July 20, 2024
Prince Haakon celebrates his 51st birthday: New photos of the heir apparent
Today, Prince Haakon celebrates his 51st birthday. On this occasion, not only the Norwegian court but also the “De kongelige samlinger,” the Royal Collection, have shared new photos of the heir apparent – and they could hardly be more different. The court shares a recent photo of Haakon, in which he smiles at the camera in a friendly yet reserved manner. The caption reads: “Happy Birthday, Crown Prince Haakon!” followed by information about his current age.
The official congratulations from the Royal Collection, a department of the palace responsible for “the current communications program,” are somewhat more detailed. They recall the day of Haakon’s birth: “The Crown Prince was born at Rikshospitalet on July 20, 1973. Three days later, King Olav informed the government in the Council of State, and the name Prince Haakon Magnus was announced.” When the now 51-year-old was born, his grandfather King Olav, †87, was still the head of the monarchy. To accompany their congratulations, the Royal Collection also publishes a photo of Haakon as a child on board the royal ship Norway. In the photo, the young prince is only seen from behind, climbing on board. The photo was taken by none other than Queen Sonja, 87.
July 19, 2024
Prince Harry releases emotional message
He has been there from the beginning, but now Prince Harry, 39, must bid farewell to his good friend: In 2014, the son of King Charles, 75, founded the Invictus Games, a sports competition for those injured during active military service. Dominic Reid played a crucial role in organizing the competition from the start. Now he has stepped down as CEO.
Prince Harry dedicates touching words to him after ten years of close collaboration. In a statement, he says: “I am infinitely grateful to my friend Dominic, whose dedication and leadership have turned the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea into an internationally recognized movement.” He continues: “His tireless efforts over the past ten years have supported thousands of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and veterans through sports rehabilitation and have helped showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society,” he is quoted as saying by “Hello!” magazine.
Dominic Reid decided to step down from his position because it was “time for someone new to lead this important movement into its second, powerful decade.”
July 18, 2024
Princess Sofía to join the military after graduation
King Felipe, 56, apparently has a plan for his youngest daughter Princess Sofía, 17: the student is to join the military after her graduation. At least, that’s what the Spanish news site “El Debate” reports. By doing so, King Felipe would take an unusual path, as military service is only legally required for the heir to the throne. Thus, the regent’s older sisters, Infanta Elena, 60, and Infanta Christina, 59, have never served in the military.
King Felipe’s eldest daughter Princess Leonor, 18, on the other hand, began her military service in August 2023 and is undergoing a three-year training program. Princess Sofía could follow her sister after her graduation in May 2025. According to “El Debate,” the king is keen to ensure that there are as few differences as possible between the education of his two daughters. Unlike Leonor, however, Sofía would only serve in the military for one year, completing a kind of mandatory service that was required for men in Spain until 2001. The Spanish royal household has yet to confirm these details.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shares unseen wedding photo with Princess Beatrice
On July 17, 2024, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, and Princess Beatrice, 35, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary! A special day for which Edoardo even opens the private wedding album and shares an unseen photo from their big day with the world.
On Instagram, the real estate developer posts a romantic kiss photo, lovingly holding his beautiful bride’s hands while she completely surrenders to him. “Happy 4th wedding anniversary my love. Every day is so special with you. I love you so much,” Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi writes under the post, adding another image of St. George’s Chapel on the Windsor Castle estate – where Beatrice and Edoardo exchanged vows in the smallest circle.
July 17, 2024
Louis and Marie Ducruet share their family happiness
Marie and Louis Ducruet, both 31, are expecting their second child soon, but until then, they are enjoying life as a family of four with their daughter Victoire, 1, and their dog Pancake. The four of them are currently exploring nature and sharing their little adventure with their fans. On Instagram, Marie Ducruet posts several snapshots of her daughter posing happily with the family dog.
But mom and dad are not to be missed either. To top it off, the expectant mother posts a new “family portrait,” showing Marie and Louis smiling into the camera with their little girl and their furry companion.
July 16, 2024
Prince William “knows he can’t trust Harry”
Despite the many trials the Royal Family has endured in recent months, there seems to be no way back for the estranged brothers Prince William, 42, and Prince Harry, 39. “Prince William keeps Princess Kate and his family away from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry,” says former royal butler Paul Burrell, who worked for the royal family for over 21 years, in a recent interview with the British magazine “Closer.”
Paul Burrell further emphasizes that it seems hopeless for the Sussexes to reconcile with the Waleses. “The door of Adelaide Cottage is closed – and there’s no way in for Meghan and Harry,” Burrell says. He makes it clear: “William knows he can’t trust Harry, and he doesn’t want any more disruption in his family.” The disappointment over all the explosive revelations that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have shared with the world in recent years runs too deep.
July 15, 2024
Catherine, Princess of Wales, in a chatty mood with Lleyton Hewitt
It was the Wimbledon surprise: On Saturday, July 13, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, would attend the men’s tennis final on Sunday. It was her second public appearance since undergoing abdominal surgery six months ago, during which a cancer diagnosis was made. And how she shone! In a purple dress and holding Princess Charlotte, 9, by the hand, Prince William’s, 42, wife appeared in the Royal Box on Sunday, July 14. Even her sister Pippa Matthews, 40, supported her. Kate received standing ovations and presented the Wimbledon trophy to winner Carlos Alcaraz, 21, for the second time in a row. But just moments before, the Princess of Wales had eyes only for one man – Lleyton Hewitt, 43.
The former Australian tennis pro took a seat behind Kate with his wife Rebecca Cartwright, 40, and engaged her in a conversation. The two chatted animatedly – about what is not known. Perhaps about the game, which Alcaraz won decisively, or about Hewitt’s impressive career. The former tennis star held the record as the youngest number one in the world rankings from 2001 to 2022.
Olivia Munn admires Catherine, Princess of Wales
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, used the men’s Wimbledon final on Sunday, July 14, 2024, to make her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis, eagerly watching the thrilling match between Carlos Alcaraz, 21, and Novak Djokovic, 37, with her daughter Princess Charlotte, 9, and her sister Pippa Middleton, 40.
It’s no secret that the Wimbledon tournament is close to Kate’s heart. Shortly after her arrival, the 42-year-old expressed her joy over her return on social media amidst the cheering applause. “Great to be back at @Wimbledon! There’s nothing like the Championships,” read an Instagram post accompanied by six photos from Kate and Charlotte’s earlier engagements before the big finale.
A post that garnered thousands of likes and loving comments within minutes – even from Hollywood stars. Actress Olivia Munn, 44, who is currently battling breast cancer, commented on the post with the touching words “You are a champion” and three white heart emojis, expressing her admiration for Kate’s strength.
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