The diadem of diamond daisies bought for a queen to be

The Crown Princess of Norway in her diamond daisy tiara 

(photo Jorgen Gomnaes, Royal Court Norway)

April is all about spring, new life and the fun that comes from the sun starting to shine again. So it's no surprise that the month's birth flower is a daisy, that pretty little reminder of everything that is lovely about spring. The birth stone is a diamond which, let's face it, would suit any month of the year but April got lucky and got the biggest sparkler of them all. And one rather well known piece of royal jewellery brings the two together - the Diamond Daisy tiara that belongs to Mette-Marit of Norway.

Norway's August Royal Brides

August might be a popular time for brides across Europe but for royal brides, it's not that hot a date. What with all those regal relatives heading off to their summer palaces for a bit of a break, getting all the royal guests in one place for an August wedding can be hard work. But in one country, they don't let that get in their way of holding a royal wedding. Norway loves an August marriage and in the last fifty years, it's given us two of the continent's biggest royal weddings in that month. Here's a look back at two royal August brides....

Royal Christmas - Norway

The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway got the royal Christmas celebrations under way when they attended a church service in Uvdal with their children on Christmas Eve.  Haakon Magnus, Mette-Marit and the family were in the 19th century church for the ceremony before heading off to their nearby home for Christmas.  A little sprinkling of snow and big smiles added the perfect finishing touch to these festive snaps.

 

Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway comes over all shy greeting the pastor at the church service in Uvdal he attended with his family on Christmas Eve 2013

 

 

 

Europe's royals out of synch on summer holidays

Just as the Scandinavian royals are getting back to work, Queen Elizabeth II is starting her break in Scotland.  The Queen has been out and about inspecting Scottish soldiers as she settles into a long break at Balmoral.  And very pleased she looked too - she is said to love her Highland retreat above all her other castles and palaces.  And as she settles into comfy clothes and picnics on tartan rugs, she has a lot to be pleased about.  Another successful 60th celebration, this year for the Coronation, plus a line of succession more secure than at any time since the Victorian era.  Prince Philip is on the mend and about to start royal engagements again.  And another grandchild, Zara, is on the path to motherhood and a happy family of her own.  That's the way to start a holiday.

 

All smiles as the Queen begins her annual Scottish holiday in August 2013

 

But some of her Scandinavian cousins are back to work after their summer hols.  King Harald of Norway is due to preside over the Council of State at his Royal Palace today while Princess Mary of Denmark was first off the blocks with an official engagement at the Danish fashion week starting off her new school year of activities.

 

 

 No summertime blues for Mary - a navy print dress with white trims was her first back to school outfit of 2013

 

Princess Isabella is back to school for real next week and from that point the Danish royals will be out of holiday mode for good for another year.