 2
daughters, Julia and Paola]
Princess Maria Carolina has studied political schience at the University of Amsterdam and at Harvard University. The Princess also studied Forced Migration at the University of Oxford. At
the moment she is working for the United Nations in Switserland.
Albert studied Economics at the University of Edinburgh and has his MBA from Oxford University. He currently works as a member of the board at C&A France.
His Majesty The King of Spain delivered his annual televised Christmas address from the Zarzuela Palace.
December 24, 2011 – Zarzuela Palace, Madrid
View the full image at El Blog of Eroz
On Christmas Eve, His Majesty The King delivered his annual televised Christmas address from the Zarzuela Palace. The traditional message on this, the 36th
year of His Majesty’s reign, began with the King wishing everyone best wishes for peace and happiness.
The main themes of this year’s Christmas message were the current economic crisis in Spain, at the end of a difficult year for both the Royal Family and
Spain.The King called for “exemplary” and “equal justice for all”, many have interpreted this as a reference to the scandal surrounding his son in law, The Duke of Palma de
Mallorca.
His Majesty also expressed a “heartfelt remembrance for the victims of terrorism” and a reference to the recent change of government following November’s
general election. The King also thanked the Spanish people for their interest in the King’s health and then paid tribute to his son and heir, the Prince of Asturias.
You can read the full text of the Christmas Eve address of His Majesty The King here.
IL DISCORSO AUGURALE DEL SOVRANO DI MONACO, S.A.S. IL PRINCIPE ALBERTO II
Lo scorso anno è stato sicuramente eccezionale per (la Principessa) Charlene e me. In occasione del nostro matrimonio, abbiamo sentito la forte
unione tra la comunità monegasca e la nostra Famiglia. Questa sera venendo ad esprimere, a nome di tutti e due, gli auguri più fervidi che rivolgiamo ad ognuno di voi, mi ricordo di questa gioia condivisa. Io vi auguro, per tutto questo nuovo anno, felicità vera. Mentre intorno a noi, molti Paesi sono segnati da una crisi finanziaria, economica e sociale, il
dinamismo del Principato ci consente di resistere. In questa congiuntura delicata, s'impone una gestione particolarmente saggia delle finanze pubbliche in modo da integrare le
difficoltà che pesano su di noi, perseverando tuttavia il nostro modello sociale e le nostre prospettive di crescita. Questo è il motivo per cui dobbiamo fare delle scelte equilibrate, ragionevoli e giuste. Non perdiamo di vista il fatto che in situazioni di crisi economica,
l'urgenza della solidarietà è più forte per una protezione contro le tensioni. Il periodo delle vacanze è un tempo speciale di ricongiungimento per le
famiglie e tra le generazioni. Questi periodi ci sensibilizzano ai valori della tolleranza, al rispetto per gli altri ed alla diversità culturale. E' mio ardente desiderio che Monaco resti un modello di "vita comune", sulla base di valori comuni. Questa sera, il mio pensiero
va soprattutto ai membri della nostra comunità che soffrono a causa della malattia e della solitudine. Possano trovare, nel cuore del nostro Paese, la cui dimensione umana è un
atout positivo, l’ascolto e l’appoggio di persone comprensive. Voglio anche dare il mio caloroso incoraggiamento ai nostri giovani che incarnano il futuro. Noi crediamo nella loro immaginazione, nei loro
ideali, nella loro volontà, la perseveranza nel lavoro e nella loro generosità. Alle donne ed agli uomini che lavorano, investono o scelgono di vivere fra noi, spero che il loro
contributo alla vita della nostra nazione apporti loro un autentico sviluppo personale. A tutti e ad ognuno presente nel Principato o che si trovano lontani ma vicini con il cuore, dico ancora una volta con fiducia: "Felice Anno
Nuovo 2012, Bon anu dui mila duze".
======================
Message de Vœux de S.A.S. le Prince
Pour l'Année 2012
Chers Compatriotes,
Chers Amis,
Cette année qui s'achève aura été assurément exceptionnelle pour (la Princesse) Charlène et moi-même. A
l'occasion de notre mariage, nous avons mesuré avec force la permanence de l'union entre la communauté monégasque et notre Famille.
Ce soir, en venant vous exprimer, en notre nom à tous deux, les vœux fervents que nous formons pour chacun d'entre vous, j'ai en mémoire cette liesse
partagée.
Je vous souhaite, tout au long de cette nouvelle année, un réel bonheur.
Alors qu'autour de nous, plusieurs pays sont ou restent marqués par une crise financière, économique et sociale sévère, le dynamisme de la Principauté lui
permet de résister.
Dans cette conjoncture délicate, une gestion particulièrement avisée des finances publiques s'impose, afin d'intégrer les contraintes qui pèsent sur nous,
tout en préservant notre modèle social et nos perspectives de croissance.
C'est pourquoi il nous faut faire des choix équilibrés, raisonnables et justes.
Ne perdons pas de vue que c'est dans les situations de crise économique que l'urgence de la solidarité est la plus forte pour se prémunir des
tensions.
Les fêtes de fin d'année sont un moment privilégié de retrouvailles pour les familles et entre les générations.
Ces périodes nous sensibilisent aussi aux valeurs de tolérance, de respect d'autrui et de la diversité des cultures.
Je forme ardemment le souhait que Monaco demeure un modèle de "vivre ensemble", fondé sur le socle commun de ces valeurs.
Ce soir, mes pensées vont particulièrement aux membres de notre communauté qu'éprouvent la peine, la maladie ou la solitude. Puissent-ils trouver, au cœur de
notre pays dont la taille humaine est un atout insoupçonné, l'écoute et l'appui de personnes qui savent se rendre proches.
Je veux aussi prodiguer mes encouragements chaleureux à nos jeunes qui incarnent l'avenir. Nous avons foi en leur imagination, leurs idéaux, leur volonté,
leur capacité d'efforts et leur générosité.
Aux femmes et aux hommes qui travaillent, investissent ou choisissent de s'établir parmi nous, je souhaite que leur contribution à la vie de notre pays leur
apporte, en retour, un épanouissement personnel authentique.
A tous et à chacun, présents en Principauté ou qui en êtes éloignés mais en demeurez proches par le cœur, je dis à nouveau avec confiance : "Heureuse Année
2012", "Bon anu dui mila duze" .
In this blogentry, we’re looking back at a Royal 2011. Obviously, I can’t mention everything. The information below is a summery of what happened last year.
Monthly summaries, the link to the blogentry “A look back at a Royal 2010″and links to the blogentries “Looking Forward to a Royal 2011″ & “- 2012″ can be found via the links at the bottem of
this entry.
Click at the image to see a gallery at Kongehuset.no
In January, Crown Prince Billah and Crown Princess Sarah of Brunei had their second child and first daughter, Princess Muneerah. The Princess joined older
brother Prince Abdul Muntaqim [TOPIC] Prince Ali Reza Pahlavi of Iran commited suicide on January 4. [TOPIC] On January 5, the 90th birthday of
Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was celebrated. [TOPIC] Crown
Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark had their 3rd and 4th child and 2nd son and 2nd daughter, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, on 8 January. The little Prince and Princess
joined older brother, Prince Christian, and older sister, Princess Isabella. [TOPIC] On January 17, King Harald of Norway celebrated
his 20th anniversary as King of Norway. The Norwegian Royal Court released new official pictures. [TOPIC] The Court was generous in January 2011, it
were not the only pictures released by the Royal Court. On January 21, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway turned 7. In line with tradition, the Norwegian Royal Court released new pictures of the
Princess.
View the full gallery at kongehuset.dk
View the full gallery at monarchie.lu
In February the 30th wedding anniversary of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg took place. The Grand Ducal Court released new
official pictures. [TOPIC] As the
Norwegian Royal Court in January, the Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg was generous with pictures as the 20th birthday of Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg took place on 16 February. The
traditional photoshoot with the Dutch Royal family took place on 19 February. [TOPIC] More picture news, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark released pictures of their then unnamed newborn twins. [TOPIC] Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parma and Tjalling ten Cate and
their second child and second daughter. Paola joined older sister Julia. Archduke Martin of Austria, and his wife, née Princess Katharina of Isenburg, had their 4th child and 3rd son, Archduke
Luigi, on February 12. Luigi joined big brothers, Bartholomaus and Emmanuel, and big sister, Helene. To celebrate the 4th birthday of Princess Lalla Khadija of Morocco, the second child and only
daughter of King Mohammed and Princess Lalla Salma. The Moroccan Royal Court released a new picture of the Princess, her parents, and her older brother, Crown Prince Moulay
Hassan.
Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain announced that he got engaged to Princess Sahab bint Abdullah bin Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on 7 March. The
Sheikh is the 5th son of the King of Bahrain. The King of Saudi Arabia is the Princess’s father. More happy news from the Royal family of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan al-Saud
of Saudi Arabia married Lucy Cuthbert on March 28. Prince Khalid is the son of Prince Bandar, the oldest son of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Lucy is the middle daughter of Lady Victoria and
John Cuthbert and the granddaughter of the 10th Duke of Northumberland. As such, she is the niece of the current Duke of Northumberland. [TOPIC] Prince Louis of Schonburg-Hartenstein announced his
engagement to Countess Elizabeth Beaufort-Spontin. The Prince is the oldest son of Hereditary Prince Johannes, while the Countess’s father is Frédéric, Duke and Fürst of Beaufort-Spontin. Prince
Antonius of Fürstenberg and Countess Matilde Borromeo announced their engagement on March 4. Countess Mathilde is a half sister of Beatrice Borromeo, who is dating Pierre Casiraghi, youngest son
of the Princess of Hanover, Hereditary Princess Caroline of Monaco. Princess Margarita of
Bourbon-Parma and Tjalling ten Cate released the first pictures of their daughter Paola. Princess Antoinette of Monaco died on 17 March. [TOPIC] Fürst Paul of Quadt zu Wykradt und Isny died March 16. The Fürst
leaves behind his wife, née Princess Charlotte of Bavaria, 2 sons, 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren.
View the image at the British Monarchy's Flickr
April 11 brought the first day of school for Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, the youngest daughter of the Prince and Princess of Orange was joined by
her parents and her older sisters, Princesses Amalia and Alexia. It also brought us the Christening of the Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine of Denmark, the 3rd and 4th child of the Crown
Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark [and with that their names and new pictures] [TOPIC], the birth of the sixth child and second
daughter of Prince Pedro and Princess Sofia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Noto. Princess Blanca joined older brothers Jaime, Juan, Pablo and Pedro, and older sister, Sofia. April
also brought the birth of Count Léopold of Limburg-Stirum, first child of Archduchess Marie-Christine of Austria and Count Rodolphe of Limburg-Stirum, and the long awaited wedding of Prince
William of Wales, since the day of his wedding also The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, and Catherine Middleton. [SUB-FORUM]
View the full HQ picture at koninklijkhuis.nl
In May, the Moroccan Royal Court released a new picture of King Mohammed and Princess Lalla Salma with their children, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and
Princess Lalla Khadija, to celebrate the 8th birthday of the Crown Prince. The Princess of Orange, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, celebrated her 40th birthday with a big birthday concert
with guests including representatives of many Royal families. The Dutch Royal Court also released new pictures of the Princess. [TOPIC] King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan announced his
engagement to Jetsun Pema on 20 May. [TOPIC] To finish May, there is also babynews. The Duke and Duchess of Apulia, Prince Aimone and Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta, Princess of Greece, had their second child and second
son. The Duke of the Abruzzi, Prince Amedeo, joined older brother Prince Umberto, Prince of Piedmonte. [TOPIC]
The religious wedding of Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Alexander Johannsmann took place on June 18. The couple married civilly on May 27, 2010, and their first child, a son named Konstantin, was born on July 24,
2010.[TOPIC] Prince Antonius
of Fürstenberg and Countess Matilde Borromeo got married on 11 June. June also brought the First Communion of both Don Miguel Urdangarín, third son of the Duke and Duchess of Palma de
Marjorca and Princess Louise of Belgium, oldest child and only daughter of Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium. The Norwegian Royal Court released 3 new pictures of Crown Princess
Mette-Marit. Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan, oldest son of King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan celebrated his 17th birthday. The Jordanian Royal Court released 2 new pictures of
the Crown Prince to celebrate his birthday. June also saw the Grand Ducal family of
Luxembourg posing before the media and the British Royal Court released an official picture to mark the official visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada. Princess Hedwige of
Liechtenstein and her husband Count Olivier of Quelen had twin girls, named Béatrice and Raphaëlle, on June 10. They join older sister, Maïwenn. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of
Abu Dhabi and his second wife, née Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rachid Al Maktoum of Dubai, had their third child and second son together. Sheikh Hamdan was born on June 21 and joined full
siblings Sheikha Fatima and Sheikh Mohammed, and half-brother Sheikh Zayed. The 14th Duke of Croÿ, Prince Carl, died on June 14.
Fürst Alexander and Fürstin Nadja Anna of Schaumburg-Lippe had their second child and second daughter together on 10 July. Princess Philomena joined older
sister Princess Felipa and older half-brother, Hereditary Prince Ernst-August. Prince Albert II of Monaco married Charlene Wittstock at the beginning of July. [SUB-FORUM] Prince Rashid bin El Hassan of
Jordan married Zeina Shaban on 22 July [TOPIC], while
the wedding of Zara Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal, and Mikael Tindall took place on 30 July. [TOPIC] Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al Khalifa of Bahrain, 5th son of
the King of Bahrain, married Princess Sahab bint Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia. [TOPIC] Prince Siaosi Tuku’aho of Tonga,
eldest son of Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka and Princess Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho and second in line to the throne, announced his engagement to his first cousin the Hon Sinaitakala Fakafanua, only
daughter of
Princess ‘Ofeina Fakafanua and the late Fakafanua, on 28 July. Archduke Otto of Austria, Former head of the Imperial of Austria and Royal family of Hungary, died on 4 July. [TOPIC] Another member of the
Imperial family of Austria died in July. Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, née Countess von Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems, great-granddaughter of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of
Austria, King and Queen of Hungary, née Duchess in Bavaria, died on 8 July. A photoshoot with the Queen and the Crown Princely family of the Netherlands took place on 4 July. [TOPIC] July 5 brought the celebration of the 30 year anniversary
of Prince Luís of Orléans-Braganza, Prince of Brazil, as the head of the Vassouras branch of the Imperial House of Brazil.
In August, The Prince of Prussia, Prince Georg Friedrich, married Princess Sophie of Isenburg. [TOPIC] More weddingnews, the
civil wedding of Prince Christian Georg of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and
Princess Alice of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein took place on August 26. The religious wedding was scheduled to take place on August 27, but due to the illness of the mother of the bride, the wedding has
been rescheduled for 2012. The Swedish Royal Court announced that the Crown Princess Couple, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, are expecting their first child, the future King or Queen
of Sweden, following his or her mother and grandfather. [TOPIC] More Royal babynews, the Danish
Royal Court announced that Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are expecting their second child together. The new Prince or Princess will join older brother Prince Henrik and older half-brothers
Princes Nikolai and Felix. [TOPIC] As seen on
pictures, the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his second wife née Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan, are expecting their second child together. The couple is
already parents to Sheikha Al Jalila. [TOPIC] In addition to them, the Duke
and Duchess of Vendôme, Prince Jean and Princess Philomena of Orléans, announced that they are expecting their second child in January 2012. The couple already have a son, Prince Gaston, and
last, but not least, the Duke and Duchess of Anjou, Prince Charles-Philippe and Princess Diana of Orléans, Duchess of Cadaval, announced that they are expecting their first child in February 2012. The Crown
Prince and Crown Princess of Perak had their second child and first daughter on August 3. The Princess joined older son Prince Muzaffar. August brought the first day of school of Prince Sverre
Magnus of norway, son of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and new pictures were released of the Prince. [TOPIC] Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Matte-Marit of
Norway celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on August 25. The Norwegian Royal Court celebrated this by releasing new pictures of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and their family. There
was also a church event, an event related to the Humanitarian fund of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess following the service and after that, there was a private dinner at the palace. [TOPIC]
In September Princess Lalla Aicha of Morocco [TOPIC] and Archduke Felix of Austria died. [TOPIC] Princess Anita of Orange-Nassau, van Vollenhoven,
underwent surgery for a spontaneous leak of cerebrospinal fluid in her back at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Prince David Bagration-Mukhransky of Georgia and his wife, née
Princess Anna Bagration-Gruzinsky of Georgia, had their first child together, Prince Giorgi Bagration Bagrationi of Georgia, who joined 2 older halfsisters, Irina and Miriam, daughters of the
Princess and her first husband, Grigoriy Malania. Prince Antonius of Fürstenberg and his wife, née Countess Matilde Borromeo, had their first child, Prince Karl Egon, on 22
September.
In October the British Royal Court announced that Peter and Autumn Phillips, son and daughter-in-law of the Princess Royal, are expecting their second
child. They are already parents to a daughter named Savannah. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan married Jetsun Pema on October 13. [TOPIC] Prince
Moulay Ismael and Lalla Anissa of Morocco, née Anissa Lehmkuhl,
had their second child and first daughter on October 9. The Princess joined older brother Prince Moulay Abdullah. Countess Maria Antonia von Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee, née Princess of
Hohenzollern, died on 11 October. Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia died on 21 October [TOPIC], Archduke Stephan (István) of Austria died on 24 October
and Fürstin Franziska of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein, née Princess of Oettingen-Oettingen and Oettingen-Spielberg, died on 30 October.
Click to view the larger picture
The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Sharqi, and his wife, née Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum of Dubai, had their second
child and first daughter, Sheikha Aisha, on 2 November. Aisha joined older brother Hamad. Prince Hashim bin Hussein and Princess Fahdah Hashim of Jordan had their third daughter on November 5.
Princess Fatimah Al-Alia joined older sisters Haalah and Rayet al-Noor. [TOPIC] The Duke and Duchess of Parma,
Prince Carlos and Princess Annemarie of Bourbon-Parma, announced that they are expecting their first child together late May 2012. If it’s a boy he will be the future head of the Ducal and Royal
family of Bourbon-Parma. The Duke has a legally unrecognized son with Brigitte Klynstra. The Danish Royal Court released the first picture of the Crown Princely family since the christening of
Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, and the Dowager Duchess of Hohenberg, née Princess Elisabeth of Luxemburg, of Nassau
and of Bourbon-Parma, and Crown Prince Leka of Albania, aka King Leka of the Albanians died in November. [TOPIC] Princess Cristina Maria of
Orléans-Braganza, Princess of Brazil, announced the engagement of her daughter, Princess Paola Sapieha Rozanski, and Prince Constantin Swiatopolk-Czetwertynski. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of
Luxembourg celebrated his 30th birthday on 11 November. The Grand Ducal Court released new pictures.
In December Fürst Heinrich of Orsini and Rosenberg died. Princess
Alexandra of Kent, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, celebrated her 75th birthday on 25 December. Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein and Philipp von Lattorff had their 7th child and 2nd son,
Maximilian on 17 december. The couple are also parents to Lukas, Elisabeth, Marie Therese, Camilla, Anna and Sophia. [TOPIC] Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan
al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi had his first son, Sheikh Zayed, on 23 December. The Danish Royal Court released their new and improved website in December. Just in time for the festivities related
to Queen Margrethe’s 40 years on the throne anniversary and the birth of the second child together of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie in January 2012. 2 sons of Archduke Carl
Christian of Austria and his wife née Princess Marie-Astrid
of Luxembourg, officially celebrated their respective engagements on 22 December. Archduke Imre got engaged to Kathleen Walker and Archduke Christoph got engaged to Adélaïde Drapé-Frisch.
News about the engagement of Archduke Christoph first emerged when he changed his Facebook status to engaged earlier this year. However nothing had been confirmed until 22
December. The Belgian Royal Court released new pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Brabant and their children, Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore. The
Spanish Royal family released their annual Christmas cards and the Danish Royal Christmas cards also found their way to the media. The Crown Princely family of
Denmark send out a new picture of their 4 children. The Queen and Prince-Consort of Denmark used a picture of them visiting Greenland, Princess Benedikte of Denmark and of
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, send a family picture of the religious wedding of her daughter Princess Nathalie, the Greek King and Queen had a picture taken of them and their grandchildren, the
Spanish Royal couple send out a neutral picture, the Prince and Princess of Asturias send out a picture of them with their daughters Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofía, the Duchess of Lugo
send a picture of her children, Froilán and Victoria, and the Duchess and Duke of Palma de Majorca used a picture from Miguel’s communion. It shows the Duchess and Duke with their 4
children, Juan, Pablo, Miguel and Irene. The King and Queen of the Belgians send out a card with a picture of them surrounded by round pictures of their grandchildren and Prince Laurent
and Princess Claire of Belgium send out their Christmas card with a new picture of them with their children, Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric. Princess Haya of Jordan, wife
of the Emir of Dubai, send out New Year wishes with 2 new pictures. The Princess has much to celebrate in the New Year, as she is expecting her second child. There were 3 newcomers this year
at the estate of the Queen of England during Christmas. Both the Duchess of
Cambridge and Mike Tindall celebrated their first Christmas with their husband/wife and the in-laws at the Sandringham estate. Savannah Phillips, the first great-grandchild of the
Queen, also celebrated her first Christmas at the Sandringham estate, as she was born just after Christmas last year. She’ll be joined by a younger brother of sister next year. The
Norwegian, Danish and British Royal families attended church for a Christmas service. We also saw pictures of the Queen of Spain, her eldest daughter with children, and her son with wife and
daughters watching Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Zarkana’ at Madrid Arena, and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark taking her 4 children to a playground in Aarhus.
When the Grace Kelly: Icon of Style exhibition opens at the Bendigo Art Gallery in Victoria next March, it will have a VIP guest: HSH Princess
Charlène of Monaco.
View the full image at Zimbio
Princess Charlène will officially open the exhibition prior to its opening to the public on March 11th. The travelling exhibition will be exhibited exclusively in Bendigo, two hours north-west of Melbourne, during its Australian leg.
View the full image at Bendigo Art Gallery
Grace Kelly: Icon of Style features several pieces of the late Princess Grace’s pre-marriage wardrobe – including the evening gown worn when
accepting her "Oscar"Academy Award for The Country Girl – and also “explores the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from her extensive wedding trousseau to her haute
couture gowns of the 1960s and 1970s by her vavourite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent"
The Princess will be accompanied by one of her sisters-in-law, HRH Princess Caroline or HSH Princess Stéphanie. Her husband, HSH Prince Albert II, will not
be making the trip, as he will be in Marseilles for the World Water Council meeting.
********************************
S.A.S. Charlène alla "Grace Kelly Icon of Style"
Apprendiamo dalla rivista web con cui siamo collegati, The Royal Forums, che Sua Altessa Serenissima la Principessa Charlène sarà l'ospite VIP al vernissage
ufficiale della Bendigo Art Gallery di Victoria, Australia, in occasione della mostra itinerante "Grace Kelly: Icon of Style" in
data 11 Marzo 2012. Bendigo è una cittadina a due ore nord-ovest di Melbourne. La mostra presenterà diversi abiti della Principessa Grace appartenenti al guardaroba pre-matrimoniale - incluso
l'abito cerimoniale indossato quando ricevette l' Oscar per The Country Girl nel 1955 - e sarà anche un'esplorazione del suo stile in qualità di PrincipessaGrace di Monacodall'osservazione del suovastocorredodi nozzee degliabiti di 'haute couture'degli anni 1960e 1970 dei suoi favoriti stilissti Dior,Balenciaga, Givenchy ed
Yves St Laurent"..
La principessasarà accompagnata dauna delle sue
cognate, Sua Altezza Reale la Principessa Caroline d'HannoveroSua Altezza Serenissima la PrincipessaStéphanie. Sua Altezza Serenissima il Principe AlbertoII, nonfarà
partedel viaggio in quantosarà impegnato a Marsigliaper la riunionedel ConsiglioMondiale sull'Acqua.
HRH Princess Marie of Denmark has given an interview to Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten recently. The interview also featured a new series of photographs of the
Princess.
In the interview, which took place at Schackenborg Palace on December 6th, Princess Marie discusses her selection of patronages, life between Schackenborg and Copenhagen, and being a
royal mother. Some excerpts of the interview are below:
On her patronages: “The biggest priviledge is that you, as a princess, can create attention about important issues. That I have the
opportunity to make a difference,” Princess Marie told JP, “Today, a princess works. We want to help and work for the country. I do it with pleasure.” She is the patron of ten
organisations, including the Copenhagen Jewellery Fair, the Danish UNESCO Commission and the Southern Danish University. Her most recent patronage is the AIDS Fondet.
View the full gallery at Lehtikuva
On life at Schackenborg: Marie and her family – husband Prince Joachim and son Prince Henrik – split their time between their residence in South Jutland, Schackenborg Palace, and their
official apartments at Amalienborg in Copenhagen. “I feel I get the best from two worlds,” says Princess Marie, “I love the city and to be in contact with many people, but I really need to be
out in nature as well.” When having spare time at Schackenborg, the Princess spends the time with her son – cooking, reading, walking outside.
On being a royal mother: “I feel guilty and I miss him,” Princess Marie says of her young son, when she and Prince Joachim have to go about their official business (which this year
included an official visit to Japan), “It is hard not to be frustrated.” She went on to say that it is however important for mothers to find a balance between family, work and time for
themselves.
The year is coming to an end and one of the last big events in the royal calender has been the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Oslo and Stockholm. Let’s take a look back at the royal ladies’ Nobel
Prize fashion 2011!
Oslo:
For the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony in Oslo, December 10, Queen Sonja chose a coral red skirt suit and quite an outstanding hat in matching colour (image). Crown Princess Mette-Marit arrived in a lovely red coat and offered an elegant look at the award ceremony
in a figure hugging white dress with layered skirt by Valentino. Black heels, a lovely pair of pearl-earrings and an original black headpiece finished the look (image one, two).
For the banquet after the award ceremony the Crown Princess appeared in a slightly see-through beige and brown dress, also by one of her preferred designers Valentino. If the dress seems familiar
to you – we have seen it on Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece as well this year (image one, two). And for the following concert Crown Princess
Mette-Marit chose the so called “Black Velvet dress” by Peter Dundas for Pucci. The dress’ highlight is the cleavage which is framed by a white collar with black bow and black lace sleeves. She
combined the dress with black stilettos, a black pashmina and ruby earrings. (image one, two).
Stockholm, December 10th:
Queen Silvia arrived for the Nobel prize banquet in a repeated (she had worn it to her daughter’s pre-wedding party in 2010) dress by Jacques Zehnde (image). The perfectly regal gown with train has been slightly altered it seemed, she matched it with
an interesting shell-shaped clutch (image). As for her jewellery – the Queen chose Queen Sophia’s
Diamond Tiara (image).
Crown Princess Victoria delivered her most sparkly maternity outfit so far – she was wearing a midnight blue, sequined dress by Pär Engsheden, added the brooch, earrings and hairpins from the
Leuchtenberg Sapphire parure and chose the Six Button Tiara (image one, two). While Princess Madeleine was absent this year, we got another royal
lady to look at – Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg attended the banquet as well. The Grand Duchess had recycled her burgundy gown by Elie Saab and paired it with the Chaumet Emerald Tiara
(image one,
two).
Stockholm December 11th:
For the King’s dinner Queen Silvia chose the royal-blue dress with see-through sleeves she had worn to the wedding of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock this summer before. The Connaught tiara
and Victoria von Baden’s sapphire, pearl and diamond necklace completed the look (image). Crown
Princess Victoria went for a silver-white lace dress with train, the Baden Fringe Tiara and her beautiful diamond earrings that had made their debut on her pre-wedding party in 2010 (image). Last but not least we got Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxemburg in a
shimmering bronze gown with shawl. The Grand Duchess wore the Pearl and Diamond Choker Tiara (image).
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is currently recovering from heart surgery at Papworth Cardiothoracic Hospital in Cambridgeshire, England, after he was admitted
there last night, local time.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke had been admitted to the hospital after having chest pains while at the Royal Family’s Sandringham House estate.
Prince Philip was flown to the hospital in a helicopter.
Doctors at the hospital, renowned for its cardiothoracic facilities, discovered that the 90-year-old Duke had a blocked coronary artery, and inserted a
stent to open up the artery and restore blood flow. A Palace spokesperson described the surgery as “minimally invasive”, and said that the Duke will remain in hospital for a short period, under
doctors’ observation. It is unknown if he will rejoin the Royal Family for tomorrow’s Christmas Day celebrations, including the traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene’s.
Click here to keep up-to-date with Prince Philip’s condition.
Séance Publique du
14 décembre 2011 -Budget Primitif
2012
Intervention de M. Jean-François ROBILLON
Président du Conseil National
Section 3 - Moyens des Services
D) Département des Finances et de l’Economie Nationale
Chapitre 51 – Budget et Trésor
Monsieur le Ministre,
Puisque nous sommes amenés à reprendre sur le chapitre consacré à
la direction du budget et du trésor, j’en profite pour revenir sur la suggestion du rapport de la Commission des Finances et de l’Economie Nationale de lancer une réflexion sur l’utilisation
d’une partie des disponibilités du Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel qui pourrait parfaitement agir vis-à-vis du budget telle une banque, en permettant de financer la construction
d’investissements rentables.
Visiblement cette proposition ayant été mal comprise par certains
et écartée par le Gouvernement je suis ainsi contraint de revenir dessus.
Dans votre réponse au rapporteur, vous avez souligné Monsieur le
Ministre, que et je vous cite « depuis fort longtemps, le Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel consent des avances de trésorerie que le Budget de l’Etat rembourse avec des intérêts. En effet, le
plafond des avances consenties par le Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel est fixé à 255 M€ depuis 2007 ».
Or, je me suis plongé dans le dernier rapport du Contrôleur
Général des Finances sur l’exercice 2010 qui en page 196 précise que le pic mensuel d’avance de trésorerie en 2010 s’établit à 94 millions d’euros donc bien inférieur au
plafond.
De 2004 à 2010 ces pics d’avance sont allés de 94 à 195 millions
d’euros avec une moyenne annuelles sur cette période à 150 millions d’euros.
Je confirme que cela laisse une marge très confortable de près de
100 millions par an pour faire des avances ciblées au budget de l’Etat en vue de la construction d’opération rentables tel un immeuble de bureaux.
En effet, une fois cette opération terminée le budget de l’Etat
n’aurait plus qu’à rembourser avec des intérêts, moyennant un échéancier les avances consenties par le FRC en utilisant tout simplement les loyers encaissés.
Je peux donc entendre le prétexte selon lequel le FRC n’aura pas à
financer les dépenses de l’Etat ce qui est une caricature de notre proposition.
En effet, comme beaucoup d’entre nous, j’ai lu dans le Journal
Officiel du 2 décembre 2011 que S.A.S. le Prince Souverain avait prononcé la clôture des comptes de l’exercice 2009 qui se solde par un excédent de dépenses de plus de 61 millions
d’euros.
Comme le stipule l’article 41 de la Constitution nous seront
appelés prochainement à nous prononcer sur un projet de loi autorisant le prélèvement de cette somme sur les disponibilités du Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel.
Le Gouvernement soucieux de préserver notre fonds de réserve a
donc rejeté le l’ai dit la suggestion du Président de la Commission des Finances et de l’Économie Nationale d’utiliser une partie des disponibilités du Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel pour
permettre de fiancer la construction d’investissements rentables.
Je suis donc surpris de constater, par ailleurs, que le
Gouvernement propose, dans le même temps, au Conseil National de voter un budget 2012 dont le déficit dit primaire serait aggravé par une provision de 40 M€ destiné à thésauriser une partie
des sommes nécessaires à la construction du nouvel hôpital.
J’ai eu beau chercher dans la loi n° 841 du 1er
mars 1968, modifiée, relative aux lois de budget quel était le régime des provisions, je n’ai rien trouvé. On n’y parle que de dépenses. Peut-on considérer que verser une somme de 40 M€ sur
un compte de dépôt constitue une dépense, j’en doute.
Je vous rappelle en effet, qu’après la clôture des comptes de
l’exercice 2012, cette somme sera soit réglée par le Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel, en cas d’exercice déficitaire, ou ne sera pas versée au Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel, en cas d’exercice
excédentaire.
Cette constitution de provision revient donc, sans le dire, à
faire supporter le financement du nouvel hôpital par le Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel, équipement qui à mon sens ne sera pas ce qu’il y a de plus rentable.
Il n’a donc jamais été question pour nous d’utiliser la partie
liquide du FRC pour acquérir des immobilisations.
J’aimerais donc Monsieur le Ministre connaître les observations du
Gouvernement sur cette analyse ?
Séance Publique du 15 décembre 2011
Intervention de Jean-François ROBILLON
Explication de vote – Budget Primitif 2012
Monsieur le Ministre,
Madame et Messieurs les Conseillers de Gouvernement,
Chers Collègues,
Chers Compatriotes,
Avant de motiver mon vote sur cette loi de budget primitif pour 2012, je souhaiterais revenir sur quelques temps forts des débats
qui ont débuté vendredi dernier.
De mon point de vue, les débats de ce budget ont tenté de répondre à la question suivante : Quelle place et quel rôle
souhaite-t-on donner à l’Etat dans l’économie monégasque ?
A propos des opérations de construction du bureaux et de commerces qui pourraient, selon le Gouvernement, à
l’avenir, être financées par des investisseurs privés dans le cadre d’un partenariat avec l’Etat,j’ai rappelé dans mon intervention de
politique générale la position de la Commission des Finances et de l’Économie Nationale.
Cette position de principe est claire : nous sommes défavorables à un désengagement trop massif de l’Etat qui laisserait la
part belle aux investisseurs privés, l’Etat continuant à assurer, sur des fonds publics, les investissements structurants.
Il a fallu attendre la séance publique d’hier soir pour que le Gouvernement, sous les demandes des élus de la majorité du Conseil
National, prenne enfin une position claire.
En effet, les explications fournies aux Elus depuis plusieurs semaines à l’occasion des séances privées ainsi que les
déclarations intervenues lors des conférences de presse du Gouvernement étaient suffisamment ambigües pour nous faire craindre que le Gouvernement n’ait choisi de faire peser sur l’Etat les
investissements qui coûtent de l’argent à la collectivité et de privatiser les investissements qui pourraient se révéler rentables.
Or, depuis toujours l’Etat monégasque a été partie prenante dans les projets de développement économique de son territoire. Ce
n’est pas pour rien qu’aujourd’hui les domaines sont propriétaires d’immeubles de bureaux qu’ils louent à des entreprises ou à des professions libérables ou encore d’immeubles industriels comme
ceux de la Zone F à Fontvieille.
La continuité de cette participation de l’Etat est à nos yeux fondamentale à trois égards :
-D’abord, parce qu’elle permet à l’Etat
monégasque de réaliser des investissements rentables.
Je rappelle que dans le Budget Primitif 2012 les recettes du domaine immobilier représentent 11% des recettes totales de l’Etat,
soit environ 92 millions d’euros. C’est exactement le même montant que les recettes de l’Impôt sur les Bénéfices !
-Ensuite, parce qu’elle permet à l’Etat
monégasque de remplir un rôle de régulateur de l’économie.
En gardant la maîtrise de surfaces d’activités, nous pouvons choisir quelles entreprises nous souhaitons pour la Principauté mais
également nous pouvons agir sur les prix du marché de la location.
-Enfin, dernier argument et non des
moindres, à l’heure où pour une attribution de local domanial il y a dix demandes d’entrepreneur, de commerçant ou de profession libérale.
C’est, en effet, le seul moyen de garantir à des compatriotes qui souhaitent s’installer ou qui souhaitent développer leurs
affaires, de pouvoir le faire à des prix raisonnables.
Alors, sur ce sujet politique majeur, je retiendrais deux engagements du Gouvernement ce soir.
Le premier de ces engagementsest que l’Etat sera financièrement partie prenante de tous les projets de construction de bureaux qui seront amenés à être réalisés à l’avenir sur le domaine
public.
La part de cette participation de l’Etat restera à définir, bien entendu, au moment des débats sur les projets de loi de
désaffectation du domaine public mais le principe, qui n’était pas acquis, a été acté et nous saurons le rappeler le moment venu.
Le débat reste ouvert sur la modalité du financement de ces investissements publics, mais le Gouvernement a bien reconnu hier
soir que, dans la mesure où le Budget Primitif 2012 ne financera pas la totalité des investissements publics, rien n’interdira, le moment venu, de réfléchir à la proposition de la majorité
d’utiliser une partie des disponibilités du Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel.
Pour écarter cette proposition, le Gouvernement faisant preuve d’une prudence légitime au regard de la situation tendue de la
zone euro, nous a indiqué, je cite : « qu’en cas de catastrophe majeure, il faudrait que la partie liquide du Fonds de Réserve Constitutionnel puisse couvrir deux années de dépenses
budgétaires ».
Je vous rappellerais, pour nous détendre, les mots de Mark Twain : « La catastrophe
qui finit toujours par arriver n’est jamais celle à laquelle on s’était préparé ». Nous sommes tous d’accord avec ça : les prédictions sont toujours incertaines, surtout
lorsqu’elles concernent l’avenir.
Il n’est pas nécessaire de trancher ce soir, mais le débat devra avoir lieu le moment venu.
Le deuxième engagement du Gouvernementest de nature juridique et nous l’avons aussi appris hier au soir. Ainsi, un projet de législation sur les locaux à usage de bureau est envisagé dans le
cadre du code de l’économie que la majorité du Conseil National avait proposé dans son programme pour la mandature 2008/2013.
C’est une bonne chose. Si les investisseurs ont besoin de sécurité juridique, ils ont aussi besoin de sécurité économique. Et
lorsqu’on installe son activité dans un local, on ne peut vivre avec la crainte de voir son loyer doublé d’une année sur l’autre ou se voir signaler son congé du jour au lendemain sans la moindre
indemnité si l’on refuse de payer.
Autre sujet d’importance pour le Conseil National : la protection des Monégasques.
On l’a retrouve en filigrane de ces débats budgétaires à travers la thématique du pouvoir d’achat et du logement.
S’agissant du pouvoir d’achat, dans son rapport sur le Budget Rectificatif pour 2011, la Commission des Finances et
de l’Economie Nationale révélait que le Gouvernement envisageait que le point d’indice des fonctionnaires et agents de l’Etat, également
applicable aux retraités de la Fonction Publique ne prendrait en considération qu’une partie de l’inflation, qui se situe à la fin novembre à 2,5 %.
Cette question, le Gouvernement avait d’ailleurs souhaité la renvoyer, je cite à nouveau : « au moment des
débats du Budget Primitif 2012 au regard de l’évolution de la situation économique ».
Or, du point de vue des Elus de la majorité, il n’était pas question d’avoir de débat sur une régression sociale car le blocage
des salaires et des retraites de la Fonction Publique aurait entraîné une perte du pouvoir d’achat inacceptable.
C’est pourquoi, à l’occasion des débats budgétaires du mois d’octobre, le Gouvernement avait pris l’engagement que sur l’année
2011, l’évolution du point d’indice des traitements de la Fonction Publique reproduirait l’inflation dans sa totalité.
Cette position nous a été confirmée à ma demande, hier soir, et nos compatriotes, fonctionnaires et retraités de la Fonction
Publique, verront bien leur point d’indice augmenter de 1,3 % dès le mois de janvier prochain.
Sur ce sujet, je constate que seuls les élus de l’UNAM et de l’UDM, bref, les Elus de la majorité se seront exprimés durant les
débats.
S’agissant du logement, le Gouvernement nous a rejoint sur la nécessité de trouver, dès le premier semestre de l’année 2012, un
accord sur les livraisons de logements domaniaux après 2014.
Pour cela, nous attendons avec impatience les résultats de l’étude prospective de l’IMSEE qui devront être mis en perspective
avec l’expérience des membres de la Commission d’attribution des logements domaniaux.
Sur la page Facebook du parti politique d’opposition, on peut encore lire un commentaire publié avant l’ouverture des débats
budgétaires vendredi dernier, je cite « ce soir à partir de 17h, au Conseil National, Budget Primitif 2012. Bienvenue dans le monde du consensus
préalable ».
Je l’assume parfaitement, le consensus est la substance de nos Institutions et, j’en suis
convaincu, ce n’est ni dans l’invective, ni dans une critique permanente dénuée de toute proposition, que Gouvernement et Conseil National peuvent faire le pas vers l’autre que nous a engagé à
faire le Souverain dans un discours prononcé en 2006 dans cet Hémicycle.
Ce consensus, ce pas vers l’autre, n’exclut pas les débats et tout observateur objectif des
jours qui viennent de s’écouler peut en témoigner.
La majorité du Conseil National a démontré qu’elle pouvait faire entendre sa voix, la voix des
Monégasques afin de les défendre ou de défendre l’intérêt général.
Ainsi, hier soir, sous l’impulsion de la majorité du Conseil National, toutes les tendances
politiques représentées dans cet Hémicycle n’ont pas hésité à prendre position contre le projet de tunnel descendant défendu par le Gouvernement.
Le Chapitre premier de la section 7 a même été rejeté à l’unanimité.
Comme l’a rappelé le Président de l’Union des Monégasques, Alexandre BORDERO, qui a proposé à
tous les Elus ce vote négatif, nous n’avons pas le droit d’amender la loi de budget et lorsque nous sommes en désaccord avec le Gouvernement la meilleure façon de le faire savoir est de voter
contre un chapitre budgétaire.
Mais rassurez vous Monsieur le Ministre, ce désaccord sur un point particulier ne traduit pas
notre position sur l’ensemble du Budget Primitif pour 2012, M. BORDERO vient de le confirmer.
Dans ce budget, il y a beaucoup de bonnes choses que je n’ai pas manqué de souligner mais,
avant de conclure, je me permettrai de souligner un point particulier.
Le retour à l’équilibre budgétaire, que tous les Elus du Conseil National ont toujours
souhaité, ne doit pas devenir un dogme qui pourrait fragiliser le pacte social monégasque.
Le Gouvernement doit savoir que tant que ce pacte social sera préservé et tant que la politique
sociale avancée de la Principauté sera soutenue, il aura le soutien de la Majorité du Conseil National.
Cela démontre que, contrairement à certains, nous ne suivons ni le vent, ni les modes, ni
l’application d’une doctrine qualifiée de libérale.
Ce qui nous guide avant tout, ce sont nos convictions, nos engagements souscrits auprès des
Monégasques et le sens du service de l’intérêt général.
L’économie Monégasque a toujours su concilier libéralisme et dirigisme étatique.
Tant que cette économie sera placée au service de notre pays et du bien être de nos
compatriotes et de nos résidents, nous soutiendrons la politique du Gouvernement sans idéologie. C’est parce que je pense que le projet de Budget Primitif pour 2012 permet d’atteindre cet
objectif que j’ai décidé de le voter.
Les mois qui viennent seront déterminants pour la réussite de Monaco et le Conseil National y
aura toute sa part, nous l’avons vu, à travers toutes les lois importantes que nous serons amenés à étudier et à voter.
Il nous faudra gagner en efficacité et surtout il faudra soutenir encore plus notre rythme de
travail.
Je sais déjà pouvoir compter sur les Elus de la majorité qui l’ont largement démontré durant
l’année qui va bientôt se terminer et je ne saurais qu’encourager une nouvelle fois les autres à les imiter.
Je sais bien que nous avons tous des vies personnelles et professionnelles, mais ne perdons pas
de vue que nous avons pris l’engagement auprès des Monégasques de donner un peu plus que les autres pour servir l’intérêt général du pays.
J’espère donc que l’année 2012 qui verra, à l’automne prochain, le lancement de la campagne des
élections nationales de 2013, pourra être utile en permettant au Conseil National de relever avec pragmatisme les défis de l’attractivité de Monaco.
Enfance : S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre reçoit le prix Menschen in Europa
2011
Légende (de gauche à droite) : Karl Lagerfeld, S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre, Angelika Diekmann (initiatrice du mouvement Menschen in
Europa)
Le Prix Menschen in Europa 2011 a été remis ce lundi en Allemagne à S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre, en
reconnaissance de Son engagement personnel pour l’enfance défavorisée. La soirée a également permis de récolter des fonds pour soutenir l’activité de l’AMADE au profit des orphelins
burundais.
C’est à Passau, en Bavière, que S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre s’est rendue lundi 12 décembre pour recevoir le Prix
Menschen in Europa 2011.
Cette distinction, remise chaque année par
le groupe de presse allemand Verlagsgruppe Passau, vise à récompenser une personnalité publique pour son engagement et son investissement sur la scène internationale. La Princesse de
Hanovre succède ainsi à Sa Sainteté le Dalaï-Lama, Angela Merkel, ou encore Kofi Annan, au palmarès de cette prestigieuse nomination.
La Princesse de Hanovre s’est déclarée « honorée de recevoir une telle distinction » et a appelé chacun à
« veiller à la qualité du monde qui sera laissé en héritage à nos enfants ».
La cérémonie s’est déroulée au Mediacenter de Passau devant plus de 500 personnes, parmi lesquelles la première Dame de
Bavière, MmeKarin Seehofer.Karl
Lagerfeld, lui-même lauréat en 2009, était présent pour remettre le trophée à S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre.
La soirée était le point d’orgue d’une campagne de mobilisation menée dans la presse allemande au profit des activités
de l’AMADE Burundi. Depuis le mois de novembre, les lecteurs allemands ont ainsi été sensibilisés au sort des orphelins et enfants vulnérables burundais.
Au cours de la soirée, la présidente de l’AMADE Burundi, Spès Nihangaza, s’est prêtée pendant une heure au jeu des
questions-réponses avec le public autour des activités développées par l’AMADE sur le terrain.
Rappelons que grâce à l’aide conjointe de l’AMADE Mondiale, de la Coopération monégasque et de Fight Aids Monaco, le
soutien apporté par l’AMADE Burundi bénéficie à près de 30 000 personnes, dont plus de 10 000 orphelins.
Accès à l’éducation et aux soins médicaux, prévention de la transmission du VIH de la mère à l’enfant, micro-finance et aide à
l’autonomisation financière des familles, en sont les principaux objectifs.
Les fonds récoltés viendront soutenir ce programme, dont la phase 2 s’étendra jusqu’en 2014.
www.amade-mondiale.org
Contact :
Sébastien Besançon
+377.97.70.52.60
s.besancon@amade-mondiale.org
***
A propos de l’AMADE Mondiale
Créée en 1963 à l’initiative de la Princesse Grace de Monaco, et présidée depuis 1993 par
S.A.R. la Princesse Caroline de Hanovre, l’AMADE Mondiale œuvre pour le bien-être et la protection des enfants du monde à travers un réseau de 11 antennes nationales.
S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre a été nommée Ambassadeur de bonne volonté de l’UNESCO en 2003, et a reçu le
Children’s Champion Award de l’UNICEF en 2006, en récompense de Son engagement personnel pour la protection des enfants.
L'AMADE Mondiale est dotée du statut consultatif auprès de l'UNICEF, de l'UNESCO et du Conseil Economique et
Social des Nations Unies, ainsi que du statut participatif auprès du Conseil de l'Europe.
Plus d’informations sur les activités et événements de l’AMADE sur
www.amade-mondiale.org
The Swedish Royal Family has marked the 2011 edition of the Nobel Prize, with the gala ceremony held yesterday evening at the Stockholm Concert
Hall.
TM King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia and TRH Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip were all present for the ceremony, which
featured the traditional awarding of the prizes – a diploma and Nobel Medal – by the King and performances by tenor Joseph Calleja. Also attending were HRH Princess Christina and her husband, Mr
Tord Magnuson, and TRH Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, who flew up to Sweden to celebrate with the Luxembourger laureate, Professor Jules Hoffmann.
This year’s laureates were: Professor Bruce Beutle, Professor Jules Hoffman and Mr Ralph Steinman for Physiology/Medicine; Professor Saul Perlmutter,
Professor Brian Schmidt and Professor Adam Riess for Physics; Professor Dan Shechtman for Chemistry; Mr Tomas Tranströmer for Literature; and Professor Thomas Sargent and Professor Christopher
Sims for Economic Sciences. Professor Steinman is the only laureate since 1974 to be awarded a Nobel Prize posthumously, as the Nobel Committee was unaware of his death three days prior to the
announcement of the Physiology/Medicine prize. The rules were changed in 1974, stating the laureates must be alive at the time of the announcement. Professor Steinman’s widow, Mrs Claudia
Steinman, accepted the prize on her late husband’s behalf.
Following the ceremony, a gala banquet was held at the Concert Hall, where guests feasted on lobster with pickled winter vegetables, Guinea hen with
mushrooms and lingonberries, and mousse on cinnamon-spiced cake. Several of the laureates gave speeches.
Queen Silvia this year wore a repeated gown, first worn at the pre-wedding concert for the Crown Princess Couple in June 2011, an apricot-coloured floral
gown. She accessorised with Queen Sophia’s Diamond Tiara, aka the Nine Prong Tiara. Crown Princess Victoria, who is expecting her first child in March and spent a portion of the evening
rubbing her stomach as the baby kicked to the music, wore a midnight blue sequined evening gown (reportedly by either Elie Saab or Malene Birger) alongside an altered Six Button Tiara, with a new
diamond base. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa also recycled her Elie Saab gown, a wine red off-the-shoulder number with a gigantic bow front and centre. The gown was first worn in April, for the Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge’s pre-wedding dinner. The Grand Duchess wore the Chaumet Emerald Tiara.
Festivities continue today, with a dinner hosted by the King at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
Click here to read more about the 2011 Nobel
Prize.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand celebrated his eighty-forth birthday today, appearing on the balcony of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The King was joined on the balcony by his wife, HM Queen Sirikit, his eldest son, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, and two youngest daughters, TRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and
Princess Chulabhorn. Other members of the Royal Family, including the Crown Prince’s young son, were also present for the celebration, which saw thousands line the streets of Thailand’s capital
to catch a glimpse of the ailing King.
View the full image at Daylife
In his birthday speech, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is currently a patient at Siriraj Hospital, called for the Thai people to unite against the recent flood disaster to put their nation back
together. “It is a duty of everyone to cooperate and help each other,” the King told the crowds.
As per tradition, the King gave a royal pardon to over 22,000 prisoners to celebrate his birthday. The pardon was put into effect yesterday, and did not include ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who
is currently a fugitive overseas to avoid a two-year prison sentence stemming from a corruption conviction.
In the evening, a fireworks display was given in Bangkok, and again, thousands were in the streets for the beginning of week-long national celebrations, holding candles and portraits of the King.
Princess Marie of Denmark is expecting her second child.
As the new Prince or Princess for Denmark is expected to arrive in January 2012, it’s time to take a look back to some of Princess Marie’s most interesting maternity outfits so far.
Her first outfit after the announcement – she wore it by the end of August this year – was a pretty blue and white summer dress. A fresh and youthful appearance and certainly comfy looking
(image).
In September, Princess Marie attended inauguration of a monument to Denmark’s international efforts in Copenhagen, together with her husband and other members of the royal family. Princess Marie
wore a lovely plum coat with matching accessoiries in similar colors, such as light purple clothes and a light pink clutch. Her whimsical black hat in beret style looked very much like one of
Philip Treacy’s designs and has been accompanied with a braid (image, image).
A ravishing appearance Princess Marie delivered in October this year. Attending an AIDS event, she recycled a beautiful midnight blue and floor-length gown by MaxMara (image). A few days later, Princess Marie wore a camel coat by Marlene Birger for the opening of parlament, a cappucino
clutch by Bottega Veneta and a Borsalino (image).
Prince Joachim and Princess Marie’s visit to Japan offered a row of nice maternity outfits for Princess Marie. Visiting Pandora’s flagship store in Tokyo, she wore a nice and flattering
knee-length red dress with matching beige accessoiries (image, image). For an evening reception the Princess chose a black lace dress. The look was completed with turquoise drop earings (image).
Princess Marie was also spotted visiting a bakery store Tokyo, wearing a timeless black pant suit and a nice white top with butterflies (image). Another fashion highlight from the trip to Japan would be this creme-white ruffled dress, adding nice accessories such as a long necklace and an original
black bag (image).
For a meeting with Japan’s Empress Michiko Princess Marie of Denmark chose a classy white coat, highlighted with a pretty brooch and a black dress with a matching clutch (image).
One of the last sightings of Princess Marie, at a charity Christmas event in Gentofte on November 29, is another good example for how much her style has evolved during the last two years. She was
wearing a festive red dress, black heels and a black blazer. As highlight she added a rich floral red scarf (image,
image).
Déplacement de LL.AA.SS. le Prince et la Princesse de Monaco en Afrique du Sud
du 6 au 8 décembre 2011
Le Couple princier se rendra en Afrique du Sud à l'occasion de la
17ème Conférence des Nations-Unies sur le climatqui se tient à Durban du 28
novembre au 9 décembre 2011.
Le Souverain participera à la Séance plénière d'ouverture et à
différents ateliers de travail, au centre international ''Inkosi Albert Luthuli", le 6 et le 7 décembre.
Le Prince assistera à la soirée organisée par la Fondation des Nations-Unies, en
partenariat avec Sa Fondation, sur le thèmede l’efficacité
énergétique, le 6 décembre et Il ira, accompagné de la Princesse Charlène, à la
manifestation du PNUE intitulée 'One Billion Tree Campaign', au Moses Mabhida Stadium, le 7 décembre. A cette occasion, il rendra un hommage appuyé à Wangari Mattai, qui était également membre du
conseil d'administration de Sa Fondation.
Le 8 décembre, le Couple princier s'entretiendra avec l'archevêque
Desmond Tutu à Cape Town. La Princesse avait rencontré l'ancien Prix Nobel de la Paix en juillet dernier, et ils avaient émis le souhait de se revoir rapidement pour évoquer les différentes
actions humanitaires menées en Afrique du Sud afin d'établir des synergies avec la future Fondation de la Princesse .
Le Prince et la Princesse se rendront ensuite à la présentation du projet Polaris faite
par la Polar International Foundation, à la Clock Tower.
Préparation de la Conférence « Rio + 20 » à Monaco
(c) Gallo-Palais Princier
Lors de leur rencontre en septembre 2010 aux Nations-Unies, le Prince et SEM Zukang Sha , Secrétaire général du ‘Bureau for the preparatory Process of the United Nations Conférence on
Sustainable developpement (U.N.C.S.D.)’, ont souhaité qu’une place importante soit attribuée aux océans lors de la conférence « Rio+20 ». Il a été ainsi décidé que le Souverain apporte son
leadership en matière de protection des océans.
Afin de préparer ce rendez-vous international et de mettre en exergue cette question, la Principauté a mobilisé une trentaine d’experts de haut niveau pour travailler sur les enjeux de la «
gestion durable des océans dans le cadre d’une économie verte et de l’éradication de la pauvreté », en abordant plus particulièrement les thèmes de la sécurité alimentaire, de l’énergie et du
tourisme, du 28 au 30 novembre, à Monaco.
L’objectif de cet atelier d’experts a été de rédiger, sur la base des contributions des experts et participants, des conclusions et recommandations politiques concrètes qui seront intégrées au
processus préparatoire de « Rio+20 », afin de s’assurer, conformément à l’engagement de S.A.S. le Prince Souverain, que les mers et les océans figurent en haut de l’agenda politique de la CNUDD
en juin prochain.
Le Souverain a aujourd’hui participé à la session de restitution qui s’est tenue au Musée Océanographique. Il sera également présent à
Rio de Janeiro pour appuyer ces recommandations en juin 2012.
ALBERTO E CHARLENE PER LA PRIMA VOLTA DA SPOSI ALLA FESTA NAZIONALE DEL PRINCIPATO DI MONACO
(c) maxppp
Il 19 novembre è il giorno per antonomasia in cui la Famiglia reale monegasca celebra , unitamente ai
propri sudditi ed in maniera solenne, la Festa nazionale. Nel programma la Santa Messa di Ringraziamento e Te Deum alla Cattedrale di Monaco, che ha festeggiato in
giugno il suo centenario, ed il saluto alla popolazione dal balcone del Palazzo Principesco da parte di Alberto II affiancato, per la prima volta in qualità di Altezza
Serenissima, da Charlène Wittstock, e dalle sorelle con la sola prole della Principessa Reale Caroline, Andrea , Carlotta e Piero Casiraghi, e la
Principessina Alessandra, nata dal matrimonio con S.A.R. Ernst August de Hanovre. Come avviene da ogni celebrazione, mancavano i figli della Principessa
Stéphanie.
Mano nella mano, i Principi si sono mostrati dallo stesso balcone dove si erano già abbracciati da
sposi per la prima volte nel luglio scorso, rinnovando in questa giornata gioiosa gli sguardi teneri ed i modi affettuosi di Charlène per il suo Principe e suscitando, nel ricordo dei propri
sudditi, quelli di Grace Kelly per Ranieri III. Vi erano, inoltre, alle spalle dei Principi, i membri della famiglia de Massy e, dagli USA, il cugino del
Principe, Christopher Levine.
Charlène, splendida come ormai la conosciamo, ha sedotto tutti con l’abito firmato
Armani, composto da una sorta di mezza “chasuble” (ricordiamo che nella Cattedrale vi è stata effettuata la prima edizione del concorso di chasuble, la cappa liturgica, sotto la
presidenza di Carolina e la presenza dello stilista italiano Lorenzo RIVA. Il nostro giornale ha eseguito e pubblicato il reportage) di colore beige su tailleur e guanti di cuoio
intonati col colore. In seguito, il Principe Alberto II ha riunito gli ospiti nella Corte d’onore del palazzo per la visita alla Guardia principesca. Nel primo
pomeriggio è stato dato un pranzo ufficiale ed, in serata, un cocktail party per i Corpi Diplomatici prima di ritrovarsi, solamente con le personalità invitate, alla
serata di gala per la rappresentazione del Mefistotele alla "Salle des Princes" del Grimaldi Forum.
ALBERTO ET CHARLENE POUR LA PREMIÈRE FOIS COMME MARIES A LA FÊTE NATIONALE DE
MONACO
(c) Charly
Gallo
Photographe Centre de presse de Monaco
Le 19 novembre est le jour par excellence où la famille royale de Monaco célèbre avec ses sujets, et de manière solennelle, la Fête Nationale.
Dans le programme de la messe de Remerciement et le Te Deum à la Cathédrale de Monaco, qui vient de fêter son centenaire en juin, et le salut au peuple du haut du balcon du Palais du Prince,
Albert II, accompagné par Charlène, pour la première fois à la Fête Nationale en qualité d’épouse, ses sœurs et les enfants de la Princesse Royale
Caroline, Andrea , Charlotte et Piero, ainsi que la princesse Alexandra, née du mariage avec Ernst de Hanovre August, et, comme les célébration précédente , il n’y avait pas ceux de La Princesse
Stéphanie.
Main dans la main, donc, les Princes se sont présentés depuis le balcon où ils s’y étaient embrassés le jour de leur mariage pour la première
fois en Juillet, en renouvelant dans cette joyeuse journée, à la mémoire de ses sujets, le même souvenir et l'affection envers du Prince et de son épouse , comme ceux de Grace Kelly au Prince
Rainier III. Il y avait aussi la famille de Massy, et des Etats-Unis, le cousin du Prince, Christopher Levine.
(Copyright photos : Getty images & AP)
Charlene, merveilleuse, charmée des vêtements griffés Armani dérivés par moitié d'une sorte de «chasuble»,(souvenez-vous que dans la
cathédrale elle a été prsentée la première édition de "Chasubles" dans la Principauté , sous la présidence de Caroline et avec la présence du designer italien Lorenzo Riva) d'un costume
beige et de gants de cuir assortis à la couleur.
Plus tard, le Prince Albert II a rencontré les invités dans la Cour du Palais pour rendre visite à la garde princière. Dans l'après-midi il y a eu un déjeuner et un cocktail
pour le Corps diplomatique ainsi qu'en soirée, juste pour les invités, un gala avec une performance, à la Salle des Princes du Grimaldi Forum, du Mefistotele.
Here in Australia we have a strange relationship with royalty. We are fascinated with the lives of royals, and even more so when they visit our country. We
follow them endlessly in the media. This is true not only of the British Royal Family, which is technically also that of Australia, but also of the Danish Royal Family, since the wedding of
Frederik and Mary in 2004. And if you ask the average Australian, that's most likely the extent of their familiarity with royalty. Yet, when you press them on the question of royalty and of
the monarchy, you will get a wide range of response from those who are enamoured with them, to those who find the institution of monarchy objectionable for whatever reason.
Our relationship with the royals isn't too different, as such, to Americans' relationship with them, in the way we take an interest in their lives, sometimes to excruciating details, yet the very
concept of royalty and monarchy will cut like a knife. There are some who ask why should there even be such in this day and age, but there are more who understand the meaning and significance of
it all. And yet, the difference is that we in Australia live in a constitutional monarchy. But I beg to differ. We may be formally a monarchy, but we don't have a monarchy of our own.
That's the difference, and in my opinion, a very big difference. And that's why the institution and its benefits may not be appreciated by all. In a nutshell, it would seem so many of us are
royal watchers yet when pressed further, many responses reveal a certain ignorance and lack of real understanding of it all, which I feel is reflected in present-day discourse on the topic in
this country.
Yes, I am a monarchist. As someone who takes an interest in history and politics, I have come to that position not because I'm fascinated with the lives of today's royalty, maybe more out of a
sense of history, but first and foremost out of a sincere historical and philosophical convictions to justify the existence of monarchy in today's world, why it is more needed and relevant than
ever before. Moreover, it's not the debate over whether Australia (and other Commonwealth realms) should remain a monarchy, but whether existing monarchies should remain as monarchies. I think
the two are very different.
Every time this issue is brought up, we are confronted with questions about democracy, equality, cost and relevance in the modern world. Yet I find that many of these arguments against the
continuing existence of monarchies, especially in Europe, carry remarkably little weight against history and current realities. It is these which I aim to tackle and present a convincing argument
for supporting today's monarchies, or indeed making a case for constitutional monarchy as a viable system of government. And that many historical facts are simply lost on critics of today's
monarchies. It is these which I have always been keen to point out in defence of monarchy in today's world.
I am a monarchist because I believe the monarchies of Europe represent history, tradition and continuity, and are a guarantee of stability and unity above the machinations of party politics. They
act as a tentpole binding a nation together and representing continuity with its past- a continuity badly needed in an ever-changing world. This does not compare with monarchies elsewhere, such
as those of the Middle East (and a few other places), which actually do hold political power and make decisions which affect people's daily lives where they rule- but whose social, cultural and
historical context simply cannot be compared with Europe. But we'll get to that later.
Outdated, undemocratic or merely ancient?
Notions of political systems being antiquated or outmoded by modernity are fallacy. After all, today's existing systems of government- constitutional monarchies, republics, absolute monarchies,
and outright dictatorships- have in fact existed since antiquity and taken many, many forms. Some political systems- such as the (unwritten) constitutional monarchy of Great Britain or the
republican system of San Marino (not short of pomp or tradition) - evolved over many centuries, but modern notions of liberal democracy as most understand it date back to such events as the
Glorious Revolution of 1688, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution, even though such systems of government could be found in Ancient Greece and Rome. Thus any notion of a political
system being more modern and relevant than the rest does not hold much weight.
Let's ask the question if monarchies impede true democracy and equality. The constitutional monarchies of the Low Countries and Scandinavia happen to be some of the most tolerant and equitable
societies on the world. And all this while the monarchies of these countries provide unity, continuity and safeguard the political system. Europe over the 20th century experienced some
particularly traumatic changes through World War I, World War II and the Cold War. And such changes are too fresh in the minds of many to want to make serious changes. Indeed, one can learn from
the experiences of Portugal, Germany and Austria, where the demise of those monarchies was profoundly destabilising, and indeed may have contributed to the rise of totalitarianism. Because of
this, I find it unlikely that most people would want to change something that works. Far from losing relevance, monarchies are as relevant as ever in serving as a tentpole of society and
nation.
Though even 20 years after the end of the Cold War, there are some countries still dealing with the legacy of the not so distant past. It's in places like Serbia and Georgia where monarchist
sentiment has arisen in response to these issues. Both are countries who have had particularly demoralising experiences, where the current political class and system inspires very little in a way
of trust and confidence.
I also fail to see how having an elected head of state is any better alternative. Such a position can never claim to be free of partisan influence, whether chosen directly or indirectly. And
while Americans may trumpet their presidential republic, it is a system with serious flaws- namely that an elected head of state can never truly represent everybody, and is very often a divisive
figure. There is no tent pole around which people can rally and look to for moral authority and unity. It's an important issue to consider in the current political climate which has become
increasingly polarised and unpleasant. This is where the qualities of a monarchy, where a monarch is not affiliated with a political movement and is expected to have been prepared for the job
from the beginning, and will look out for the best interests of the nation and its people, as opposed to elected leaders who have become increasingly preoccupied with gaining and retaining
power.
History shows that monarchies have not impeded the move towards greater democracy and social justice, as Scandinavia and the Low Countries have demonstrated. There have been, of course, rare
exceptions of monarchies who have failed to do so- and the only European monarchies which have ever been abolished by popular vote have been Italy and Greece, arising out of exceptional
circumstances. Luxembourg, on the other hand, had voted overwhelmingly to retain its monarchy after World War I ended. A monarch who performs the tasks they are required to admirably can win
respect and love from all, regardless of their political affiliation, affluence or background, because of the continuity and history they represent. An elected head of state cannot do that and
very few have proven exceptional, such as Germany's Richard von Weizsäcker. Those statesmen who can inspire and captivate are very rare indeed. A monarchy is far more able to inspire and capture
the imagination of the people. Who would you be more likely to respect- an exemplary and gracious monarch like Margrethe II of Denmark, a symbol of a historic democratic transition like Juan
Carlos of Spain... or politicians whose opinions polarise and have vested interests behind them?
Compare this with the history of the United States, where moves towards greater equality- whether abolishing slavery, ending segregation, or even more recently the establishment of universal
healthcare- have often met with fierce opposition. Yet the German Empire had introduced universal male suffrage from the very beginning, and subsequently the world's first welfare state.
The other irony that is often lost on critics of monarchy is the fact that the republics of Latin America, who took pride in their republicanism and their rejection of monarchy, proved to be
anything but models of democracy or equality. In most of these countries, dictatorship and human rights violations were widespread, and indeed it has only been the last quarter of a century that
democracy and free elections have been the rule rather than the exception, or even efforts to address the inequities. And even there, such efforts face fierce resistance. In fact, with few
exceptions, most of the most undemocratic regimes of recent history have not been monarchies. There, as in many other places, one can find that elected institutions are not always held in high
regard by the population. Do you really want to give more power to such people? And what costs? The costs of monarchies are often talked about but not particularly large in the greater scheme of
things- and indeed politicians and elections do cost the taxpayer, and even more so in more fragile democracies.
At this moment, the Middle East is experiencing a profound change which may be comparable to the experiences of Europe of previous eras. And the people of the Arab world will have to consider
what sort of political system will work for them. One hopes they can think long and hard and learn from past examples. Even there, most of the Arab world's monarchies have not fared so badly thus
far, in comparison to some of the dictatorships that have been or will be ousted.
All these explain why I am a committed monarchist. While I follow the lives of today's royals and study royal history, I came to my position on the issue through much thought and observation. And
many critics of monarchy and royalty clearly have not put such thought into that. I think it can be safely concluded that a republic does not automatically represent greater democracy, progress
or equality than a constitutional monarchy.
:
Royal Monaco Riviera web magazine fondé par Luigi MATTERA est le PREMIER site online de Monaco en presse écrite . Royal Monaco Riviera, il primo sito online del Principato divenuto cartaceo.ARTE, CULTURA, SOCIETA' della Riviera Ligure e Costa Azzurra!
January 20, 2012 at
9:07 am by An Ard Ri
Hereditary Princess Caroline of Monaco. Princess Margarita of
Bourbon-Parma and Tjalling ten Cate released the first pictures of their daughter Paola. Princess Antoinette of Monaco died on 17 March. [
celebrate his birthday. June also saw the Grand Ducal family of
Luxembourg posing before the media and the British Royal Court released an official picture to mark the official visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada. Princess Hedwige of
Liechtenstein and her husband Count Olivier of Quelen had twin girls, named Béatrice and Raphaëlle, on June 10. They join older sister, Maïwenn. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of
Abu Dhabi and his second wife, née Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rachid Al Maktoum of Dubai, had their third child and second son together. Sheikh Hamdan was born on June 21 and joined full
siblings Sheikha Fatima and Sheikh Mohammed, and half-brother Sheikh Zayed. The 14th Duke of Croÿ, Prince Carl, died on June 14.
FORUM
daughter of
Princess ‘Ofeina Fakafanua and the late Fakafanua, on 28 July. Archduke Otto of Austria, Former head of the Imperial of Austria and Royal family of Hungary, died on 4 July. [
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and
Princess Alice of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein took place on August 26. The religious wedding was scheduled to take place on August 27, but due to the illness of the mother of the bride, the wedding has
been rescheduled for 2012. The Swedish Royal Court announced that the Crown Princess Couple, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, are expecting their first child, the future King or Queen
of Sweden, following his or her mother and grandfather. [
their first child in February 2012. The Crown
Prince and Crown Princess of Perak had their second child and first daughter on August 3. The Princess joined older son Prince Muzaffar. August brought the first day of school of Prince Sverre
Magnus of norway, son of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and new pictures were released of the Prince. [
Ismael and Lalla Anissa of Morocco, née Anissa Lehmkuhl,
had their second child and first daughter on October 9. The Princess joined older brother Prince Moulay Abdullah. Countess Maria Antonia von Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee, née Princess of
Hohenzollern, died on 11 October. Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia died on 21 October [
of Nassau
and of Bourbon-Parma, and Crown Prince Leka of Albania, aka King Leka of the Albanians died in November. [
In December Fürst Heinrich of Orsini and Rosenberg died. Princess
Alexandra of Kent, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, celebrated her 75th birthday on 25 December. Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein and Philipp von Lattorff had their 7th child and 2nd son,
Maximilian on 17 december. The couple are also parents to Lukas, Elisabeth, Marie Therese, Camilla, Anna and Sophia. [
of Austria and his wife née Princess Marie-Astrid
of Luxembourg, officially celebrated their respective engagements on 22 December. Archduke Imre got engaged to Kathleen Walker and Archduke Christoph got engaged to Adélaïde Drapé-Frisch.
News about the engagement of Archduke Christoph first emerged when he changed his Facebook status to engaged earlier this year. However nothing had been confirmed until 22
December. The Belgian Royal Court released new pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Brabant and their children, Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore. The
Spanish Royal family released their annual Christmas cards and the Danish Royal Christmas cards 
also found their way to the media. The Crown Princely family of
Denmark send out a new picture of their 4 children. The Queen and Prince-Consort of Denmark used a picture of them visiting Greenland, Princess Benedikte of Denmark and of
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, send a family picture of the religious wedding of her daughter Princess Nathalie, the Greek King and Queen had a picture taken of them and their grandchildren, the
Spanish Royal couple send out a neutral picture, the Prince and Princess of Asturias send out a picture of them with their daughters Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofía, the Duchess of Lugo
send a picture of her children, Froilán and Victoria, and the Duchess and Duke of Palma de Majorca used a picture from Miguel’s communion. It shows the Duchess and Duke with their 4
children, Juan, Pablo, Miguel and Irene. The King and Queen of the Belgians send out a card with a picture of them surrounded by round pictures of their grandchildren and Prince Laurent
and Princess Claire of Belgium send out their Christmas card with a new picture of them with their children, Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric. Princess Haya of Jordan, wife
of the Emir of Dubai, send out New Year wishes with 2 new pictures. The Princess has much to celebrate in the New Year, as she is expecting her second child. There were 3 newcomers this year
at the estate of the 
Queen of England during Christmas. Both the Duchess of
Cambridge and Mike Tindall celebrated their first Christmas with their husband/wife and the in-laws at the Sandringham estate. Savannah Phillips, the first great-grandchild of the
Queen, also celebrated her first Christmas at the Sandringham estate, as she was born just after Christmas last year. She’ll be joined by a younger brother of sister next year. The
Norwegian, Danish and British Royal families attended church for a Christmas service. We also saw pictures of the Queen of Spain, her eldest daughter with children, and her son with wife and
daughters watching Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Zarkana’ at Madrid Arena, and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark taking her 4 children to a playground in Aarhus.
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