Monthly Archives: October 2014

Catherine, The Princess of Wales

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2014

Catherine, The Princess of Wales; Credit – Wikipedia 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales is the wife of Prince William, The Prince of Wales, the elder of the two children of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Lady Diana Spencer, and the heir apparent to the British throne. She was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England. She is the eldest of three children of Michael Middleton and Carole Goldsmith.

Catherine has two younger siblings:

photo: The Middleton Family

Catherine with her father and sister in Jordan – photo: The Middleton Family

The Middleton family moved to Jordan from 1984 -1986, where her father worked for British Airways. While living in Amman, Catherine attended an English nursery school. In 1986, the family returned to Berkshire and she was enrolled at St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne. In 1995, she entered Marlborough College, in Wiltshire, graduating in 2000.

Following a gap year during which she studied at the British Institute in Florence, volunteered in Chile with Raleigh International, and crewed on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent, in 2001 Catherine enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. It was here that she met Prince William. First as friends, and later flat-mates, it would be a couple of years later that their relationship would become romantic.

After graduating in 2005, Catherine worked for her family’s business Party Pieces, and launched her own brand within the company in 2008, called First Birthdays. In addition, she worked as a part-time buyer for Jigsaw Junior, a London-based clothing company.

Following intense media scrutiny and speculation, and a brief and very public breakup, Catherine and William became engaged while on holiday in Kenya in October 2010. The engagement was formally announced on November 16, 2010, and the couple greeted the press and photographers at St James’ Palace.

On April 29, 2011, the couple married at Westminster Abbey. Her new husband having been granted peerage titles that morning by Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine left the Abbey as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Lady Carrickfergus.

On December 3, 2012, it was announced that Catherine was expecting the couple’s first child. While it was not intended to be made public for several more weeks, it became necessary when Catherine was taken ill with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe type of morning sickness, and was admitted to hospital. After three days she was released and continued to recover at home, and soon began making public appearances again, supporting her charities and patronages. During all three of her pregnancies, Catherine suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration.

On July 22, 2013, Catherine was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, in the early stages of labor. Later that afternoon, at 4:24 pm, she gave birth to a son George Alexander Louis. The following day, William and Catherine, along with their new son, greeted the crowds of admirers and media camped outside the hospital, before returning to their home at Kensington Palace.

photo: The Telegraph

photo: The Telegraph

William and Catherine have three children:

William and Catherine with their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022

Following their wedding, their primary residence was a small cottage in Anglesey, Wales, near RAF Valley where William was stationed with the RAF Search and Rescue Force. In London, they took up residence at Nottingham Cottage, a small residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace. It was later announced that they would move to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace, the former home of The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. After extensive renovations, the couple moved to Apartment 1A in 2014. They were also given the use of Anmer Hall on The Queen’s Sandringham Estate, as their country home. In 2017, Catherine and her family moved back to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace on a permanent basis. In the summer of 2022, William, Catherine, and their children moved to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom house on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The move was made to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a more normal family life. The family retained Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.

In January 2024, Catherine was admitted to The London Clinic to have abdominal surgery for an undisclosed medical condition. Due to her convalescence, she postponed all her public engagements and duties until after Easter 2024. Speculation about her condition prompted conspiracy theories and much commentary in the press. On March 22, 2024, Catherine announced that she is in the early stages of chemotherapy after cancer was found in tests. The type of cancer was not disclosed. She explained that when she had abdominal surgery in January, it was not known that there was any cancer. Catherine stated, “However tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.” In October 2024, Catherine made her first official public engagement since the completion of her chemotherapy treatment.

Catherine presenting the winner’s trophy to  Novak Djokovic at the Men’s Singles Finals of 2022 Wimbledon Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

From the time of their engagement, Catherine has been involved with numerous charities and organizations. In lieu of wedding gifts, William and Catherine established a Charitable Gift Fund, Royal Foundation, allowing people to donate to 26 different charities. Through the Royal Foundation, Catherine supports charities and organizations of specific interest to her and also serves as a patron for several others. Catherine is the Patron of many charities and organizations, including the ones listed below.

House of Windsor Resources at Unofficial Royalty

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Prince William, The Prince of Wales

by Scott Mehl    © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince William, The Prince of Wales; Credit – Wikipedia

Prince William, The Prince of Wales, is the elder son of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Lady Diana Spencer, and the heir apparent to the British throne. He was born Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, at 9:03 pm on June 21, 1982, in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London. Prince William was the first future British king to be born in a hospital.

He was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace on August 4, 1982. His godparents were:

William has one brother:

Unlike previous generations of British royals, William began his public life at a very young age. He accompanied his parents on a tour of Australia and New Zealand at just nine months old. He began his schooling at Jane Mynors’ nursery school, followed by pre-preparatory schooling at Wetherby School, both in London. From 1990-1995, he attended Ludgrove School in Wokingham and then studied Geography, Biology, and History of Art at Eton College.

Following a gap year during which he visited Belize and Chile, worked on dairy farms in England, and visited Africa, William enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Initially studying Art History, he changed his course to Geography and graduated in 2005 with honours. Following an internship at HSBC, he entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst at the beginning of 2006. He graduated in December of the same year and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant (promoted to Lieutenant a year later). He also trained with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and took an attachment to the Royal Air Force in 2008. Following a two-month attachment to the Royal Navy, he formally transferred his commission to the RAF, with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and trained as a helicopter pilot with the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force.

photo: The Telegraph/MOD/PA

photo: The Telegraph/MOD/PA

Following his training, William transferred to the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley, in Anglesey, Wales. There he trained on the Sea King helicopter, graduating in September 2010. He remained at RAF Valley, assigned to C Flight No. 22 Squadron, until stepping down from active service in September 2013.

At that time, it was announced that William would be undertaking more official duties, while still evaluating his role and future plans. In January 2014, he enrolled in a 10-week course in Agricultural Management at the University of Cambridge. As he will one day take over control of the Duchy of Cornwall, this was intended to help prepare him for that role. Later in 2014, it was announced that he would be taking a full-time position with the East Anglian Air Ambulance service.

From an early age, William was exposed to the struggles and challenges faced by many people. To this day, he continues to support many of the charities and causes once very dear to his mother, and has developed a strong interest in conservation and protection of our natural resources. This is just a small list of organizations with which he is involved:

  • Patron, Centrepoint
  • Patron, The Royal Marsden Hospital
  • Patron, Mountain Rescue England & Wales
  • Patron, The Tusk Trust
  • President, England Football Association
  • Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union
  • Patron, English Schools Swimming Association
  • President, British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)

In addition to his many organizations, William is an avid polo player, and along with his brother, often takes part in charity polo matches.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton, 2003. photo: ABCNews

William and Catherine Middleton, 2003. photo: ABCNews

While a student at the University of St Andrews, William met his future wife, Catherine Middleton. First as friends, and then as flat-mates along with some other friends, the relationship soon turned romantic. After years of speculation, and intense media scrutiny, the couple became engaged while on a vacation in Kenya. William gave her his mother’s famous engagement ring – a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

photo: Daily Mail/Getty Images

photo: Daily Mail/Getty Images

The engagement was formally announced by Clarence House on November 16, 2010. Following the announcement, the couple met the press and photographers at St. James’ Palace, followed by a television interview.

On April 29, 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton married at Westminster Abbey. Earlier that morning, The Queen had created him Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus.

On December 3, 2012, it was announced that William and Catherine were expecting their first child. During all three of her pregnancies, Catherine suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration. The Queen issued Letters Patent in December 2013, declaring that all children born to William and Catherine would be Prince and Princess, with the style of Royal Highness. On July 22, 2013, Catherine gave birth to a son George Alexander Louis, at 4:24 pm.

photo: Zimbio

photo: Zimbio

The following day, the proud parents emerged from the doors of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital the following day and presented their son to the crowds and media waiting outside. For many, it brought back memories of a similar scene, thirty-one years earlier, when William’s parents first emerged from the hospital with the newborn Prince William.

William and Catherine have three children:

William and Catherine with their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022

William was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter on April 23, 2008 – as the 1,000th member of the Order. This was the first time a grandchild of the sovereign had been appointed to the order since 1894. He was later, in May 2012, made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. He was also made Personal Aide-de-Camp To Her Majesty The Queen in March 2013.

photo: Daily Mail/National News and Pictures

photo: Daily Mail/National News and Pictures

Following their marriage, William and Catherine resided in Anglesey, Wales, where Prince William was stationed at RAF Valley. In London, they moved to Nottingham Cottage – a small residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace. It was later announced that they would move to Apartment 1A within Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. After extensive renovations, they took up residence in 2014. In addition, the Queen has given them the use of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate as their country home. It was at Anmer Hall where they were based primarily until 2017, as it was closer to Prince William’s work at the East Anglian Air Ambulance.  In 2017, William and his family moved back to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace on a permanent basis.

In the summer of 2022, William and his family moved to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom house on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The move was made to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a more normal family life. The family will retain Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.

William automatically became Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay when his father succeeded to the throne as King Charles III on September 8, 2022. The following day, King Charles III created his elder son and heir apparent The Prince of Wales. As The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cornwall, William’s primary source of income comes from the Duchy of Cornwall,  a private estate established in 1337 that funds the public, charitable, and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family. The Duchy of Cornwall owns 133,658 acres of land, including farming, residential, and commercial properties, as well as an investment portfolio.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

House of Windsor Resources at Unofficial Royalty

Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert

Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert is the former husband of Infanta Cristina of Spain. He was born on January 15, 1968, in Zumarraga, Spain, one of seven children of Juan Urdangarín Berriochoa and Claire Liebaert Courtain.

photo: Hello

photo: Hello

In 1986, at the age of 18, he became a professional handball player with FC Barcelona, where he remained until his retirement in 2000. During his career, he was a member of the Spanish Olympic Handball Team in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, winning bronze in 1996 and 2000, and serving as team captain in 2000. After his retirement, he served on the Spanish Olympic Committee from 2001-2005.

While participating in the 1996 Olympics, he met Infanta Cristina of Spain. The couple was married on October 4, 1997, at St. Eulalia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. By courtesy, he took on the male form of his wife’s title and became Duke of Palma de Mallorca. However, In June 2015, King Felipe VI of Spain formally stripped his sister Infanta Cristina of her title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. Neither the Infanta nor Urdangarín is permitted to use the title any further because of their legal issues. (See below.)

On January 24, 2022, it was announced that Infanta Cristina and Urdangarín were separating. The announcement came days after a link between Urdangarín and another woman became known.  The couple’s divorce was finalized in early 2024.

The couple had four children:

  • Juan Urdangarín y de Borbón (1999)
  • Pablo Urdangarín y de Borbón (2000)
  • Miguel Urdangarín y de Borbón (2002)
  • Irene Urdangarín y de Borbón (2005)

Iñaki and Christina with their children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Barcelona, and a Masters in Business Administration from ESADE (also in Barcelona), Iñaki worked for several years as Director of Planning and Development at Motorpress Ibérica. In 2003, he was a founding partner of the Nóos Institute and served as President until 2006. At that time, he became a director at Telefónica International in Barcelona. Along with his family, he moved to Washington DC in 2009 where he was appointed director and president of the Public Affairs Committee for Telefónica Latin America and the United States.

In early 2011, allegations were made against him regarding the misappropriation of public funds through his Nóos Institute. He took a leave of absence from his position with Telefónica in Washington, DC, and the family returned to Spain in 2012. After it was discovered that large sums of money were transferred to several foreign accounts, it was announced that he would no longer take part in any official functions of the Spanish royal family. In early 2012, he began testifying before the courts in response to the allegations. He, along with several others, were investigated and were charged with embezzlement, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, and money laundering. His wife Infanta Cristina was also charged with tax fraud and money laundering in mid-2014.

Embed from Getty Images
Infanta Cristian and Iñaki Urdangarín during their trial, 2016

The trial began in January 2016 and on February 17, 2017, Infanta Cristina was acquitted of tax fraud and money laundering, and her husband Iñaki Urdangarín was found guilty of embezzling about 6 million euros in public funds for sporting events through his nonprofit foundation and of political corruption by using his former title of Duke of Palma de Mallorca as the husband of the Infanta Cristina. Urdangarín was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. In 2018, the Supreme Court in appeal reduced Urdangarín’s sentence to a term of five years and ten months.

Urdangarín entered the Brieva Penitentiary in Álava province in Spain on June 18, 2018, to serve his prison sentence.  In September 2019, Urdangarin was granted permission to work as a volunteer by the Castile and León Prison Supervision Court. The decision was made against the advice of prison authorities and the public prosecutor, who consider him to be at “medium-high” risk of re-offending.  On September 19, 2019, Urdangarín began working two days a week helping intellectually disabled adults at the Hogar Don Orione Center in the Madrid municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcón. After spending a period of time in prison, Urdangarín was upgraded to the Grade 3 regime, meaning he regained his freedom of movement and only has to report in once a week.

Embed from Getty Images

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Infanta Cristina of Spain

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

Infanta Cristina of Spain (Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia de la Santísima Trinidad de Borbón y Grecia) was born on June 13, 1965, at the Our Lady of Loreto Clinic in Madrid, Spain. She is the second of the three children of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark.

Embed from Getty Images 

Cristina was christened on June 20, 1965, at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain. Her godparents were:

Cristina had two siblings:

After completing her secondary education at the Santa María del Camino School, she studied political science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, graduating in 1989. She was the first woman in the Spanish royal family to receive a university degree. The following year, she earned a Masters degree in International Relations from New York University.

Following an internship with UNESCO in Paris, France, she moved to Barcelona, Spain and began working for La Caixa Foundation in 1993, coordinating exhibitions. In 1997, she was appointed the coordinator of the Program for International Cooperations, and in 2005, became the Director of the Social Area of the foundation. In 2009, when she and her family moved to Washington DC, she was made Director of the International Department, fostering collaborations with various international organizations. The family returned to Spain in 2012, and in mid-2013, she and her children moved to Geneva, where she coordinates programs with agencies of the United Nations.

Cristina_olympics

Like her father and brother, Infanta Cristina is an avid sailor. She was a member of the Spanish Sailing Team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she was also the Spanish flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies, a role her younger brother would take four years later in Barcelona. She has served as President of the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing.

Cristina married Iñaki Urdangarín Liebaert, a former professional and Olympic handball player, on October 4, 1997, at St. Eulalia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. At the time, her father gave her the personal title Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. However, in June 2015, King Felipe VI of Spain formally stripped his sister Infanta Cristina of her title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. Neither the Infanta nor Urdangarín is permitted to use the title any further because of their legal issues. (See below.)

On January 24, 2022, it was announced that Infanta Cristina and Urdangarín were separating. The announcement came days after a link between Urdangarín and another woman became known.  They couple’s divorce was finalized in early 2024.

Cristina and Urdangarín had four children:

  • Juan Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 1999)
  • Pablo Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2000)
  • Miguel Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2002)
  • Irene Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2005)
Christina with her husband and children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

Christina with her husband and children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

In late 2011, Urdangarín was accused of diverting public funds for his own benefit, through a non-profit organization. After it was discovered that large sums of money were being sent to several foreign accounts, it was announced that Iñaki would no longer be participating in any functions of the Royal Family. Iñaki was charged with embezzlement, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, and money laundering. While Cristina moved to Geneva in mid-2013 with her children, her husband remained in Barcelona to address the charges against him. In January 2014, initial charges were placed against Infanta Cristina, accusing her of money laundering and tax fraud. She was called to testify in February 2014, and in June 2014, formal charges were filed.

The trial began in January 2016 and on February 17, 2017, Infanta Cristina was acquitted of tax fraud and money laundering. Her husband Iñaki Urdangarín was found guilty of embezzling about 6 million euros in public funds for sporting events through his nonprofit foundation and of political corruption by using his former title of Duke of Palma de Mallorca as the husband of the Infanta Cristina. Urdangarín was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.  In 2018, the Supreme Court in appeal reduced Urdangarín’s sentence to a term of five years and ten months. After spending a period of time in prison, Urdangarín was upgraded to the Grade 3 regime, meaning he regained his freedom of movement and only has to report in once a week.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Princess Stephanie of Monaco

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

Princess Stephanie of Monaco (Stephanie Marie Elisabeth) was born on February 1, 1965, at the Prince’s Palace in Monte Carlo. Monaco. She is the youngest child of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Academy Award-winning American actress Grace Kelly.

Stephanie was christened on March 13, 1965, at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco. Her godparents were:

Princess Stephanie has two older siblings:

Princess Stephanie on her mother’s lap with her family; Photo source: Daily Mail

Princess Stephanie began her education at Dames de Saint-Maur, a private Catholic school in Monaco. She continued her education at Collège Dupanloup in Paris, France and received her French Baccalaureate in 1982. Princess Stephanie is fluent in French, Monegasque, English, and Italian.

During her school years, Princess Stephanie studied classical dance and piano. While at school in Paris, she developed an interest in gymnastics and participated in the sport from 1974 to 1979. Princess Stephanie also enjoys swimming, water skiing, and downhill skiing.

On September 13, 1982, while returning home from their home in Rocagel, France, Stephanie and her mother had a car accident. Princess Grace died the next day and Stephanie was hospitalized with a hairline fracture of a neck vertebra. The official version was that Princess Grace suffered a stroke while driving, however, there were rumors that Stephanie had been the one driving. Stephanie was unable to attend her mother’s funeral because of her injury and for years refused to speak about the accident. In 1989, she gave an interview in which she denied that she had been driving the car.

Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert Grieving

Princess Stephanie of Monaco, wearing a neck-brace, leaves St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco with her brother Prince Albert, after attending a memorial mass for their mother on October 14, 1982.  photo: Corbis

After she had recovered from her injuries, Princess Stephanie interned at the fashion house of Christian Dior with designer Marc Bohan from 1983 – 1984.  In 1985 – 1987 Stephanie designed a collection of swimsuits and swimwear under the name ‘Pool Position”.

Princess Stephanie also had a singing career. In 1986, she released a single “Ouragan”  in French and in English under the title “Irresistible.” The record sold more than 2 million copies and “Ouragan” is one of the best-selling singles in France of all time.

Stephanie_wedding 1

Princess Stephanie and Daniel Ducruet; Photo source: Hello

In 1992, Stephanie began a relationship with her bodyguard Daniel Ducruet.

The couple had two children:

Both children were included in the line of succession to the throne of Monaco after their parents married on July 1, 1995. The couple subsequently divorced on October 4, 1996.

On July 15, 1998, Princess Stephanie gave birth to her third child:

Stephanie did not identify Camille’s father on the birth certificate but it is assumed that Jean Raymond Gottlieb, her former head of security, is the father. Camille is not in the line of succession because her parents never married.

Stephanie_children

Princess Stephanie with her three children at the wedding of her brother Prince Albert in 2011; Photo: Zimbio

In 2001, Stephanie began a relationship with Franco Knie, (link in German) a married elephant trainer. Stephanie and her three children moved into Knie’s circus caravan and traveled with the Circus Knie.  The relationship lasted only until 2002. On September 10, 2003, Stephanie married acrobat Adans Lopez Peres, a member of the Circus Knie but the marriage ended in divorce in November 2004.

stephanie-adans

Princess Stephanie and her second husband, Adans Lopez Peres; Photo source: usa.publiboda.com

Princess Stephanie is active in several organizations including:

Stephanie_siblings

Princess Stephanie (in the middle) with her sister and brother; Photo source: svenskdam.se

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Infanta Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo

by Scott Mehl © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

Infanta Elena María Isabel Dominica de Silos of Spain, Duchess of Lugo, is the eldest child of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark, She was born on December 20, 1963, at Our Lady of Loreto Clinic in Madrid, Spain.

Embed from Getty Images
Elena with her parents at her christening

Elena was christened on December 27, 1963, at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain. Her godparents were:

Elena has two younger siblings:

Elena completed her basic education at the College of Santa Maria del Camino. She then studied teaching at ESCUNI University School in Madrid, graduating in 1986 as a teacher of general basic education, specializing in English literature. After working for a few years as an English teacher at the College of Santa Maria del Camino, she studied sociology and education at the University of Exeter.  She then enrolled at the Comillas Pontifical University, in Madrid, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1993.

photo: Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor

Elena and Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada on their wedding day; photo: Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor

On March 18, 1995, Infanta Elena married Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada, at the Cathedral of Seville. At the time of her marriage, she was given the personal title Duchess of Lugo. The couple had two children:

Elena and her husband separated in 2007 and were formally divorced in January 2010.

During her father’s reign, Infanta Elena often represented the monarchy at functions within Spain and abroad. However, since the abdication of her father and the accession of her brother King Felipe VI, she and her sister no longer take on any official duties. She serves as Director of Social and Cultural Projects for the MAPFRE Foundation, based in Madrid.

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Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands; Credit – Wikipedia

Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands is the wife of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands, the youngest son of former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and the younger brother of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Born Petra Laurentien Brinkhorst on May 25, 1966, in Leiden, the Netherlandsmshe is the daughter of Dutch politician and diplomat Laurens Jan Brinkhorst and Jantien Brinkhorst-Heringa.

Following primary school, Laurentian attended the Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet, and the Eerste Vrijzinnige Christelijk Lyceum, both in The Hague. The family moved to Japan where her father was serving as Permanent Envoy to the European Union, so she finished her secondary education at the Lycée français in Tokyo, graduating in 1984. She then studied history for a year at the University of Groningen, before moving on to Queen Mary College, at the University of London, where she graduated in 1989 with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. In 1991, she earned her Masters Degree in Journalism, at the University of California, Berkeley.

Laurentien married Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands in a civil ceremony on May 17, 2001, in The Hague, followed by a religious ceremony on May 19, at the Grote of St Jacobskerk, in The Hague, the Netherlands. The couple had three children:

Laurentian is very involved in the fight against illiteracy in the Netherlands. In 2004, she founded the Stichting Lezen & Schrijven (Reading & Writing Foundation), to prevent and reduce functional illiteracy in the Netherlands and worldwide. She serves as the honorary chairman of the organization. In 2009, she was appointed UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development, and in 2001, she was appointed Chair of the European Commission’s High Level Group of Experts on Literacy.

Laurentian serves as a Fellow of the European Climate Foundation and President of the European Cultural Foundation. She has also published a series of children’s books dealing with i sustainability and climate change. In addition, she serves as President of Fauna & Flora International, an organization she has been involved with since 2003. In addition, she is the patron of several organizations.

Princess Laurentien and Prince Constantijn at King’s Day, 2014. photo: Zimbio

Princess Laurentien and Prince Constantijn at King’s Day, 2014. photo: Zimbio

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Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

Prince Constantijn Christof Frederik Aschwin of the Netherlands was born on October 11, 1969, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, the youngest son of the future Queen Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg.  He was christened on February 21, 1970, at  St. Martin’s Cathedral in Utrecht, the Netherlands. His godparents were:

Constantijn has two older brothers:

Prince Constantijn grew up at Castle Drakesteijn in Baarn, the Netherlands until his mother’s accession as Queen in 1980. At that point, the family moved to Huis ten Bosch, in The Hague. He received his primary education at the Nieuwe Baarnse School in Baarn and his secondary education at the Eerste Vrijzinnig Christelijk Lyceum in The Hague. Following a year spent studying languages in France and Italy, he began studying law at Leiden University in the Netherlands, earning his degree in 1995.

After earning his degree, Constantijn took an internship in the office of the European Commissioner Hans van den Broek. He remained with the EU, in various roles, until late 1999. In 2000, he earned his MBA from INSEAD in France and spent a summer working at the International Finance Corporation, part of the Work Bank, in Washington DC. He then moved to London where he worked as a strategic policy consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton until late 2002. He then worked for RAND Corporation Europe, eventually becoming the head of the corporation’s Brussels office. He also served as an advisor to the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Affairs. He returned to the European Commission where he served as Chief of Staff to Commissioner Neelie Kroes from 2013 – 2014.  Since  July 1, 2016, Constantijn has been the Special Envoy for TechLeap.NL, formerly Startup Delta. He is also an independent consultant in business innovation and is also Director of Digital Technology and Macro Strategy at MAP in London and Edge Fellow at Deloitte Center for the Edge.

Constantijn married Petra Laurentien Brinkhorst in a civil ceremony on May 17, 2001, in The Hague. A religious ceremony followed on May 19,  2001, at the Grote of St Jacobskerk in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The couple had three children:

Prince Constantijn does not undertake many official duties for the Dutch monarchy. However, as a member of the Dutch Royal House, he and his wife are typically in attendance at major events, such as King’s Day and the annual Opening of Parliament.

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Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

photo: © RVD

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau; photo: © RVD

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau is the widow of the late Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau, son of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. She was born Mabel Martine Los on August 11, 1968, in Pijnacker, the Netherlands, the daughter of Hendrik Los and Florence Kooman. Her father passed away in 1978 and when her mother remarried in 1984, Mabel took her stepfather’s surname – Wisse Smit.

Mabel graduated from the Gemeentelijk Gymnasium in Hilversum in 1986 and enrolled in the University of Amsterdam, studying economics and political science. She graduated with honors in 1993. During her education, she became very interested in human rights issues and specialized in Balkan diplomacy and international relations.

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In June 2003, Mabel’s engagement to Prince Friso was announced. It soon came to light that the couple had been vague in responding to some questions from the government, regarding Mabel’s’ previous interactions, and a reported relationship with a known drug lord. Due to this, the government announced that they would not seek parliamentary consent for the marriage. Therefore, Friso lost his title as Prince of the Netherlands and his place in the line of succession. He retained his personal title of Prince of Orange-Nassau and was given the hereditary title Count of Orange-Nassau, with the surname Orange-Nassau van Amsberg.

The couple was married in Delft, the Netherlands on April 24, 2004. Following a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony was held in the Oude Kerk. Mabel became HRH Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau. Friso and Mabel had two daughters:

  • Countess Luana of Orange-Nassau van Amsberg (born 2005)
  • Countess Zaria of Orange-Nassau van Amsberg (born 2006)

In February 2012, Prince Friso was critically injured in a skiing accident in Lech, Austria. Having been buried by an avalanche, he suffered significant oxygen deprivation and cardiac arrest and was in a coma. He was transferred to a hospital in London, closer to the family’s home a few weeks later. In July 2013, it was determined that he no longer needed hospital-based medical care, and he was brought to Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, his mother’s official residence. The next month, on August 12, 2013, Prince Friso passed away. He was buried in Lage Vuursche, near Castle Drakensteijn where he grew up.

Princess Mabel continues her work as a prominent human rights activist. She was the co-founder of the European Action Council for Peace in the Balkans in 1994 and served as Director until 1997. From 1997 to 2008, she worked for the Open Society Foundations, first in Brussels, as Director of EU Affairs, and then from 2002 in London, as International Advocacy Director. In 2008, she became the first CEO of The Elders, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the organization. She stepped down in 2012 after Prince Friso’s accident but remains a member of the advisory council in her capacity as Advisory Committee Chair of Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage. She also serves as Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations which she co-founded in 2007, and an Advisory Board member of the Open Society Foundations, since 2012.

 Princess Mabel with her mother-in-law Princess Beatrix, 2017

 

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Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau; Credit – By H G Cladder – File:Friso 2.jpg (cropped), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18563030

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau was the second son of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg, and a younger brother of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. He was born Prince Johan Friso Bernhard Christiaan David of the Netherlands on September 25, 1968, at the University Medical Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

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Prince Friso with his parents on his christening day

Prince Friso was christened on December 28, 1968, at the Domkerk in Utrecht, the Netherlands. His godparents were:

Prince Friso had two brothers:

A young Prince Friso (left) with his family. photo: The Guardian/Rex Features

A young Prince Friso (left) with his family. photo source: The Guardian/Rex Features

Following his primary education at the Nieuwe Baarnse School in Baarn and secondary education at the Eerste Vrijzinnig Christelijk Lyceum in The Hague, he enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, studying mechanical engineering. He then attended Delft University of Technology, graduating in 1994 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. From 1990-1995, Friso studied economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, earning a master’s degree in 1995. In 1997, he earned his MBA from INSEAD in France.

Prince Friso worked at several companies, both in London and the Netherlands.

Prince Friso was the co-founder of the MRI Centre in Amsterdam, and the founding shareholder of Wizz Air, a low-cost airline based in Hungary. He was also, along with his younger brother Prince Constantijn, honorary chairman of the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development.

In June 2003, Prince Friso’s engagement to Mabel Wisse Smit was announced. There was public controversy regarding Mabel’s past and her reported relationship with a known drug lord. Having been somewhat vague in their responses to questions about the issue, and Friso’s insistence that he would marry Mabel with or without formal approval from the government, the decision was made not to request formal consent from the Dutch parliament for the marriage. In doing so, Prince Friso relinquished his rights to the Dutch throne and his title of Prince of the Netherlands. However, he retained his personal title of Prince of Orange-Nassau and was granted the hereditary title Count of Orange-Nassau, with the surname Orange-Nassau van Amsberg.

 

Friso and Mabel were married on April 24, 2004, in Delft, the Netherlands. Following a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony was held in the Oude Kerk in Delft, the Netherlands. The couple had two daughters:

  • Countess Luana of Orange-Nassau van Amsberg (born 2005)
  • Countess Zaria of Orange-Nassau van Amsberg (born 2006)

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau and his family, Credit – www.holland.com

On February 17, 2012, while on the royal family’s annual skiing holiday in Lech, Austria, Prince Friso was buried under an avalanche and was in a coma. According to medical reports, he had been buried for 25 minutes and suffered neurological injuries due to the lack of oxygen. On March 1, 2012, he was moved to Wellington Hospital in London, England, closer to his family’s home. In the summer of 2013, he was declared to be in a minimally conscious state and no longer in need of hospital care. He was moved again on July 9, 2013, to Huis ten Bosch Palace, his mother’s residence in The Hague in the Netherlands. It was there, on August 12, 2013, that Prince Friso passed away at the age of 44.

Prince Friso’s funeral

A private funeral was held at the Stulpkerk Church in Lage Vurrsche, the Netherlands near Castle Drakensteijn where he had grown up. He was buried at the Dutch Reformed Cemetery in Lage Vuursche, Utrecht,  the Netherlands. A memorial service was held on November 2, 2013, at the Oude Kerk in Delft.

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