The Royal Christmas Spirit

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians gets musical in time for Christmas

(photo MonarchieBe Twitter)

It's time to admit it, stop ignoring it and enjoy it. The Christmas season is well and truly upon us and as if the baubles in the shops and the tinsel on the trees wasn't enough to confirm it. Europe's royals have had a right old festive frenzy to get us all in the party spirit. December 6th was awash with regal festive events - time to enjoy the royal Christmas spirit.

Conservatoire Royal d'Anvers @Conserv_antw : enseignement de qualité en musique et arts de la scène, formation d'enseignants #Antwerpen pic.twitter.com/15weJbrdfq

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) December 6, 2016

Every Christmas party needs music and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians came over all classical as she paid a visit to the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. It helps train aspiring musicians in a wide range of disciplines and Mathilde got in the musical mood as she heard performances and spoke to pupils and teachers.

Embed from Getty Images

What could be more festive than a trip to the theatre for a bit of an entertainment fest? The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended this year's Royal Variety Performance where they met performers including Lady Gaga, David Walliams and Robbie Williams. And Camilla was in a red that was so festive it put Santa Claus to shame.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark held a Christmas reception for her Mary Foundation at the Frederick VIII Palace, Amalienborg on December 6th. It was a chance to celebrate the work of a busy year and to thank those who support the foundation.

Embed from Getty Images

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia were in Paris for a St Lucia concert at Notre Dame. The feast of St Lucia, an important part of Christmas celebrations in Sweden, takes place on December. Stand by for cute photos of the royal grandchildren.

(photo kungahuset.se)
Their daughter-in-law, Princess Sofia, was giving out presents as the festive spirit took hold. The princess, celebrating her first birthday as a mum, was at a healthcare seminar in Stockholm where she presented a leadership award and looked rather radiant while she was at it.

Congratulations to artist Sir Michael Craig-Martin, made a Knight Bachelor today by The Duke of Cambridge at #BuckinghamPalace #Investiture pic.twitter.com/x3UieILYdh

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 6, 2016

The Duke of Cambridge was also dishing out honours as he presided over the final investiture of the year. Among those receiving honours were footballer Alan Shearer, rewarded for his charity work, and Barry Evason who was recognised for his support for adults with learning difficulties.

Embed from Getty Images

Christmas is all about helping others and Queen Maxima was given a good idea of how scouts in the Netherlands try and make society a better place when a troop visited her at the Noordeinde Palace. Reaching out to those in need - that really is the festive spirit.