Grand Ducal Couple's Silver Wedding Celebrations: June 30-July 1, 2006

[rosalyn]

July 1 Evening

Were there pictures taken of July 1 evening activity? thanks

 

[Lena]

I have mixed feelings over the photos and reports of this (and the Swedish) event by Radu. On the one hand, I love seeing pictures of the event -- see who has gone, what they wore, etc. Kind of feel like a fly on the wall to a privileged event. On the other hand, I think this is an invasion of privacy and if it were my "by invitation" party, I wouldn't be too thrilled with his photo album and notes appearing on the web of all places!

I agree...I mean I´m of course pleased he does it But in the position of an invited reigning Royal I wouldn´t be delighted. It makes them so ordinary...online-pics of parties...all social classes do it, but I think in Royal circles it was a taboo so far...and should maybe stay one (in their own interest...not in mine )

 

[lisamaria]

The Princes of Asturias have been present at the celebration of Luxembourg, but they have not posed for the press.

I remember reading from the Spanish Hola! magazine a couple years ago that they were also present at the 50th birthday party of Marie-Astrid in France, but didn't show to the press at all there either. They arrived apparently throught some back door after the press had been escorted out. I wonder why they are so secretive about themselves

 

[Lindy]

Well at least we can always count on Prince Radu´s digi cam. Maybe you can find the missing ones in the background. Good luck.
Credit: http://www.princeradu.ro/index.php?page=info&cid=196

You can see Maria Teresa's brothers and sister in this picture. (Open & click again to enlarge.

From left:
Nicole Mestre (blond woman who is MT's sister-in-law)
Luis Mestre (Nicole's husband and MT's younger brother who has a son Luis-Joaquin and daughter Maike Teresa)
Catalina Mestre Esteve (MT's sister who lives in Geneva; she is Felix's godmother and mother to three girls: Catarina, Victoria, & Natalia)
Prince Sebastien
GD Maria Teresa
Antonio Mestre (MT's older brother from Miami who I believe is single)

[Interesting to see Maria Teresa is drinking water. There were rumors not so many years back that she had a drinking problem.]

I agree...I mean I´m of course pleased he does it But in the position of an invited reigning Royal I wouldn´t be delighted. It makes them so ordinary...online-pics of parties...all social classes do it, but I think in Royal circles it was a taboo so far...and should maybe stay one (in their own interest...not in mine )

Look at Radu's credentials on his website and you will find that he has a degree in photography, so perhaps this is just a strong interest on his part.

 

[GrandDuchess]

I think it's great to see that so many of the Jordanian royals appeared at these silver wedding celebrations, we need more mixing between the royal families of the world - all continents. It was quite an impressive delegation they sent.

 

[HRH Mims]

[Interesting to see Maria Teresa is drinking water. There were rumors not so many years back that she had a drinking problem.]

Where have you heard this?

 

[Mathilde1286]

I remember reading from the Spanish Hola! magazine a couple years ago that they were also present at the 50th birthday party of Marie-Astrid in France, but didn't show to the press at all there either. They arrived apparently throught some back door after the press had been escorted out. I wonder why they are so secretive about themselves

It's not that they're secretive, they're just a really down to earth family who are trying to live a pretty low-key life. They're not really what you would call high-maintenance and ostentatious.

I think a lot of members here are acting a little childish. Is it all that bad if a royal wants some privacy for a private celebration. Yes, being in the eye of the press is not all that comforting. Just try to image always having to be criticized everytime you step out...what's wrong with wanting privacy. Most Americans got hot when they found out the government's monitoring phone calls...so, what's the diff when it comes to privacy??? Leave the royals alone! As for constant whining about photos, I think we should all be patient and just wait. And as for arguing about the Spanish royal fam...it's not important because it's not going to change anything.

 

[grevinnan]

The royal families are supported by the respective governments and as such are representatives of their countries. Without publicity the royal houses would not remain and the monarchy would disappear. If the respective countries people do not know what the royals do and how they add unique value to their countries they would simply be forgotten and out of favor. If royals attend a function like the anniversary in Luxemburg it is not unreasonable to expect to see photos. Part of the appeal with royalty is the glamorous side of their lives. Even "private" events are most likely indirectly supported by the respective countries for security and such costs.

It is reasonable to want to see some photos from these functions. I fully support a black-out of their activites during private vacations and holidays.

 

[mgrant]

Princess Kalina of Bulgaria Attire

Hi, everyone!

I've not been on the forum for sometime now but you're never far from my thoughts. I saw something in Getty Images and I know that comments have been made about this already so forgive me but please just amuse an old lady .

I just saw a picture of Princess Kalina of Bulgaria arriving for the dinner. I was taken aback by her attire and her makeup. Then my co-worker pointed out that the Princess's attire was see-through! That knocked me for a loop
She looks like a Goth! Was there anything said about her outfit? I can't imagine a picture like that not being commented upon

 

[TamaraKhan]

Well, guess she is not the best dressed women tonight: Princess Kalina of Bulgaria (getty)
http://img154.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=82503_71350281_123lo.jpg

What happened to her nose?!!!

No comment about her makeup and dress,did she know that it was not a carnaval party!

 

[lil Monkey]

You can see Maria Teresa's brothers and sister in this picture. (Open & click again to enlarge.

From left:
Nicole Mestre (blond woman who is MT's sister-in-law)
Luis Mestre (Nicole's husband and MT's younger brother who has a son Luis-Joaquin and daughter Maike Teresa)
Catalina Mestre Esteve (MT's sister who lives in Geneva; she is Felix's godmother and mother to three girls: Catarina, Victoria, & Natalia)
Prince Sebastien
GD Maria Teresa
Antonio Mestre (MT's older brother from Miami who I believe is single)

[Interesting to see Maria Teresa is drinking water. There were rumors not so many years back that she had a drinking problem.]

YOu can see Prince Hamzah and his wife in the background as well

 

[Jose]

Photo is Princess Christina and his husband Tord Magnusson visit to Grand duke Henri and Grand Duchess 25th wedding anniversary!!!! They is much good friends and relatives to Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.!!! Grand Duke Henri and Princess Christina is relatives royal family Bernadotte and royal family of Belgium is relatives!!!!

 

[Elsa M.]

According to Hola, among the guests were Queen Fabiola and Princes Laurent and Claire of Belgium, Crown Prince Frederick and Mary of Denmark, Princess Tsuguko Takamado of Japan, Prince Hassan and Princess Sarvath of Jordan, Prince Albert of Monaco, Prince Haakon of Norway, Princes of Liechtenstein, King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Infanta Elena and Jaime de Marichalar of Spain, Crown Prince Philippe and Mathilde, Princess Astrid and Archduke Lorenz of Belgium, Princes Hamzeh and Noor of Jordan, Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands, Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, Princess Anne of England, among others.

In addition, it was also attended by the members of the nonreigning houses of Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Roumania and Serbia, as well as the princely families of Baden, Baviera, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, Napoléon and Borbón Dos-Sicilias. The appointment also counted on the presence of President Jacques Rogge, and his predecessor, Antonio Samaranch; the former Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio and the Belgian designer Eduard Vermeulen (of Natan).

Photos published by Hola:





More photos of Hola:

 

[HRH Mims]

Now I can't decide which royal lady was the most beautiful lady. Every looked so gorgeous! (But not Kalina, she became a black sheep of event)

 

[lisamaria]

...so, what's the diff when it comes to privacy???

I wont even get into talking about listening cellphones and such - that would be a long ranttle, even longer than this is now But here is how I feel about the position of royals in general, and of no-one in particular:

I think that is the one difference between the American celebrities - or any celebrity really - and the royals: celebrities are in the public eye by choice and have no official role in the diplomatics of their country. The Royals do. They are, always and forever, first and foremost, representatives of their country, diplomats of the highest degree; that is why governments maintain them still today when they don't have a role in actually ruling their countries. The moment they stop acting accordingly, they are as good as gone. One could say, perfectly rightly, that appearing in photos or just generally showing up is their designated job; and if you don't do your job, you deserve to get sacked. It is harsh, I know, but that is how it is.

Do they have a right for privacy? Of course, in times when it is appropriate - holidays ect. But still, they are public servants, and letting people know they are present and respect the event and the people it is honouring, even if means posing for a picture, is part of the service they provide. When accepting the position, either by marrying into a royal family or by taking the throne, they are accepting that this is the commitment they must make. None of these people really own themselves, in a sense. They are one with the institution.

The Luxembourg celebration was one of the few such this small country sees; to me it appears that Henri and MT go out a lot more than people come in for them, in terms of public appearances. They were at present in Sweden, and in Thailand, and in all the royal weddings of the past few years, partly perhaps because their children have too young to attend alone. It was also a public event in a sense that it was attended by the government and other major movers and shakers of the country. I don't really care for the pictures (unless they are particularly nice ), but I can see how people are unhappy about some of the official "diplomats" not respecting the event enough to made their presence known. Because that is the feeling that is all too easy to have.

And no, this didn't mean to insult anyone posting here

 

[Elsa M.]

The Duke and Duchess of Bragança, from Portugal:






(Photos by GettyImages and SeegerPress)

 

[pandora]

I think that Maria-Teresa, Alexandra, Claire and Elena are looking really gorgeous. Not too sure about Mathilde, though. It looks like a giant tutu, it looks like she can enter the Swan Lake ballet any moment. A classic princess indeed.

I agree: In general, I prefer the way Princess Claire dresses. Princess Mathilde is a beautiful lady but I think that her sister-in-law is more elegant. She has more flair and more style.

 

[Elsa M.]

Hereditary Princes of Baden:




Fürst and Fürstin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn with their daughter Princess Alexandra and son-in-law, Count Stefano Hunyady:



Erbgraf and Erbgräfin von Waldburg Zeil Hohenems:


(Photos by SeegerPress)

Archduke Rudolph and Archduchess Anna Gabriele von Habsburg:



Crown Princes of Yugouslavia:


Archduke Michael and Archduchess Christina von Habsburg:


Archduke Carl Peter and Archduchess Alexandra von Habsburg:



Archduke Carl Ludwig and Archduchess Yolande von Habsburg:



(Photos by SeegerPress)

 

[aryo]

I've just read in another forum that someone saw an official photo in luxemberg newspapaper.i want to know if anybody from luxemberg is here or not?
thanks

 

[underwooden]

who is that man?

Thanks for these, johann! We can always count on Prince Radu to provide us with different perspectives photos (thank goodness he's invited to this event.. )
It looks like Princess Christina of Sweden & her husband, Tord Magnusson also attended the event (look at the last pic)

Here's pictures of Prince Radu & Princess Margarita at the Picnic Luncheon at the woods


with King Simeon of Bulgaria and ?
http://s2.supload.com/free/1151922130Picnic206.jpg/view/


source : prince radu's website

The man on the left is the Aga Khan.

 

[purple_platinum]

More pictures of the Inauguration of MUDAM Museum (from Wort) - part 1




from Wort - part 2

last ones from Wort

 

[Ariel]

According to some spanish newspapers and magazines like ABC and Hola, the spanish representation to this event were Elena and her husband. Which makes me think that it is not true that the princes of asturias were there.

 

[CRIS]

This periodic and magazine has not been interested in inquiring if they were or no; they say what they saw in the photos. A Spanish journalist has already said that if were; and that already will appear in the official photos.

 

[biboquinhas]

I think it's understanding that each royal house only have one couple to represents the country! So the Spanish where represent by Elena and her husband

 

[mtbcm]

I think it's understanding that each royal house only have one couple to represents the country! So the Spanish where represent by Elena and her husband

I'm not sure if all the missed ones were inside the castle or not (although I LOL with Marengo perspective ) but it is not true to say that one couple represented each royal house, Belgium and Bulgaria had several members of their family present...

Still I loved to see Gorgeous Infanta Elena representing Spanish Royal Family. She looked WOW and Duke was, once again, relaxed and smilling...

I'm quite sure Crown Princes of Spain were there. I see no reason for saying they would and then not showing up without a very strong reason... waiting for that so-much-spoken official photo!

Regards,
mtbcm

 

[lucys]

Mystery solved. There was a secret door, it seems. In this photo from this week's Point de Vue we see all the missing faces..Fred and Mary, Felipe and Letizia, Maxima and Willem, Hakoon, Beatrix...sorry I don't have larger, but, it stops the hand-wringing and at any rate ... it would seem some of the heated disapprobation expressed in this thread was premature

 

[Virnabrisa2000]

When this picture has been made?

 

[LaChicaMadrilena]

Thank you very, very much lucys!!! It seems that Letizia has worn the same skirt she was wearing during their official visit in USA.

 

[Sternchen]

I don't think there was a secret door, but some might have stayed in Castle Berg, because they were accomodated there. And the others were welcomed by the LRF

 

[Mathilde1286]

I agree with you Sternchen. That seems most probable.