BREAKING NEWS: Infanta Cristina of Spain not guilty

Cristina de Borbon, acquitted of tax fraud

(photo Casa Real press)

Infanta Cristina has been found not guilty of tax fraud. The Infanta, sister of King Felipe VI and daughter of King Juan Carlos I faces a fine of 265,000 euros after a trial lasting over a year.  Her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, has been found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison.

Royal round up, week ending March 8th 2014

A round up of all the news from Europe's royal houses for the week ending March 8th 2014...

Spain

The Infanta Cristina was pictured alongside her family for the first time in several months when she attended a memorial service in Greece for her maternal grandfather, King Paul, who died on March 6th 1964.  The event, which took place exactly fifty years after the king's death, was attended by Queen Sofia, the Prince and Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Elena as well as Cristina.  King Paul's son and successor, Constantine, was also present with his wife, Anne-Marie, and their children and grandchildren as was Princess Irene.

Queen Sofia of Spain with her three children - Elena, Cristina and Felipe - and her daughter in law, Letizia, at a memorial service for her father, King Paul of Greece, held on the 50th anniversary of his death, March 6th 2014

Before her departure for Greece, Queen Sofia had attended the inauguration of a training programme to help in the investigation of cyber crimes against children.  The event, held at the Canillas Police Complex in Madrid on March 3rd 2014, also included the launch of campaign to raise awareness of cyber crime against children and offer tips to parents and young people for keeping safe online.

Queen Sofia of Spain at the event she attended in Madrid on March 3rd 2014 to raise awareness of cyber crime against children and which included the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness of some of the dangers young people face on the internet

King Juan Carlos did not attend the memorial service in Tatoi, Greece for his father in law - it has been reported that the terrain in the cemetery where the event took place would have been too difficult for the king to negotiate as he continues his recovery from hip surgery.  But Juan Carlos I had one of his busiest weeks since his two hospital stays at the end of 2013.  On March 2nd 2014, the king was in Bilbao for the Global Forum Spain 2014 which brought together political and economic leaders to discuss growth and stability in Spain.  During his time in Bilbao, the king held audiences with the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, and Jeroen Dijsselbloem who is president of the Eurogroup on March 2nd 2014 before officially opening the forum on March 3rd 2014 at the Guggenheim Museum.

King Juan Carlos of Spain meets Christine Lagarde in Bilbao - both were in the city for the Global Forum Spain 2014 which began on March 3rd 2014

King Juan Carlos returned to Madrid in time for a meeting, on March 4th 2014, with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, who was on a two day official visit to Spain.  The king and the minister held talks at the Zarzuela Palace where they discussed Ukraine.

King Juan Carlos with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on March 4th 2014

King Juan Carlos held two audiences at the Zarzuela Palace on March 5th 2014.  Firstly, he met the Vice President of the European Union, Miguel Angel Martinez Martinez, and later held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Panama, Francisco Alvarez de Soto.  On March 6th 2014, again at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, the king presented the 9th Fondena Prize which is given in recognition of ecological projects.  The winner this year was the firm, Endesa, for its work in creating a new ecosystem though the restoration of mine openings in A Coruna in Galicia.

King Juan Carlos presents the Fondena Prize at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on March 6th 2014

The Prince of Asturias held a series of audiences on March 3rd 2014 at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.  Prince Felipe met members of the Spanish Association of Representatives of Foreign Banks before spending some time with the Catalina Hoffman Group Foundation which works towards making life better for older members of society.  The prince later held an audience with the organising committee of the third edition of the European Forum for Science, Technology and Innovation Transfer before meeting the Executive Committee of the Association for the Defence of the Transition which aims to promote knowledge of the transition.

Prince Felipe with members of the Catharina Hoffman Group Foundation with whom he held an audience on March 3rd 2014 at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid

On March 4th 2014, the Prince and Princess of Asturias attended a dinner held in honour of Enrique V. Inglesias, first Secretary General of the Ibero-American Cooperation Secretariat which aims to facilitate ties between Spain, Portugal and Latin America.  

The Prince and Princess of Asturias at a dinner recognising the work of Enrique V.Iglesias with the Ibero-American Co-operation Secretariat in Madrid on March 4th 2014

On March 7th 2014, the Infanta Elena continued a tradition that the Spanish royals have upheld for over 300 years.  Every year, on the first Friday of March, one of the family attends the Church of Our Father Jesus de Medinaceli to pray to the Christ of Medinaceli.  The Infanta kissed the feet of the statue of Christ of Medinaceli and spent some time in reflection.

The Infanta Elena of Spain kisses the feet of the statue of Christ of Medinceli on March 7th 2014 - the Spanish Royal Family has attended the church on the first Friday of March for over 300 years

United Kingdom

Prince Harry took centre stage in the British Royal Family this week. On March 3rd 2014, the prince represented his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at a service of thanksgiving for the life of Nelson Mandela held at Westminster Abbey in London.

Prince Harry greets Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a service in memory of Nelson Mandela held at Westminster Abbey on March 3rd 2014

On March 6th 2014, the prince was at the Olympic Park in Stratford in east London to launch the Invictus Games which he is helping to organise and which will take place at the venue in the summer of 2014.  The games, which are based on the Warrior Games which the prince attended in America, are for injured service personnel and Prince Harry joked that his version had to be bigger and better than the US event.

Prince Harry at the launch of the Invictus Games on March 6th 2014 at the Olympic Park in London

And on March 7th 2014, the prince was at the WE Day event at Wembley Stadium in London which celebrates global youth empowerment.  The prince made a speech at the event which was also attended by Princess Beatrice as well as stars including Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Hudson.  Education campaigner, Malala Yousafzai, was also there.

Prince Harry during his speech at the WE Day event at Wembley on March 7th 2014

The prince was supported at the event by his girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, marking one of the first occassions when the couple have been seen together in an official capacity.  Harry and Cressida were spotted hugging in the audience, fuelling rumours that an engagement announcement is imminent.

Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas at the WE Day event at Wembley on March 7th 2014

The Duke of Cambridge held an investiture at Buckingham Palace on March 4th 2014 on behalf of the Queen.  During the week it was confirmed that Prince George will accompany his parents on their forthcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand which gets under way in April 2014.  It was also confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had gone on holiday without their son, Prince George.  The couple are in the Maldives for a week while George stays with his maternal grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton.  After a busy few weeks, the Prince of Wales had just one engagement when he visited the Duchy of Cornwall farm in Herefordshire on March 4th 2014.

Prince George's last official appearance was at his christening in October 2013.  It was confirmed this week that the prince will accompany his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on their tour of New Zealand and Australia in April 2014

The Queen began her week by attending a reception, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, on March 4th 2014 at St James' Palace to mark the launch of the Music Trust at Christ Church, Oxford.  Earlier the same day, the Duke of Edinburgh had held a lunch for the charity Wildscreen at Buckingham Palace - he is their patron.  On March 3rd 2014, the duke had attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark his sixtieth anniversary as patron of the Canada Club.  On March 5th 2014, the Queen received the letters of credentials from the new ambassadors of Armenia and Myanmar at audiences at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen greets Kyaw Zwar Minn, the ambassador of Myanmar, when he presented his letters of credentials at Buckingham Palace on March 5th 2014

Later the same day, the Queen held a Council at Buckingham Palace which was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, who also had an audience with Elizabeth II afterwards.  Also on March 5th 2014, the Queen held one of her regular audiences with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, at Buckingham Palace.  Prince Philip held several receptions on March 5th 2014 for young people who have attained the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and the prince also hosted a lunch at Buckingham Palace on the same day for the charity Plan UK of which he is patron.  In the evening, the duke was at a dinner held by the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers of which he is a Freeman and Liveryman, in the City of London.  On March 6th 2014, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were in Surrey where they visited Reed's School in Cobham to celebrate its Bicentenary.  Queen Elizabeth II listened to a musical performance before unveiling a commemorative stained glass window while the duke unveiled a stone marking their visit.

Queen Elizabeth II on her arrival at Reed's School in Cobham, Surrey on March 6th 2014

The royal couple were in Windsor on March 7th 2014 where the Queen held an investiture at the Castle before attending the funeral of Lady Mary Clayton at the Royal Chapel of All Saints accompanied by the duke.

The Queen presents entertainer Michael Crawford with his CBE during an investiture at Windsor Castle on March 7th  2014

The Duke of York attended a reception at the Residence of the Egyptian Ambassador in London on March 3rd 2014 for the Egyptian British Business Council.   On March 4th 2014, the duke was in Leeds where he visited the College of Building before opening the Printworks Campus at the City College.  In the afternoon, Prince Andrew launched the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Apprenticeship Challenge and in the evening he presented the Leeds Apprenticeship Awards at the City Hall.

The Duke of York during his visit to the Leeds College of Building on March 4th 2014

The Duke of York held several audiences on March 5th 2014 at Buckingham Palace before attending a screening of 'Behind the Palace Gates' produced by Hackney Technical College and shown at the Biscuit Building in east London.  In the evening, the prince held a dinner at Buckingham Palace for the Duke of York's Community Initiative.  On March 6th 2014, Prince Andrew opened CoderDojo Hayes Recruitment in the City of London before launching the Training Centre of City Gateway in London that evening. On March 7th 2014, the prince was in County Durham where he opened the North Durham Academy in South Stanley and later the practical skills workshop at Darlington College.  He went on to visit the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in Darlington and visited Bike Stop, also in Darlington, to see a foundation for jobs scheme.

Prince Andrew during his visit to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington on March 7th 2014

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were in the Caribbean for much of the week as they undertook a series of engagements across the region in their roles as ambassadors for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  On March 1st 2014, the couple were in Barbados where they made separate visits linked to the scheme throughout the day and then attended a dinner together to mark the Award's 50th anniversary in Barbados at the Hilton Hotel,, Needham's Point, St Michael.  On March 2nd 2014, the couple travelled to Jamaica where they attended the Duke of Edinburgh's International Golf Cup Lunchen and Prize Giving at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club in St Catharines .  On March 3rd, the couple carried out a morning of separate engagements with the countess visiting Bustamente Hospital for Children while the earl spent time at Portmore Heart Academy in St Catharines.  The royal couple jointly attended a state luncheon given by the Governor General of the island.  In the evening, the couple were at a dinner for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation.  

Prince Edward on his arrival in Jamaica on March 2nd 2014 - the earl carried out a five day tour of Jamaica and Barbados with his wife during the week

On March 4th 2014, the Earl and Countess of Wessex laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in the National Heroes Park in Kingston before visiting the Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston - the countess had earlier made a solo visit to the Holy Family Infant and Primary School in the city while the earl was holding meetings linked to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.  In the evening, the royal couple attended a dinner given by the British High Commissioner to Jamaica.  On March 5th 2014, the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Bustamente Museum in Kingston before spending time at he Jamaica Defence Force Training Camp in the Blue Mountain National Park.  They went on to visit the Old Tavern Coffee Estate in the Park, the last engagement of their tour.  

The Earl and Countess of Wessex with members of the Jamaica Defence Force during their visit to its training camp on March 5th 2014

The Princess Royal was in Scotland on March 4th 2014 when she opened the Accessibility for Shipping Conference in Edinburgh in her capacity as patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board.  The princess returned to London for engagements on March 5th 2014 which began with a reception for Adult Learner Ambassdors at Buckingham Palace - Princess Anne is patron of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.  On the same day, the Princess Royal, who is Chancellor of the University of London, attended the International Programmes Annual Graduation Ceremony at the Barbican in London.  She finished her day's engagements with a reception at the Cavalry and Guards Club in her capacity as patron of the War Horse Ride 2014 which seeks to commemorate the 8,500 men and their horses of the British Cavalry Division who were involved in the early days of the First World War. The princess held an audience at Buckingham Palace on March 6th 2014 before going to the City of London Cemetery to unveil a memorial stone to the actress Dame Anna Neagle and her husband, director and producer Herbert Wilcox.  On the same day, Princess Anne attended a meeting of the National Equine Forum of which she is patron and in the evening was at a dinner for the Royal Corps of Signals, of which she is Colonel-in-Chief, at Blandford Forum in Dorset.  On March 7th 2014, the princess attended the Military Gold Cup in Esher.  And on March 8th 2014, she was at Murrayfield to see Scotland play France in the Six Nations Rugby Championship.

The Princess Royal unveils a memorial stone to Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox on March 6th 2014

Monaco

Prince Albert of Monaco paid a three day visit to Morocco beginning on March 5th 2014 to promote ties between the two countries and to visit projects supported by the Foundation which bears his name. He began his trip, on March 5th 2014, by opening an exhibition about the visits of the first Prince Albert of Monaco to Morocco in the 19th century.  On March 6th 2014, Prince Albert was at the archaeological site of Chellah - a favourite with the first Prince Albert as well.  Later the same day, Prince Albert visited the Orient Occident Foundation and AMSAT which supports people with Downs Syndrome.  On March 7th 2014 visited the National Park of Souss Massa where the bald ibis has been re-introduced with help from the Prince Albert Foundation.  Later that day he visited a medical centre which helps support special education.  

Prince Albert of Monaco with Prince Moulay Rachid during his three day visit to Morocco in March 2014

On March 8th 2014, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were at Murrayfield to see the Scotland-France tie in the Six Nations Rugby Championship where the princess was snapped sitting next to Harry Potter author, JK Rowling.  France won 19-17.

A princess in tartan - Charlene of Monaco wears plaid to watch Scotland play rugby at Murrayfield on March 8th 2014

Belgium

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians were in Verbier in Switzerland this week on holiday with their children.  The king and queen posed for photos along with Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore on March 3rd 2014.

The King and Queen of the Belgians with their children on their skiing holiday in Verbier, Switzerland 

The Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander began his week by opening an exhibition of art based around King Willem II of the Netherlands.  The exhibition, at the Dordrecht Museum, brings together many of the pieces that King Willem II collected during his lifetime.  He was known as a great art enthusiast but after his death his collection of paintings was sold off and many pieces ended up in other countries.  The exhibition aims to bring together as many of the works as possible and King Willem-Alexander opened it on March 4th 2014.

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands receives a book about his predecessor, King Willem II, at the opening of an exhibition about the 19th century monarch's art collection on March 4th 2014

On March 5th 2014, King Willem-Alexander received the credentials of the new ambassadors from Guyana and Ethiopia at audiences at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.  The following day, March 6th 2014, the king was in Alkmaar in the north of the Netherlands, to open the newly renovated Cheese Museum in the town.  The museum first opened in 1983 and has now been updated to include audio-visual facilities.  The king ended his week in Hoofddorp where he opened a sports complex which bears his name on March 7th 2014.

King Willem-Alexander at the opening of the renovated Cheese Museum in Alkmaar on March 6th 2014

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was in South America during the week where she carried out a five day tour of Colombia and Peru in her role as a special advocate of the Secretary General of the United Nations for inclusive finance for development.  The aim of the visit was to improve access to financial services.  Queen Maxima began her tour in Colombia on March 3rd 2014 where she visited the agricultural region of the town of Bucaramanga.

Queen Maxima at the start of her visit to Colombia on March 3rd 2014

On March 4th 2014, the queen was in Bogota where she met the Colombian Agriculture, Finance and Education ministers before attending the first meeting of the National Committee for Financial Education.  She also met representatives of the Coffee Growers Federation.  On the following day, March 5th 2014, the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, surprised the queen by briefly dropping in on a meeting she was about to hold with his wife, Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos. The president had to leave for a pre-planned engagement before Queen Maxima and the First Lady of Colombia headed off on their own planned visit to see some of the aid projects going on in the slum area of Ciudad Bolivar.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and the First Lady of Colombia, Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos, on their visit to Cuidad Bolivar on March 5th 2014

The Dutch queen travelled to Peru on March 5th 2014 and began her engagements there on March 6th 2014.  Queen Maxima attended a round table discussion on the progress of the Strategy for Inclusive Finance as well as meeting representatives from financial services organisations.  The queen also spent time with women in Lima who have benefited from credit programmes and held a meeting with the Peruvian Minister for Development and Social Inclusion.

Queen Maxima meeting some of the women who have benefited from credit programmes in Peru as part of her two day visit to the country

On March 7th 2014, Queen Maxima gave the keynote speech at the business event 'Strengthening Female Entrepreneurship' and took part in a round table discussion about women in business alongside the First Lady of Peru, Nadine Heredia de Humala. The queen met women who have set up their own firms including an entrepreneur who runs a sweet company and who presented Maxima with a lollipop in the shape of a tulip.  

Tulips for two - Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and the First Lady of Peru, Nadine Heredia de Humala, are presented with lollipops at a conference for businesswomen on March 7th 2014

The Dutch queen went on to meet the President of Peru, Ollante Humala, at his residence where the two held an audience.

The last engagement of Queen Maxima's five day tour of South America was an audience with the President of Peru, Ollante Humala, and his wife on March 7th 2014

Sweden

The King and Queen of Sweden led the royal family at a Te Deum in the Chapel of the Royal Palace in Stockholm on March 2nd to give thanks for the safe arrival of Princess Madeleine's daughter, Princess Leonore, who was born in New York on February 20th 2014.  

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden at the Te Deum for the safe arrival of Princess Leonore on March 2nd 2014 in Stockholm

On March 4th 2014, King Carl XVI Gustaf chaired an Advisory Council at the Royal Palace in Stockholm - it's a consultative body between parliament and the government.  Crown Princess Victoria was also present.  Later in the week, the princess travelled to Paris for a one day visit with her husband, Prince Daniel.  The royal couple's first engagement on March 6th 2014 was a visit to the Paris Opera House where they toured the building and went backstage, stopping off in the costume department.

Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden during their visit to the Paris Opera House on March 6th 2014

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel then had lunch at the Swedish Embassy in Paris where they met Swedish businesspeople working in the city.  In the afternoon, they went to the Petit Palais to open an exhibition of the work of Carl Larsson.  The Swedish artist spent a lot of time in the city in the 1880s and over 120 of his paintings are on display as part of the exhibition.

Prince Daniel of Sweden studies a self portrait of Carl Larsson while Crown Princess Victoria looks on - they opened an exhibition of the Swedish artist's work in Paris on March 6th 2014

Earlier in the week, Prince Daniel had visited the company Hyper Island at their offices in Stockholm. The firm specialises in education and training linked to digital and interactive media.

Prince Daniel hears about the training offered by Hyper Island during his visit to the company's offices in Stockholm on March 3rd 2014

On the same day, Prince Carl Philip was in Taby near Stockholm to visit high tech company micronic mydata to see its production work. The electronics firm has been in business for over 30 years.

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden during his visit to an electronics firm on March 3rd 2014

During the week, the Royal Household launched its own You Tube channel which will feature videos of current events as well as archive of historic moments in Swedish royal history and offer a chance to see inside the Royal Palaces.  Its most popular video so far is coverage of the wedding of Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill closely followed by Princess Estelle's Christmas preparations from 2013.

The image used to launch the Swedish Royal Family's You Tube channel which went live at the beginning of March 2014

Denmark

Queen Margrethe II and her consort, Prince Henrik, held a press conference on March 4th 2014 ahead of the state visit by the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, between March 17th and March 19th 2014. The royal couple met Turkish journalists, posed for photographs and answered questions during the event at the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.  At the end of the week, March 6th 2014, Queen Margrethe was in London where she attended the opening of an exhibition called 'Vikings: Life and Legend' at the British Museum.

The Queen of Denmark answering questions from Turkish journalists during the press conference she held, alongside her husband, on March 4th 2014

On March 2nd 2014, Crown Prince Frederik took part in the annual Vasaloppet, a 90 kilometre cross country skiing competition in Sweden.  The prince completed the course in seven hours and 22 minutes.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark taking part in a skiing competition in Sweden on March 2nd 2014

Crown Princess Mary launched a new anti bullying project on March 6th 2014.  The princess visited Sundbyoster school to begin the initiative which is organised and run by her Mary Foundation.  The scheme is called 'Free from Bullying' and is a digital project which involves an e-book and electronic discussion boards as well as physical activities to encourage friendship and debate to stamp out bullying.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark arrives at Sundbyoster School to launch an anti bullying project on March 6th 2014

The Danish Royal Household also released the programme for the Crown Princess' visit to New York which will take place on March 10th and 11th 2014.  Prince Joachim was in Brussels this week to give a speech at the Diabetes Association Conference.  The prince also visited the Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital during his one day visit on March 4th 2014.  At the end of the week, the prince attended a business conference organised by High:Five which works towards getting ex-offenders back into work.  Prince Joachim made a speech at the conference which was held on March 6th 2014 in Copenhagen.  

Prince Joachim of Denmark during his visit to the Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital in Brussels on March 4th 2014

Norway

King Harald presented new Standards to the Norwegian Navy and Naval Command on March 3rd 2014 in a ceremony in the Standards Hall at the Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

King Harald during the ceremony in which he presented new Standards to the Norwegian Navy and Naval Command on March 3rd 2014

The king's first audience of the week was also linked to the Navy.  On March 3rd 2014, he met Rear Admiral Nils Johan Holte at the Royal Palace in Oslo.   On March 6th 2014, King Harald was joined by Queen Sonja at the audience he held with the Secretary General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the Royal Palace.  Later the same day, the king held an audience with the new ambassadors of Indonesia, Mongolia, Uganda and Turkey to receive their letters of credentials at the Royal Palace in Oslo.  On March 7th 2014, King Harald held a farewell audience at the palace for the outgoing ambassador of Chile, Juan Anibal Barria.  On the same day, and also at the Royal Palace, the king presided over a Council of State - the Crown Prince was also in attendance.  The king then held two audiences - firstly with Rear Admrial Jan Sommerfelt-Pettersen and later with Per Haddal who was also appointed an officer of the Order of St Olav.  The King of Norway ended his week by attending the Holmenkollen FIS World Cup Nordic skiing championships in Oslo accompanied by his sister, Princess Astrid.  They arrived on March 8th 2014.  They were later joined by Queen Sonja, the Crown Prince and Princess and their family and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Queen Sonja of Norway with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands in Oslo during the weekend of March 8th-9th 2014

Queen Sonja's main engagement of the week was hosting a tea party for women from minorities which took place at the Royal Palace in Oslo on March 6th 2014.  The Crown Prince began his week by attending an anti-bullying day event in Narvik in northern Norway.  There was a special focus on stamping out cyber bullying and the event was part of Public Health Week.  On March 6th 2014, the Crown Prince opened a conference on Young Leadership organised by the Peace Corps which took place in Oslo.  Over 200 young people took part and looked at issues including entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa and caring for older people.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway at the Young Leadership conference he opened on 

March 6th 2014

On March 8th 2014, Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended events marking Women's Day at Eidsvoll.  And Princess Astrid led royal participation in celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Norwegian Sailing Ship Club when she attended a special dinner at the Oslo Seamans' Society on March 2nd 2014.

Princess Astrid at the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Norwegian Sailing Ship Club in Oslo on March 2nd 2014

Royal round up, week ending February 8th 2014

A round up of all the news from Europe's royal houses for the week ending February 8th 2014

Spain

The Infanta Cristina, second daughter of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, appeared in court in Mallorca on February 8th to answer questions linked to investigations into financial irregularities.  The Infanta arrived at court by car and walked the final steps into the court room.  She gave her evidence in a court room dominated by a photograph of her father, Juan Carlos.

Infanta Cristina of Spain arriving at the court in Mallorca where she was questioned on February 8th 2014

The Spanish royal family had maintained a high profile in the week.  King Juan Carlos I, accompanied by Queen Sofia and the Prince and Princess of Asturias, led the reception for the Diplomatic Corps which took place at the Royal Palace in Madrid on February 5th 2014.  The king gave a speech during the event - it was heavily scrutinized after Juan Carlos appeared to have trouble, in parts, reading the speech he gave at the Pascua Militar on January 6th but this event passed smoothly.

King Juan Carlos during his speech at the reception for the Diplomatic Corps on February 5th 2014 at the Royal Palace in Madrid

Earlier in the week, on February 3rd 2014, the king had held an audience with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.  On the same day, Queen Sofia visited the offices of the Spanish Postal Service in Madrid where she saw how ordinary and special mail is handled and received a telegram.  

Queen Sofia of Spain signs for a telegram on her visit to the Spanish Postal Services on February 3rd 2014 in Madrid

On February 6th 2014, the queen held an audience at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid with the Spanish representation of the Standing Committee of the Board of UNICEF to hear about their current work and plans for the future.  Later that same day, the queen was at the National Music Auditorium in Madrid for a concert by young musicians in the city.

Queen Sofia of Spain on her arrival at a concert at the National Music Auditorium in Madrid on February 6th 2014

On the same day, the Prince and Princess of Asturias were in Granada where they visited an exhibition at the Alhambra on medieval art and culture in al-Andalus.  They went on to present the Federico Garcia Lorca prize for poetry to the Mexican artist, Eduardo Lizarde.  And they held an audience with representatives from the Granada Press Association.  But it was the photo of Felipe and Letizia with their arms around one another at the Alhambra that grabbed the most attention - the image was captured after weeks of speculation about a possible crisis in their marriage.

The Prince and Princess of Asturias at the Alhambra on February 6th 2014

On February 7th 2014, Prince Felipe traveled to Tunisia for events to mark the adoption of the country's new constitution.  Earlier in the week, the Princess of Asturias had carried out a solo engagement when she attended the third annual Forum Against Cancer held in Madrid on February 4th 2014.

The Princess of Asturias during her speech at the Forum Against Cancer on February 4th 2014 in Madrid

The Infanta Elena was at the celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of the foundation of the International Forum of Women Leaders which was held in Madrid on February 6th 2014.

The Infanta Elena at the event in Madrid marking the tenth anniversary of the International Forum of Women Leaders on February 6th 2014

Monaco

The first photos emerged of the religious wedding of Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo - it took place in Gstaad on February 1st 2014.  The bride wore a dress designed by Valentino and a diamond tiara belonging to Princess Caroline.

Hola and Hello magazines ran the first photos of the religious wedding of Andrea and Tatiana Casiraghi which took place in Gstaad on February 1st 2014

Prince Albert had travelled to Gstaad for the ceremony along with Princess Caroline, Andrea's mother and his siblings.  Princess Charlene was not at the wedding - that afternoon her foundation was involved in a rugby challenge organised to mark the feast of Monaco's patron, Saint Devote.  In the evening the princess attended a major boxing event in Monte Carlo.   

Princess Charlene of Monaco in Monte Carlo  on February 1st 2014

Prince Albert, a member of the International Olympic Committee, was in Sochi in Russia on February 5th for a meeting ahead of the start of the Winter Olympics.  He was joined by his wife at the opening ceremony on February 7th 2014.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in Russia on February 7th 2014

And the first photos of Charlotte Casiraghi with her partner, Gad Elmaleh, and their newborn son appeared in the week.  They were snapped pushing Raphael in his pram in Gstaad after the wedding of Charlotte's brother, Andrea.  

Charlotte Casiraghi and her partner, Gad Elmaleh, are photographed with their son, Raphael, for the first time since his birth in December 2013.  The photos were taken in Gstaad this week.

United Kingdom

The Queen began her official engagements again after her Christmas break - she traditionally stays at Sandringham in Norfolk until the anniversary of her accession, and of her father's death, on February 6th. The Queen's first engagement of 2014 was at Royal Air Force Marham in King's Lynn in Norfolk on February 3rd 2014.  Queen Elizabeth II viewed displays and attended a reception.  In the evening, the Duke of Edinburgh attended a dinner for the Rotary Club of King's Lynn of which he is an honorary member and Paul Harris Fellow.  The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had attended a church service in West Newton in Norfolk on February 2nd 2014 where the Queen presented prizes for children's church attendance. Elizabeth II kept the anniversary of her accession privately at Sandringham.

The Queen at RAF Marham in King's Lynn in Norfolk on February 3rd 2014 - it was her first pubic engagement of the year

Prince George was photographed for the first time since his christening when the baby king in waiting and his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, were pictured changing planes in St Lucia on their way to a holiday in Mustique earlier this year.  On February 8th 2014 it was reported that Prince William, who is still studying at Cambridge University, and Prince Harry had flown to Spain for a private trip to hunt wild boar.  The Duke of Cambridge is due to launch a wildlife campaign on February 9th 2014 and the timing of the visit caused controversy.

The photos of Prince George and the Duchess of Cambridge were published this week in Hello! magazine

The Prince of Wales led news bulletins around the UK on February 4th 2014 when he visited the flood hit county of Somerset to hear complaints from residents about the lack of help they have had since their properties and land were plunged under water at the end of 2013.  The prince expressed sympathy with the plight of those living there and pledged £50,000 from his Prince's Countryside Fund.

Prince Charles in flood hit Somerset which he visited on February 4th 2014

Earlier in the week, on February 3rd 2014, the prince had held an audience with Air Chief Marshall Sir Andrew Pulford at Clarence House and that evening he hosted a dinner and concert at Buckingham Palace in his capacity as patron of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra.  On February 5th 2014, the Prince of Wales visited Tottenham in north London to find out how the area is recovering from the riots that hit London and other parts of England in the summer of 2011.  Its the fourth time the prince has been to Tottenham since the riots and on his visit he met families whose homes had been hit by the violence.  He visited Centre 639 which had been badly damaged in the riots but was fully restored and is now home to budding entrepreneurs.  

The Prince of Wales with Mehmet and Burcin Akbasak who lost their home in the 2011 riots - they have since had twin daughters who seemed keen to meet the prince on his visit to Tottenham on February 5th 2014.

On the same day the prince presented the Prince of Wales' Intelligence Community Awards at St James' Palace and held an audience with representatives from the British Asian Trust.  In the evening he attended a reception for the trust at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  The prince ended his week by holding an investiture at Buckingham Palace on February 7th 2014.

The Prince of Wales with singer, Emeli Sande, at the reception for the British Asian Trust at the Victoria and Albert Museum on February 5th 2014

As the same day her husband was at the British Asian Trust's reception, February 5th 2014, the Duchess of Cornwall held a tea for the organisation at Clarence House to celebrate the work of British Asian businesswomen.  That evening, the duchess held a reception at Clarence House for the War Memorials Trust of which she is patron. She had earlier held an audience with the outgoing Chairman of the Trust, John Cluff, and then met his succcessor, Peter McCormick.  The day before, the Duchess of Cornwall had held a lunch at Clarence House to mark the eigthieth anniversary of the Brooke Hospital for Animals, of which she is patron.

The Duchess of Cornwall with some of the entrepreneurs she met at a tea for the British Asian Trust at Clarence House on February 5th 2014

On February 6th 2014, the Duchess of Cornwall attended an event to celebrate the achievements of women from New Zealand working in the UK.  It was held at New Zealand House in London on Waitangi Day, the anniversary of the signing of the treaty that laid the foundations for the modern country.  The duchess revealed that she hadn't visited New Zealand until 2012 because of a fear of flying.

The Duchess of Cornwall uses a traditional hongi greeting with Esther Jessop of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club at an event to mark Waitangi Day on February 6th 2014

The Duke of York held an audience at Buckingham Palace on February 4th 2014.  Later the same day, the duke held a meeting at Lancaster House in London for the British Saudi Business Council and that evening hosted a reception at St James' Palace for the organisation.  On February 5th 2014, the Duke of York carried out several engagements in Kent including unveiling a monument to the Small Arms School Corps in Hythe (he is their Colonel-in-Chief) and holding a lunch for the charity, Kick Start Kent in Maidstone, which aims to get fifty companies to take on an apprentice in the next year.  He also visited East Sussex where he opened the offices of Working Rite in Hastings - the charity offers mentoring to young people looking for work.  In the evening, the duke attended a reception given by the Saudi Arabian ambassador.

The Duke of York at Working Rite in Hastings - he opened their new offices on February 5th 2014

The Earl of Wessex held a meeting at Buckingham Palace on February 3rd 2014 in his role as Vice Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.   On February 4th 2014, the earl attended a lunch for the Sport and Recreation Alliance at the Goring Hotel in London - he is the alliance's patron.  The Countess of Wessex spent several days in France in her role as patron of the Combined Services Winter Sports Association, arriving on February 4th 2014.  That day the countess watched the finals of the Snowboard Parallel Slalom in Meribel before attending a dinner.  On February 5th 2014, the Countess of Wessex watched the Classic and Alpine Slalom  in Meribel before attending a reception and later a dinner in the resort.  The Princess Royal also spent most of the week abroad as she headed to Russia for a string of engagements.

The Princess Royal at the International College of Economics and Finance, National Research University - Higher School of Economics in Moscow which she visited on February 4th 2014

Princess Anne began her trip with a visit to the International College of Economics and Finance, National Research University - Higher School of Economics in Moscow in her capacity as Chancellor of the University of London on February 4th 2014.  She travelled to Sochi on the same day and attended a reception at Rus Hotel and Spa in the resort.  On February 5th 2014, the Princess Royal attended a meeting of the International Olympic Committee in Sochi and caused controversy by calling for less spectacle in opening ceremonies.  On February 7th 2014, the princess attended the official start of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The Princess Royal at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in Russia on February 7th 2014

The Duke of Kent attended a dinner in London on February 3rd for the Royal Institution of Great Britain - he is their president.  The Duke of Gloucester held an audience at Kensington Palace on February 4th 2014 while the Duchess of Gloucester, who is Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association, was in Florida to see Great Britain beat the United States in the Davis Cup for the first time since 1935.  

Denmark

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark was in Sochi this week - as a member of the International Olympic Committee he attended its meeting on February 5th 2014 in the resort ahead of the start of the Winter Games which got under way officially on February 7th 2014.  

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the IOC meeting in Sochi on February 7th 2014

Crown Princess Mary launched a programme of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the introduction of compulsory education in Denmark on February 3rd 2014.  The princess opened an exhibition called 'Teacher of Life' in Copenhagen as part of the celebrations.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark starts several months of celebrations commemorating the introduction of compulsory education in Denmark in 1814

On February 4th 2014, the princess presented the Danish Cancer Society Honorary Award at a ceremony in Copenhagen. 

Princess Mary of Denmark presenting the Danish Cancer Society Honorary Award in Copenhagen on February 4th 2014

And on February 6th 2014, the princess presented the EliteForsk awards in Copenhagen.  The research grants have been given to five Danish scientists.  And on the same day, Crown Princess Mary opened an exhibition featuring works bu Van Gogh and Gauguin at Ordrupgaard Museum in Charlottenlund.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark opening an art exhibition on February 6th 2014

The Crown Princess celebrated her 42nd birthday privately on February 5th 2014.  On February 6th 2014, her sister-in-law, Princess Marie, turned 38 and again the celebrations were private.  Princess Marie and her husband, Prince Joachim, had attended a dinner at the French embassy in Copenhagen on February 5th 2014 held in honour of the philosopher, Bernard Henri-Levy.

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie at the French Embassy in Copenhagen on February 5th 2014

On February 3rd 2014, Prince Joachim attended the opening of an exhibition about motor racing history at the Tekniske Museum in Helsingor with his two sons by his first marriage, Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix.

Belgium

On February 4th 2014, King Philippe of the Belgians visited the Belgian Royal Mint in Brussels to see the first coins bearing his image being struck.  

King Philippe of the Belgians with one of the new coins bearing his image.  The first coins were symbolically struck when he visited the Belgian Royal Mint on February 4th 2014

On February 3rd King Philippe held his regular meeting with the Belgian Prime Minister, Elio di Rupo.  On February 5th 2014, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde held a reception for Belgian heads of diplomatic posts around the world who were in Brussels for contact days.  The event, along with a similar audience on February 3rd hosted by Princess Astrid, took place at the Royal Palace.

The king and queen of the Belgians pose with Belgian diplomats from around the world at the Royal Palace in Brussels on February 5th 2014

Later that day, the king and queen were joined by King Albert II and Queen Paola along with Princess Astrid to mark the 150th anniversary of the Belgian Red Cross at a seminar in Brussels.

King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, King Albert II and Queen Paola along with Princess Astrid at the event marking 150 years of the Belgian Red Cross in Brussels on February 5th 2014

On February 6th 2014 King Philippe and Queen Mathilde paid a one day official visit to Paris where they were greeted by President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace - one of the first big events there since the president split from his long term partner, Valerie Trierweiler.  The royal couple arrived by train and laid a wreath at the statue of King Albert I.  But the main part of their visit was a working lunch at the Elysee Palace with President Hollande and other government officials.  They were joined by the Belgian Prime Minister at the meeting.

President Francois Hollande with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians in Paris on February 6th 2014

On February 1st 2014, Prince Laurent attended the fourth Magritte and Cinema event in Brussels.

The Netherlands

The king of the Netherlands held an audience on February 4th 2014 with the new finance minister at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague before visiting the Foundation for Debt Relief in Maasland in the west of the Netherlands.  On the same day the king was at the Kuntshal in Rotterdam to open an exhibition called 'The Second World War in 100 Objects'.

King Willem-Alexander views one of the 100 objects which tell the story of the Netherlands in World War Two in a new exhibition in Rottedam which he opened on February 4th 2014

Queen Maxima was in New York on February 3rd and 4th 2014 where she visited the United Nations as part of her role as a special advocate of the Secretary-General for inclusive finance linked to development work.

.Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in New York on February 4th 2014

The king and queen travelled to Sochi in Russia on February 7th 2014 for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.  The following day they toured the Olympic site on special bicycles and paid a visit to the Dutch athletes staying at the Olympic village.  They will be at the Games until February 11th 2014.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands with the Dutch team at the Winter Olympics in Sochi on February 8th 2014

Sweden

King Carl XVI Gustaf held a special meeting of the cabinet at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on February 7th to receive briefings from different government departments about future plans.  Crown Princess Victoria was also there.  The king holds these special cabinet meetings three or four times a year to keep up to date with what the government is doing.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria at the special cabinet meeting held at the Royal Palace in Sweden on February 7th 2014

The Crown Princess had spent the first part of the week in Umea as part of a three day visit to the European Capital of Culture with her husband, Prince Daniel, and their daughter, Princess Estelle.  On February 2nd 2014 they ended their visit with a trip to the Anderson Gallery to see some modern art with Princess Estelle stealing the show.

Princess Estelle of Sweden starts her own personal tour of the Anderson Gallery in Umea which she visited with her parents on February 2nd 2014

Prince Daniel was in Gavle, at the university, on February 6th as part of his work with the Prince Daniel Fellowship where he spoke to students about entrepreneurship.  

On February 6th 2014 Prince Daniel visited Gavle to talk to university students about entrepreneurship

Prince Carl Philip started Rally Sweden on February 5th 2014 in Farjestad - the race is in twenty four stages and ends in Karlstad on February 8th 2014.  And on February 7th 2014 he attended the Chef of the Year Awards in Stockholm and took part in the tasting and judging of the competition.  The prince later presented the gold medal to Philip Fasten.

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden presents the Gold Medal at the Chef of the Year competition in Stockholm to winner, Philip Farsten

Norway

King Harald of Norway began his week on February 3rd 2014 with an audience at the Royal Palace in Oslo with the Chief of the Norwegian Army.  On February 4th 2014 the king presented the National Society for Public Health Heart prize at the Norwegian Theatre in Oslo - it is given for research in cardiovascular health and was won this year by Professor Guro Valen.  On February 6th 2014 he held an audience at the Royal Palace with the Norwegian minister for Foreign Affairs - Queen Sonia was also in attendance.  On February 7th, King Harald held an audience with the Norwegian Prime Minister and then a Council of State which Crown Prince Haakon Magnus also attended.  Later in the day the king held an audience with Professor Mads Gilbert who he appointed to the Order of St Olav and then representatives of the Polytechnic Society.  On February 7th, Queen Sonia opened an exhibition about Norwegian artist Christian Krohg in Copenhagen to emphasise the cultural ties that have grown between the two countries since their separation in 1814.  

King Harald at an awards ceremony in Oslo on February 4th 2014

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus attended a seminar on February 5th 2014 as part of an ongoing week of events organised by Blue Cross, an inter denominational organisation working to prevent and treat alcohol and drug addiction problems.  The Crown Prince was in Sanderfjord to take part in a discussion about dignity and care and the importance of transparency when dealing with drug problems.

Prince Haakon Magnus at the Blue Cross seminar on February 5th 2014

Crown Princess Mette-Marit began her week by presenting a prize for research in mental health and drugs to Paul Soren for his work on the importance of expectant mothers taking folic acid. The ceremony took place on February 4th 2014 in Trondheim.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit presenting Paul Soren with his award for research in the field of mental health on February 5th 2014

On the following day the Crown Princess attended the launch of a non fiction magazine, Faktafyk, which will be distributed free of charge to 125,000 school pupils.  Also on February 5th 2014, Princess Mette-Marit opened a photographic exhibition at Oslo City Hall called 'Too Young to Wed' which aims to highlight the fate of young girls around the world forced into marriage.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway at the exhibition 'Too Young to Wed' which she opened on February 5th 2014 at Oslo City Hall

And at the end of the week, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus was photographed filming publicity and marketing material for the Winter Youth Olympic Games which take place in Lillehammer in 2016.  The prince was snapped filming in Oslo on February 7th 2014.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway filming in Oslo as part of his support for Lillehammer 2016 - the Winter Youth Olympic Games