The solution for Russia

Yekaterinburg, Russia, 18th July, 2014.

80,000 people gathered to commemorate the murder of the Imperial Family.

Как это было: Крестный ход в Екатеринбурге

Prince William unveiled Captain Matthew Flinders’ statute at Australia House

Prince William and Mark Richards.

The Duke of Cambridge has unveiled a statue in honour of the first man to identify Australia as a continent.

The Duke, who visited the Commonwealth of Australia with The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George in April, said he was honoured to celebrate a man who "did far more than anyone to place Australia - quite literally - on the map".

Captain Matthew Flinders, the first person to circumnavigate Australia at the age of just 27, is a household name Down Under but little known in his native Britain.

The Duke with a table-top version of the statue of Captain Matthew Flinders.

The 6ft (1.8m) bronze memorial of the cartographer, designed by sculptor Mark Richards, was unveiled by The Duke at Australia House today.

The government of South Australia hopes to bolster Captain Flinders' profile among British people by permanently erecting the statue at Euston station in central London, the site where it is believed Captain Flinders was buried on his death at the age of 40.

The statue shows him kneeling over a map of Australia with a compass and his companion Trim, a cat, who travelled with him on his explorations.

The Duke, who said Australia is a "very dear place to me and Catherine", was presented with a table-top version of the statue, which he was initially a little hesitant to lift. He described Captain Flinders as a man of "action,strength, and determination".

Bill Murrihead, the Agent General for South Australia, said: "Knowing that The Duke of Cambridge is so fond of Australia, we were delighted to have him here today to honour Matthew Flinders, a young, inspirational man like himself. I talked with him about his recent trip to Australia. He is very pro-all things Australian so we feel he is one of us."

He added that Captain Flinders was a "remarkable man who accomplished a huge deal" and deserved to be recognised in his homeland as he is in Australia.

At the beginning of his speech Prince William paid respect to the victime's of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17.

A speech by HRH The Duke of Cambridge at Australia House

High Commissioner, Agent General, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your very warm welcome.

I know that I speak for all of us here when I acknowledge our deep sadness following yesterday's disaster in the Ukraine. For all of us who have lost fellow countrymen and women in the tragedy, words cannot do justice to our sense of loss. For Australians, and for our Malaysian brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth, the crash is a particularly cruel tragedy coming so soon after the loss of MH370. Please be assured of my family's thoughts and prayers at this time.

Earlier this year, you will know that Catherine and I had the great pleasure of spending time, with George, in Australia. In South Australia, we visited an organisation that will long live in our memory called the Northern Sound System. There, we met young people – some from very difficult backgrounds – who were turning their lives around through the power of music. The place was Australia at its very best: young, innovative, caring, cool … it was a truly uplifting place. Australia is a very dear country to me and Catherine, and so I am particularly honoured to have been invited today to celebrate a man who did far more than anyone to place Australia – quite literally – on the map. I am aware that this statue, and its eventual placement at Euston station, involved a lot of hard work by a committed group of supporters, but there are some who deserve a particular mention.

First, I should like to congratulate the sculptor, Mark Richards, for producing a beautiful statue and for telling the story of Captain Flinders with such elegance.

I should also like to acknowledge and thank the many people and organisations who have contributed financially to the project. Although backed by the Government of South Australia, this has been a privately funded initiative.

Finally, I should like to congratulate the Steering Committee for achieving so much. You have truly honoured the memory of Captain Flinders in London.

In closing, I would like to make two brief observations about the figure…I should say figures….not to forget Trim the cat, who apprently isn't bolted down.

First, I appreciate the way this work communicates Captain Flinders as a man of action, strength and determination.

Second, I very much appreciate the sensitivity of the inscription around the base of the statue.

Some of you may know that Matthew Flinders had an indigenous Australian on board HM Sloop Investigator…an indigenous Australian with whom he clearly had a close rapport. His name was Bungaree, a person Flinders described as “worthy and brave”. "Worthy and brave" is a description that is just as apt for Captain Flinders himself.

Thank you for inviting me to commemorate this great man with you all.

Thank you.

King Felipe VI reaches out to Catalonia

His Majesty shakes hands with the President of the Generalitat de Cataluña, Artur Mas (local leader of the separatist party which forms a minority government in Catalonia).

The autonomous region Catalonia was the destination for King Felipe VI’s first domestic trip as the country's new Monarch. At an award ceremony for young entrepreneurs in Girona on 26th June, the newly proclaimed King sent out a conciliatory message to the Catalans.

"Sincere and generous collaboration is the best way to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of each person and achieve great collective goals for the common good. Just hours before his visit, the Catalan regional assembly approved a motion calling for a popular referendum on the monarchy. The same parties behind the motion also called a protest against the king’s presence in the city. Around 500 people turned out for the demonstration As the crown prince, and from now on as the king, I have used these visits to make the Crown even more present in this land, and to convey a message of respect, mutual understanding and coexistence, which as I said in my proclamation address, are inherent values of our parliamentary democracy,” he said, speaking in Catalan.

His message of reconcilliation did not find open ears among a majority of the region's assembly. Just hours before his visit, the Catalan regional assembly approved a motion calling for a popular referendum on the monarchy. 81 voted in favour, 26 against and 18 abstained. The same parties behind the motion - the Catalan secessionist part CiU, the republican left ERC and smaller marxist parties - also called a protest against the King’s presence in the city. Around 500 people turned out for the demonstration.

Among the nasty comments below an English language report on the day's events was this remarkable comment:

I have been victim of the catalonian nationalists, they have discriminate me because I do not share their tought. I am not the only one that have suffered their intolerance, the catalonian nationalists behave like nazis, they can not cope with persons that not share their ideas. The truth that is happening in Catalonia is very different from the catalonian nationalists´version, they have done a business with the victimism. The catalonian nationalists behave like nazis, they can not cope with persons that not share their ideas. The idea of a referendum in Catalonia it is not healthy because in Catalonia there is no democracy, you need informed citizens and the truth is that in Catalonia since the nationalists run the education system they have created many generations of zombies that only stand for their fascists ideas. In Catalonia there is not education, there is indoctrination in the hatred of the nationalists.

Portuguese celebrates its 800th anniversary

Outside Portugal this anniversary is hardly noticed. The first document in the Portuguese language was signed on 27th June 1214 by King Afonso II - it was his testament.

Afonso became King of Portugal in 1212, succeeding his father King Sancho I. Born on 23rd April 1185 King Afonso did not pursue territory enlargement policies of his father and grandfather, the first King of Portugal of the Burgundy dynasty that established the country's independence, managed to ensure peace with Castile during his reign. 

The first official use of Portuguese: The Testament of King Afonso II.

The transcript of this important European document is available here.

In the last decade of the thirteenth century, King Dinis The Farmer - (1279–1325) legalised Portuguese as the official language of the Kingdom of Portugal, following the example of his grandfather, King Alfonso X of Castile and Leon, who established Castilian as the official language of his kingdom during his reign, which started in 1252.

Although the Portuguese was only formalised this in Dom Dinis, as of 1255, the chancery of King Afonso III of Portugal, the Portuguese used it alongside the Latin in official documents.

A report (in Portuguese, of course) can be watched on RTP's website: Língua portuguesa é usada em documentos oficiais desde há oito séculos.

PS. Accidentally (or intentionally?) the two sons of the heir to the Portuguese throne, HRH Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Bragança, bear the names of the two important champions of the Portuguese language: Dom Afonso de Santa Maria, Prince of Beira, Duke of Barcelo and Infante Dinis, Duke of Porto.

Royal Finances and Royal Duties

This week the annual Sovereign Grant report - the report on the Monarchy's public finances in the last year - was published. For details see Royal Family cost each taxpayer 56p last year.

Regularly the anti-monarchist splinter group Republic, run by Graham Smith, occasionally a Fairfax columnist, was quoted by The New York Times:

“They cost much more than they say, and they don’t actually do anything,” said Graham Smith, one of the activists, as he stared up at the palace walls. “People keep pushing for more from the royals, but they give it only grudgingly. We ought to be a republic.”

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall published their annual review in an impressive graphic:

Activities of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2013/2014

The Prince of Wales funds himself, his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s activities as royals from the Duchy of Cornwall. Prince Charles, however, incurred £1m travel costs in the last year due to an increased number of engagements performed representing the UK and The Queen overseas.

Proclamation of the new King of Spain: A Royal Day in Madrid

¡Viva el rey Felipe!

Oath on the Constitution

Speech by H.M. the King at his Proclamation before the Senate and the Congress of Deputies

Madrid, 19th June 2014

I appear today before Parliament to take the oath provided for in our Constitution and to be proclaimed King of Spain. Having fulfilled this constitutional duty, I wish to convey the Crown’s appreciation and respect for the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, in which national sovereignty is deposited, and here, on this day, to address the Honourable Members and all the people of Spain.

I begin my reign with profound emotion at the honour of accepting the Crown, aware of the responsibility it entails and with the greatest hope for the future of Spain.

It is a nation forged over centuries of history by the shared endeavours of millions of people from all corners of our country and without whose participation the course of Humanity cannot be properly understood.

A great nation, Honourable Members, in which I believe and which I love and admire; a nation whose destiny has been bound to my own for all of my life, as Crown Prince and, from today, as King of Spain.

Before the Honourable Members and before all the people of Spain – and in this respect, too, with profound emotion – I wish to pay a tribute of gratitude to and respect for my father, King Juan Carlos I. From today, an exceptional reign becomes part of our history, one that has left an extraordinary political legacy. Almost 40 years ago, from this same rostrum, my father stated that he intended to be King for all the Spanish people. And this he has been. He invoked the values defended by my grandfather, the Count of Barcelona, and called for a great project of national consensus, one that gave rise to the best years of our modern history.

Today we render to the person of King Juan Carlos the appreciation he deserves, from a generation of citizens who paved the way for democracy, for understanding among Spaniards and for their coexistence in a climate of freedom. That generation, under his leadership and with the very prominent contribution of the Spanish people, laid the foundations of a political construct that overcame apparently insurmountable differences, achieved reconciliation among Spaniards, acknowledged the plural nature of Spain and restored our nation to its place in the world.

Honourable Members, let me also thank my mother, Queen Sofía, for her impeccable, lifetime’s work on behalf of the Spanish people. Her dedication and loyalty to King Juan Carlos, her dignity and her sense of responsibility are exemplary and merit the heartfelt tribute of gratitude that, as her son and as King, I extend to her today. Together, for over 50 years, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía have devoted themselves to Spain. I trust that for many more years we shall continue to enjoy their support, their experience and their affection.

Throughout my life – as Prince of Asturias, Prince of Girona and Prince of Viana – my loyalty to the Constitution has been unswerving and irrevocable, as has, and will continue to be, my commitment to the values on which our democratic society rests. From my earliest childhood, I was brought up in these beliefs, by my family and my teachers. For this, I am deeply indebted to them all and I am thankful, now and always. The Queen and I shall educate our daughters, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía, in those same values of freedom, responsibility, solidarity and tolerance.

Honourable Deputies and Senators,

Today I can affirm before this Chamber – and I welcome the opportunity – that the reign of a constitutional King has begun.

A King taking possession of the highest office of the State, in accordance with a Constitution that was ratified by the Spanish people and which has been our supreme law for over 35 years.

A King who must adhere to the exercise of the functions entrusted to him by the Constitution and who, therefore, symbolises the unity and permanence of the State, undertaking its highest representation and arbitrating and assuring the normal functioning of the institutions.

In short, a King who must also respect the principle of separation of powers and, therefore, abide by the laws passed by Parliament and collaborate with the Government of Spain – which is responsible for determining the direction of national policies – and respect at all times the independence of the judiciary.

Have no doubt, Honourable Members, I shall honour the oath I have just taken; in discharging my responsibilities, I shall be a Head of State who is loyal and willing to listen; ready to understand, to warn and to advise; and always vigilant to defend the general interest.

Let me add, that in performing this act of such historical significance, but which is also of constitutional normality, it is my personal conviction that the Parliamentary Monarchy can and should continue to render a vital service to Spain.

The independence of the Crown, its political neutrality and its wish to embrace and reconcile the different ideological standpoints enable it to contribute to the stability of our political system, facilitating a balance with the other constitutional and territorial bodies, promoting the orderly functioning of the State and providing a channel for cohesion among Spaniards. These political values are essential for our coexistence, and for the organisation and development of our life in common.

But the demands made of the Crown are not limited to the necessary compliance with its constitutional functions. I have always been aware that the Parliamentary Monarchy must be open to and engaged with the society it serves; it must be a faithful and loyal interpreter of citizens’ aspirations and hopes, and must share – and feel as its own – their successes and their failures.

The Crown must remain close to the citizens, acquiring and maintaining their appreciation, their respect and their trust; to do so, the Crown must safeguard the dignity of the institution, maintain its prestige and conduct itself straightforwardly, honestly and transparently, in accordance with its institutional role and its social responsibility. Because only thus will it possess the necessary moral authority for the exercise of its functions. Today, more than ever, and quite rightly, citizens are calling for moral and ethical principles to inspire our public life and for behaviour to be exemplary in this respect. And the King, as Head of State, must not only lead but also be at the service of this just and legitimate demand made by the citizens.

Honourable Members, these are my convictions about the Crown, which from today I shall embody: a renewed Monarchy for new times. And I undertake my task with energy, with enthusiasm and with the open and innovative spirit that has inspired the men and women of my generation.

Honourable Deputies and Senators,

Today, if we were to look to the past, I hope it would be not with nostalgia, but with great respect for our history; with the will to overcome whatever may have separated or divided us; and thus remember and appreciate everything that unites and gives us strength and solidity for the future.

In this remembrance, too, we should always hold dear and recall, with immense respect, all those who as victims of terrorist violence lost their lives or suffered in the defence of our freedom. They will remain in our memories and in our hearts. And the victory of the rule of law, together with our warmest affection, will be the best acknowledgement of the dignity they deserve.

Turning to address our present situation, Honourable Members, let me also express my sympathy and solidarity with all those who have suffered the harsh impact of the economic crisis, and whose very dignity as persons has been affronted. It is our moral duty to do all in our power to reverse this situation, and our public duty to offer protection to the most vulnerable individuals and families. Moreover, it is our obligation to transmit a message of hope, especially to the young, that solving their problems and, in particular, enabling them to find jobs is a matter of priority for society and the State. I know all of the Honourable Members share these concerns and these goals.

But, above all, Honourable Members, today I should like us to look forward, to the future; toward the renewed Spain that, in unison, we must continue to build, from the beginning of this new reign.

Over the recent years, and not without difficulties, we have lived together in a democracy, having finally overcome past eras of tragedy, silence and darkness. Preserving the principles and ideals on which this coexistence is based, and to which I referred earlier, is not only an act of justice to the generations that have preceded us, but a source of inspiration and example at all times in our public life. And assuring the continued coexistence, in peace and freedom, of the Spanish people is and always will be an inescapable responsibility of all public authorities.

The men and women of my generation are heirs to that great collective success which has been admired worldwide and of which we are so proud. It is now up to us to pass it on to the coming generations.

But we also owe the duty to them, and to ourselves, to enhance that valuable legacy and to enrich the collective heritage of freedoms and rights that took such hard work to acquire. Because every political time has its own challenges; and because all political projects – like all human projects – inevitably remain unfinished.

Honourable Members, the Spanish people, and especially the men and women of my generation, wish to revitalise our institutions. In our actions, we seek to reaffirm the supremacy of the public interest and to strengthen our democratic culture.

We wish to see a Spain in which the political forces can come to agreement on the issues and at the times when this is called for by the public interest.

Our aim is that citizens and their concerns should be at the focus of political action because, with their efforts, their work and their sacrifice, it is they who drive our State forward and give meaning to the institutions of which it is comprised.

We hope for a Spain in which citizens regain and retain confidence in their institutions, and for a society based on civic values, tolerance, honesty and rigour, one that is open minded and constructive and acts in a spirit of solidarity.

And we hope, finally, for a Spain in which the ties of understanding are never broken, for this is one of the guiding principles of our constitutional spirit.

In this setting of hope, I wish to reaffirm, as King, my faith in the unity of Spain, symbolised by the Crown. Unity does not mean uniformity, Honourable Members. In 1978, the Constitution recognised our diversity as a defining characteristic of our very identity, in proclaiming the intention to protect all the people of Spain, their cultures and traditions, their languages and institutions. This diversity stems from our history, exalting us and giving strength.

Historically, Spain has been home to diverse traditions and cultures, which have enriched all its peoples throughout the ages. And that assembly, the relationship among cultures and traditions, is most clearly expressed in the concert of languages. Together with Castilian, the official language of the State, the other languages of Spain form a common heritage that, under our Constitution, must be given special respect and protection; this is so because languages are the natural channels for accessing the knowledge of peoples, and at the same time they represent bridges for dialogue among all Spaniards, a view held and defended by landmark writers including Antonio Machado, Espriu, Aresti and Castelao.

In such a Spain, united and diverse, based on the equality of all Spaniards, on solidarity among its peoples and on respect for the law, there is room for us all; for all our feelings and views, for all the different ways of being Spanish. Because feelings, and all the more so in these times of European integration, should never confront, divide or exclude, but should promote understanding and respect, coexistence and sharing.

And we must revitalise this coexistence every day, through the individual and collective exercise of mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s achievements. We must do so with sincere affection, with friendship and bonds of brotherhood and fraternity, which are essential to nourish our collective dreams and ambitions.

Honourable Members, let us all work together, each with their own personality, enriching the whole; let us do so with loyalty, to achieve the new goals before us all in the twenty-first century. Because a nation is not only its history, it is an all-encompassing project, one that is felt and shared by all, one that looks to the future.

A new century, Honourable Members, one that arrived under the sign of change and transformation and in which we live a reality that is quite distinct from that of the twentieth century.

As we are all aware, profound changes are taking place in our lives, bearing us away from traditional ways of seeing the world and our place within it. And while this may provoke disquiet, uncertainty or fear, it also opens up new opportunities for progress.

If we are to rise to the occasion and meet the new challenges to our coexistence, we must all play a part: the public authorities must give the lead and define our great national objectives; but society, too, must provide enthusiasm, convictions and active participation. This task calls for a profound change in the mentalities and attitudes of many people and, of course, great determination and courage, vision and responsibility.

History has shown us that all the great advances have taken place in Spain when we have evolved and adapted to the reality of our times; when we have rejected acquiescence or resignation and when we have raised our sights, to look beyond – and above – ourselves; when we have reached a fresh, shared understanding of our common interests and goals.

Honourable Members, the wellbeing of the men and women of our society requires us to position Spain in the twenty-first century, in the rapidly-emerging new world; in the century of knowledge, culture and education.

We now face the great challenge of promoting new technologies, science and research, which are the real energisers of wealth today; the challenge is to promote and encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, as essential attitudes for development and growth. In my view, these are all vital to the progress and modernisation of Spain, and I have no doubt they will help us win the battle to create new employment, which is the major concern among Spanish people today.

The twenty-first century, which is also the century of the environment, must be one in which humanistic and ethical values – which we must recover and maintain – are exercised, to help eliminate discrimination, secure the role of women and further promote peace and international cooperation.

Honourable Members, at this point I wish to consider the question of international relations, in which Spain occupies a privileged position due to its place in the geography and the history of the world.

Europe used to be an ideal to which Spain aspired. Today, Spain is part of Europe and it is our obligation to help build a strong, united, selfless Europe, in which social cohesion is preserved, which confidently asserts its position in the world and which consolidates its leadership in the democratic values we all share. Doing so is in our own interest, because it will strengthen us, too. Europe is not a foreign policy issue, it is one of the major projects for the Kingdom of Spain itself, for the State and for society.

We are united with the countries of Ibero-America by history and by close ties of affection and brotherhood. In recent decades, we have also shared increasingly strong economic interests and converging views on global questions. But above all, we are united by our shared language and culture, which form an asset of immense value that we must cultivate with resolve and generosity.

And finally, our ancient ties of culture and shared viewpoints with the Mediterranean region, the Middle East and Arab countries offer us the capability to engage in privileged dialogue, based on respect and willingness to cooperate in areas of mutual and international interest, in a region that is of such strategic, political and economic importance.

In an ever-more globalised world, in which new stakeholders are emerging, together with new risks and challenges, the only attitude possible is to adopt an increasingly resolute stance, actively defending the rights of our citizens and promoting our interests, seeking greater participation and influence in the major issues on the global agenda, and doing so with particular reference to the framework of the United Nations.

Honourable Deputies and Senators,

King Felipe VI adressing the nation.

In my remarks today, I have sought to fulfil the duty I feel to convey to you and to the Spanish people, sincerely and honestly, my feelings, convictions and commitments regarding the Spain with which I identify, which I love and to which I aspire; and also regarding the Parliamentary Monarchy in which I believe: as I said before and as I wish to repeat now, my belief in a renewed monarchy for new times.

To conclude my message, I wish to thank the Spanish people for the support and affection I have received on so many occasions. My belief in our future is based on my faith in Spanish society; it is mature and vigorous, responsible and caring, a society that is showing great fortitude and one that has a laudable spirit to prevail over its difficulties.

Honourable Members, we have a great country; we are a great nation, let us believe and trust in her.

Cervantes, speaking through Don Quixote, said, “One man is no more than another if he does no more than another.”

I am proud of the Spanish people and nothing would honour me more than if, through my work and my effort, day by day, I could make the people of Spain proud of their new King.

Thank you very much.

Add caption

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofía greeted Spaniards from the balcony of the Royal Palace

Tens of thousands of Spaniards welcomed King Felipe VI

Australia Post honours King George V with new stamps

The Centenary of King George V mini sheet first day cover.

Australia Post is marking the centenary of King George V stamps with the release of four domestic base-rate (70c) stamps. These new stamps are modified designs of the original 1914 stamps.

"This issue of George V-based designs marks an important era in Australian stamp production. The stamp issue also brings a new and exciting philatelic product to the range which we trust will spark interest amongst collectors," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Mr Michael Zsolt.

A century ago, Australia's stamp designs were political topics and there was much public discussion about their designs. Postmaster-General, Charles Frazer, had developed the Kangaroo and Map design as 'an effective advertisement' for Australia. However, the absence of the traditional British monarch was believed by conservatives to be an insulting slight to Britain. Consequently, in mid-1913 plans were made to scrap the kangaroo in favour of stamps featuring the Australian monarch, King George V.

The incoming Postmaster-General, Agar Wynne was quoted in the press as saying the George V design "would make a very good stamp, being emblematic of Australia, and also of our loyalty to the empire".

For nearly a quarter of a century the King George V design served for the basic letter postage stamp, and for many commonly used postal rates. During this period, a total of 11.8 billion King George V stamps were issued.

On 20 January 1936, King George V died and eventually new stamps featuring King George VI were developed.

The designer of the Centenary of King George V Stamps is John White of the Australia Post Design Studio.

In a first for Australia Post, this stamp issue includes a specimen pack in a new format. This collectable item uses a fold out design and houses four 10 x 70c sheetlets and one multicolour 10 x 70c sheetlet featuring a "specimen" overprint on four of the stamps.

Also available is a stamp coin - a legal tender coin in the shape of a stamp - with a limited edition of only 2,500. The stamp coin comes with a certificate of authenticity and is housed in a quality presentation box.

Other products associated with this stamp issue include a miniature sheet, first day cover, maxicards, prestige booklet, sheetlet pack, stamp pack, booklet of 10 x 70c self-adhesive stamps and a medallion cover.

The Centenary of King George V Stamps issue is available from 17th June 2014 at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

The Centenary of King George V Stamp 70c sheetlets.

Prince Zeid elected new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The UN General Assembly has appointed Prince Zeid, former ambassador of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the international body, as its human rights chief based in Geneva on 16th June, making him the first Muslim and Arab to hold the job.

Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

His predecessor as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was the South African lawyer Navi Pillay who held the position since 1st September 2008. Her mandate has been renewed for two years beginning on 1st September 2012.

Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad al-Hussein  was born on 26th January 1964 in Amman, Jordan, to Prince Ra'ad bin Zeid,  present head of the Royal Houses of Iraq and Syria and pretender to the Iraqi throne, and his Swedish-born wife Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind, henceforward known as Princess Majda Ra'ad.

Prince Ra'ad was born in Berlin 18th February 1936 where his father Prince Zeid was ambassador of The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq. Prince Ra'ad's mother was Princess Fahrelnissa Zeid (Fakhr un-nisa), a Turkish noblewoman. Upon the death of his father on 18th October 1970, Prince Ra'ad inherited the position as head of the Royal Houses of Iraq and Syria.

Both Prince Ra'ad and his son, Prince Zeid, held diplomatic positions for The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and did not publicly press any claims to the thrones of Iraq or Syria, though they are recognised as the head and heir of the royal dynasty of Iraq and Syria.

In April King Abdullah accepted the resignation of HRH Prince Raad bin Zeid from the presidency of the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCD).

Happy Queen's Birthday 2014

The extraordinary event on this Queen's Birthday is the fact that The Age hasn't printed any nastiness. Usually they re-modelled one of the old rants against the Australian Monarchy and complain about the antiquated views of the local Monarchists (never about the antiquated point of views of the republicans who haven't changed a bit since they lost the referendum in 1999).

It is possible that The Age's website contains anti-monarchist rants, but who would check that website? There are more useful and more reliable sources of information on the world wide web.

While in Sydney Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark were received by NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir.

On this year's Queen's Birthday honours list 700 Australians have been recognised for their merits. The most prominent and only one with a damehood is The Governor of New South Wales, Marie Bashir, who has been appointed a Dame of the Order of Australia. She is the second woman to receive the title since knight and dames honours were reintroduced by Prime Minister Tony Abbott in March 2014.  She will be retiring soon. As her successor the Queen appointed General Hurley as the 38th Governor of NSW.

The Queen appointed General Hurley as the 38th Governor of NSW.

Unfortunately another Queen's Birthday event passed nearly unnoticed: The Queen's Birthday Parade at The Royal Military College at Duntroon, which marks the Queen's Birthday with the Trooping the Colour ceremony. This Parade is a celebration of the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is one of the college’s most auspicious annual events in which observers get to witness the Trooping of the Queen’s Colour. The parade was ignored by the mainstream media in Victoria (print, electronic or otherwise).

The annual Queen's Birthday Parade was held at the Royal Military College Duntroon on 7th June 2014.

The Colours of a unit or regiment embody the history, spirit and traditions to which they belong. They are highly valued, carefully guarded and treated with great respect. The custom of carrying Colours has its origin in ancient and medieval times when, during battle, warring factions carried flags bearing family badges or armorial bearings to show the positions of commanders and to serve as rallying points. Since 1751, regiments have been allowed two Colours only, the Queen's (or King's) Colour and the Regimental Colour.

Colours were first presented to the Corps of Staff Cadets in May 1927 by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, later to be King George VI, when he visited Australia for the opening of Old Parliament House. These Colours were originally laid up in St John's Church, Canberra, but returned to the College in 1989 and are now lodged in Patterson Hall, the Headquarters of the Royal Military College of Australia.

Replacement Colours were presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 17th February 1954, 27th April 1970 and 10 May 1988. The 1954 Colours are laid up in St John's Church, the 1970 Colours in the RMC Chapel and the 1988 Colours in St Paul’s Chapel at RMC.

The Queen's Colour was trooped for the first time on the Queen's Birthday Parade in 1956 and has occurred every year since then. Her Majesty presented the current Colours on 22nd October 2011.

The Queen presents new Colours (Regimental Flags) to the Australian Royal Military College at Duntroon, Canberra, on 22nd October 2011.

Spanish Monarchists are asked to welcome the new King

The Spaniards are asked to come out on 6th June in the Kingdom's major cities to show their support for the Constitution and Don Felipe de Borbón y Grecia who will be proclaimed King Felipe VI on 19th June.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has refused a referendum on the future of the monarchy, because it would first require a change to Spain's constitution. His cabinet and parliament are paving the way for King Juan Carlos I to abdicate. "I think the monarchy has the support of the great majority in Spain," Rajoy said at a news conference. "Propose a constitutional reform if you don't like this constitution. You have the perfect right to do so. But what you cannot do in a democracy is bypass the law."

In 1978, as Spain returned to democracy following the Franco dictatorship, 88 percent of voters supported the establishment of a constitutional monarchy at a referendum.

Three small leftist parties - Podemos, United Left and the Equo green party - on Monday proposed a referendum on the monarchy. The fringe groups won a combined 20 percent of the vote in Spain's elections for the European Parliament last month.

To counter republican demonstrators Monarchists are asked to show their support for the monarchical constitution and Don Felipe.

Photos of the Demonstration held in favor of keeping Spanish Monarchy were put online by Javier Díaz Martos. 

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan awaits the Pope

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

POPE FRANCIS'  PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEETING BETWEEN POPE PAUL VI AND PATRIARCH ATHENAGORAS IN  JERUSALEM

Saturday, 24 May 2014

Rome

08:15	Departure from Rome's Fiumicino airport for Amman
13:00	Arrival at the Amman Queen Alia International Airport
13:45	Welcoming ceremony in the Al-Husseini Royal Palace in Amman
	Courtesy visit to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Jordan
14:20	Meeting with the Authorities of the Kingdom of Jordan	Address of the Holy Father
16:00	Holy Mass at the Amman International Stadium	Homily of the Holy Father
19:00	Visit to the Baptismal Site at Bethany beyond the Jordan
19:15	Meeting with refugees and young people with disabilities in the Latin Church in Bethany beyond the Jordan	Address of the Holy Father

Sunday, 25 May 2014

08:15	Farewell from Jordan at the Amman Queen Alia International Airport
08:30	Departure by helicopter for Bethlehem from the Amman Queen Alia International Airport
09:20	Arrival at the Bethlehem Heliport
09:30	Welcoming ceremony in the Presidential Palace in Bethlehem
	Courtesy visit to the President of the State of Palestine
10:00	Meeting with Palestinian Authorities	Address of the Holy Father
11:00	Holy Mass in Manger Square in Bethlehem	Homily of the Holy Father
	Regina Coeli Prayer	Address of the Holy Father
13:30	Lunch with Palestinian families in the Franciscan Convent of Casa Nova in Bethlehem
15:00	Private visit to the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem
15:20	Greeting of the children from the Dheisheh, Aida and Beit Jibrin refugee camps in the Phoenix Center of the Dheisheh refugee camp
15:45	Farewell from the State of Palestine at the Bethlehem Heliport
16:00	Departure by helicopter from the Bethlehem Heliport for the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport
16:30	Welcoming ceremony at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport	Address of the Holy Father
17:15	Transfer by helicopter to Jerusalem
17:45	Arrival at the Jerusalem Helipad on Mount Scopus
18:15	Private Meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople at the Apostolic Delegation of Jerusalem	Signing of a joint declaration
19:00	Ecumenical Celebration on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras  in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre	Address of the Holy Father
20:15	Dinner with the Patriarchs, Bishops and the Papal Entourage at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Monday, 26 May 2014

08:15	Visit to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem in the building of the Great Council on the Esplanade of the Mosques	Address of the Holy Father
09:10	Visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem
09:45	Laying of a wreath at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem
10:00	Visit to the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem	Address of the Holy Father
10:45	Courtesy visit to the two chief rabbis of Israel at Heichal Shlomo Center in Jerusalem, next to the Jerusalem Great Synagogue	Address of the Holy Father
11:45	Courtesy visit to the President of the State of Israel in the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem	Address of the Holy Father
13:00	Private audience with the Prime Minister of Israel at Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem
13:30	Lunch with the Papal Entourage at Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem
15:30	Private visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in the building next to the Orthodox Church of Viri Galileai on the Mount of Olives
16:00	Meeting with priests, religious and seminarians in the Church of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives	Address of the Holy Father
17:20	Holy Mass with the Ordinaries of the Holy Land and the Papal Entourage in the room of the Cenacle in Jerusalem	Homily of the Holy Father
19:30	Transfer from the helipad of Mount Scopus in Jerusalem to the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport
20:00	Farewell from the State of Israel at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport
20:15	Departure from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for Rome's Ciampino Airport
23:00	Arrival at Ciampino Airport in Rome

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla in Canada: Itinerary for the 2014 Royal Tour

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three provinces and six communities during their four day visit:

Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (May 18 and 19)

Charlottetown, Bonshaw, and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (May 19 and 20)

Winnipeg in Manitoba (May 20 and 21)


Objectives for the Events on the 2014 Royal Tour

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Arrival

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Nova Scotia. His Royal Highness last visited the province in 1983. This will be the first visit by Her Royal Highness.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Welcome to Canada - Grand Parade, Halifax

Objectives:

To officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Canada and Nova Scotia and allow them to be welcomed by Canadians. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited Canada together on two previous occasions, in May 2012 and in November 2009. The Prince has visited Canada on 16 previous occasions.

To honour Canadian military service by laying a wreath at the cenotaph (100th anniversary of the Great War and 75th anniversary of the World War II).

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.


Halifax and Region, Military Family Ressource Centre

Objectives:

To highlight the outstanding programs and services of the Military Family Resource Centre, which works to promote the health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities who share the unique experience of military life.

To highlight the ongoing role of our service men and women and support given by their families to them.

To showcase the excellent work being done by the Military Family Resource Centre’s “Entrepreneurs Club” and demonstrate the synergies between this and The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, a program run by the Prince’s Charities Canada.


Halifax Seaport, Farmer's Market

Objectives:

To tour this state-of-the-art market, which was built green because of the farmers and Cooperative members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the local farmers, vendors and artisans who have been making the Seaport Farmers’ Market a success since 1750.


Halifax, Public Gardens

Objectives:

To tour the classical Victorian Garden and to acknowledge it as a gem in the life of the city and all its citizens.
To commemorate the 2014 Tour of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall by planting a tree adjacent to the oak tree planted by King George VI in June 1939.

To recognize the efforts of volunteers and partners who have helped maintain and restore this Halifax landmark.


Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21

Objectives:

To pay tribute and honour the War Brides and World War II veterans in Nova Scotia for whom Pier 21 remains an important part of their past (as the primary departure point for almost half a million Canadian military personnel during World War II).

To showcase Canada’s National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which welcomed approximately one million immigrants to Canada between 1928 and 1971.


Alice Housing, (Northbrook Community Centre)

Objectives:

To celebrate, acknowledge and cast a light on the success of the programs and support that Alice Housing provides for women and families.

To recognize the outstanding contributions of community partners and volunteers to Alice Housing.
To meet and interact with some of the families who have benefitted from the programs and services of Alice Housing.


Arrival Trenton Airport, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Pictou County, Nova Scotia.


The Hector Heritage Quay: A celebration of Celtic Heritage

Objectives:

To highlight the Celtic culture of Pictou County and Nova Scotia. The arrival of Scottish immigrants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to the county. ultimately contributed to early nation building in Nova Scotia and Canada.

To acknowledge past, present and future contributions of Scottish Canadians in broad and oftentimes colourful ways.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses to local farmers, artisans and entertainers.


Departure Trenton Airport

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Nova Scotia.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Nova Scotia and embark on their journey to Prince Edward Island as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Charlottetown—the Birthplace of Confederation. His Royal Highness last visited in 1983. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Victoria Day Celebration

Objectives:

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Canadian Confederation.

To celebrate Victoria Day with Canadians and to commemorate the past through multicultural musical and theatrical performances, showcasing the artistic talent of Prince Edward Island and Canada, and to celebrate the future by highlighting the cultural vitality of our communities.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Province House, Youth Parliament

Objectives:

To celebrate the important role that Province House, the second oldest active legislature building in Canada, had in the Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to the creation of our great nation.

To recognize the positive contributions Canadian young people are making towards strengthening Canada and to encourage more young people to consider their role/responsibility in the future building of our country.

To encourage all Island young people to continue to work diligently to attain their goals and aspirations in the future building of our country.


Holland College, Prince of Wales Campus

Objectives:

To showcase one of Prince Edward Island’s renowned educational institutions, known for its innovative and industry-driven courses for students who enjoy hands-on learning.

To highlight Holland College’s role in supporting sustainable urban development and preserving the heritage of Prince Edward Island – both issues are of personal interest to His Royal Highness (including by highlighting the environmental sustainability of the Centre for Applied Science Technology (CAST) building).

To allow His Royal Highness to interact with industry leaders and students as they highlight the achievements of students, as well as the unique and innovative projects offered through Holland College programs.

To officially unveil new signage for the Prince of Wales Campus.


Prince Edward Home

Objectives:

To showcase Canadian achievement at Prince Edward Island’s cutting-edge long-term care facility for seniors, divided into “neighborhoods” to provide a homelike environment.

To allow Her Royal Highness to meet with residents, staff and volunteers who provide compassionate services to seniors and Islanders with complex care needs.

To showcase the various medical interventions and social activities offered at the home, such as pet and art therapy and reading programs.


Canadian Institute of Forestry Meeting

Objective:

To introduce HRH to Jocelyn Teron, the 2013 inaugural winner of the Prince of Wales Award, as well as board members and staff of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, which administers the prize. The discussion will also touch on current and developing partnerships between the CIF and The Duchy of Cornwall.


Bonshaw Provincial Park

Objectives:

To highlight Prince Edward Island’s natural beauty at the Island’s largest provincial park, which promotes healthy active living, interacting with nature and conserving natural resources. His Royal Highness will meet with Earth Rangers and walk along a trail system that will be named after Their Royal Highnesses.

To showcase the skills and accomplishments of Prince Edward Island’s Olympic, Paralympic and Canada Games athletes (benefits of recreational activity and sports).

To recognize the work of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Bonshaw Park Advisory Committee in the creation of the new wilderness park.


Cornwall United Church

Objectives:

To honour the achievements of Island seniors who enrich Prince Edward Island communities, including women’s organizations, veterans, community groups and volunteers.

To hear a performance by a choir made up of singers from local churches.

To highlight the work of Island groups as Their Royal Highnesses visit displays by the Women’s Institute, the Military Museum, the Pony Club, and the Scouts and Guides of P.E.I.

To honour rural P.E.I. and meet with Island children from Early Years Centres and after school programs.


Immanuel Christian School

Objective:

The Duchess of Cornwall will meet with students and staff at the school, following a request from the children for a royal visit.


Departure from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Prince Edward Island and joining with Islanders in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Prince Edward Island and embark on their journey to Manitoba as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadian Forces Base

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His Royal Highness last visited in 1996. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Government House Reception

Objective:

To host a reception honouring Their Royal Highnesses and offer an opportunity to interact with notable Manitobans and other Canadians and to highlight excellence across society in a vast range of endeavours, recognizing those who have made a significant difference to their local communities and the nation.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Aerospace and Aviation in Manitoba (Stevenson Hangar)

Objectives:

To provide a unique opportunity to engage with Manitoba elementary school students as they learn about the principles of flight, aircraft maintenance, rockets, satellites and composite materials.

To highlight the unique partnerships between industry and educational stakeholders in Manitoba's aerospace and aviation sectors, as well as the initiatives that exist to encourage young people to consider pursuing education and careers in these fields.

To profile local achievements and excellence in the fields of aerospace and aviation, including an opportunity to meet with the students who developed the first elementary school project from Canada to be taken on board the International Space Station.


Winnie the Pooh Gallery

Objectives:

To celebrate the centennial of Winnie the Bear, the bear cub who inspired the international phenomenon of Winnie the Pooh.

To meet children engaged in work to promote literacy on the subject of Winnie the Bear.


Journey to Churchill (Assiniboine Park Zoo)

Objectives:

To showcase research, education and conservation in action with the dedication of the world-leading Journey to Churchill facility at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

To provide an up-close and personal opportunity to feed polar bears and view their new three dimensional, four-season environment.

To observe students involved in an educational session on polar bear protection and the importance of conservation and environmental awareness and to meet with Aboriginal artists responsible for works throughout the facilities.


Place Bernadette Poirier

Objectives:

To profile the leading practice model for safe, affordable, integrated and supportive housing for those with mental-health needs and those who have been homeless.

To officially open the new housing complex.

To meet with staff, residents and supporters of the facility and interact with residents in their new home.


Innovation Alley - Assent Works and Ramp up, Manitoba

Objectives:

To highlight the non-profit workshop dedicated to providing hands-on access to fabrication and prototyping equipment, knowledge and a community of support for young entrepreneurs, inventors, artists and innovators.

To meet with successful participants and hear about how they have made a difference in the life of their families and communities as a result of this unique incubator model.

To learn about the key role played by mentors and volunteers.

To provide an opportunity to speak with community and business leaders about the concept and options for expansion.

To offer hope to other young people to explore their dreams through innovation and entrepreneurship.


Meeting with Canadian Business Leaders, Red River College

Objectives:

To introduce His Royal Highness to the Canadian business leaders involved in his Prince’s Seeing is Believing initiative, as well as to those who have benefited from it.

To discuss efforts to expand the national reach and scope of the Prince’s Seeing is Believing activities and impacts.

To give His Royal Highness the opportunity to meet some of the founding corporate partners who are driving these national efforts forward.


Meeting with Canadian Development and Design Community, Prince's Foundation for Building Community, Red River College

Objective:

To discuss the work of Prince’s Foundation for Building Community in transforming lives and building sustainable communities with members of the Canadian development and design community.


Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Objectives:

To celebrate the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s past, present and future as it celebrates its 75th anniversary season.

To visit the Ballet’s impressive costume –making workshop.

To profile community outreach programs that bring dance to at-risk children and adults with varied movement abilities.
 
To provide an opportunity to greet participants, students, company dancers and staff and to view a pas de deux by two of the Ballet’s young professional dancers.


Credit Union

Objective:

To introduce Her Royal Highness to the unique business model of the Assiniboine Credit Union including the innovative programs that have been created to help low-income families and the local organizations that support them in the community.


Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

Objective:

To meet with members of Her Royal Highness’s first Commonwealth Regiment, the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, which she previously met during her visit to Toronto, Ontario, in 2012.


Manitoba Legislative Building and official farewell to Canada

Objectives:

To induct 14 citizens into the Order of Manitoba, recognizing those who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefitting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and the nation.

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.

To thank and formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart Manitoba and Canada.


Departure from Canada

Objectives:

To showcase a recently restored 1928 Fokker Super Universal, widely regarded as the most significant “bush plane” in Canadian aviation history, which carries the marking of “The Royal Mail” and is the only plane of this type in the world that still flies.

To provide an opportunity to bid farewell to officials and veterans.