Global royal news highlights recent events, including the Swedish palace’s tribute to the late Princess Birgitta with cherished photographs showcasing her life. Catherine, Princess of Wales, prepares for her Christmas concert after recovering from chemotherapy. Tensions persist between Princes William and Harry during the Diana Award Ceremony, while Prince Harry collaborates with Katy Perry for the Invictus Games. Princess Josephine stars in Denmark’s Christmas series, and Princess Eugenie shares joyful holiday moments with her family. Finally, former Iranian Empress Farah Pahlavi reunites with her family, emphasizing unity.
Global Royal News Highlights
December 7, 2024
Swedish Palace Commemorates Princess Birgitta with Cherished Photos
On December 4, 2024, the world mourned the loss of Princess Birgitta. Just days after her passing, the Swedish palace honored her memory by sharing a collection of intimate photographs on Instagram. These snapshots offer a glimpse into the princess’s life, showcasing significant moments that reflect her character and spirit. The timeline begins with her as an infant, followed by joyful family outings at the beach and hiking adventures.
The photo series also features her wedding to Johann Georg von Hohenzollern and highlights her beloved children: Prince Hubertus, 58, Princess Desirée, 61, and Carl Christian, 62. Among the memories shared is the poignant coronation of King Carl Gustaf in 1973. The tribute culminates with a heartwarming group photo from Princess Birgitta’s 80th birthday, capturing her with siblings Princess Margaretha, King Carl Gustaf, Princess Désirée, and Princess Christina.
December 6, 2024
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prepares for Her Christmas Concert
Initially, it seemed unlikely that Catherine, Princess of Wales, would host her Christmas concert this year. However, following her recovery from chemotherapy, the 42-year-old royal eagerly anticipates returning to her royal responsibilities, including organizing her annual holiday concert, a tradition she has maintained since 2021.
Just hours before the event kicks off on Friday evening, Catherine gives fans a sneak peek of the beautifully decorated venue on Instagram. She shares, ‘Westminster Abbey looks beautifully festive ahead of today’s ‘Together at Christmas Carol Service.’ The venue is adorned with lush green fir trees, vibrant red holly berries, and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere for the occasion.
Tension at the Diana Award Ceremony
During the Diana Awards, which celebrate the legacy of Princess Diana, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, exchanged congratulations with the award recipients but remained distant from one another. The brothers have been estranged for years, with their relationship strained, particularly due to issues surrounding Harry’s wife, Duchess Meghan.
Instead of reconciling for this significant occasion, the brothers opted for separate acknowledgments. Prince William shared a heartfelt letter expressing that ‘my mother […] would be incredibly proud of you,’ while Prince Harry participated in a virtual ceremony, stating in a YouTube video, ‘My mother’s belief in the power of young people to bring about positive change continues to inspire me.’ The brothers’ decision not to jointly honor the award winners echoes their ongoing rift.
December 5, 2024
Prince Harry Teams Up with Katy Perry
Despite past tensions, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have shown their admiration for pop sensation Katy Perry. The awkward moment when Perry humorously critiqued Meghan’s wedding dress in 2018 has been put aside, especially after the Sussexes were spotted enjoying a Perry concert in Las Vegas in November 2023.
In an exciting development, Katy Perry will be performing as a special guest at the upcoming Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry, taking place in February in Vancouver, Canada. Reports indicate that the Grammy-nominated artist will entertain attendees with her popular hits, including ‘Firework,’ a favorite of Princess Charlotte, who danced to it during King Charles’s coronation concert.
Interestingly, Katy Perry and her partner Orlando Bloom are neighbors of the Sussexes in Montecito, California, further intertwining their lives.
December 4, 2024
Princess Josephine Dazzles in Christmas Series
The annual ‘Julekalender’ (German Advent calendar) on DR 1 in Denmark features a delightful Christmas series from December 1 to 24. This year’s installment, ‘Tidsrejsen 2’ (German: ‘Time Travel 2’), continues the story that began in 2014, following characters Romeo and Holly on their quest to uncover the mystery of a missing father.
A special highlight this year is Princess Josephine, 13, the daughter of King Frederik and Queen Mary, who takes on the role of Kate, a teenager in the 1990s and a close friend of the main character’s mother. This isn’t Princess Josephine’s first foray into acting; she previously wowed audiences in a production of ‘Peter Pan’ in Copenhagen in October 2023.
Princess Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson Spread Holiday Joy
Princess Eugenie, 34, is embracing the festive spirit this season. Alongside her children, August, 3, and Ernest, 1, and her mother, Sarah Ferguson, 65, she visited the enchanting Windsor Great Park Illuminated Christmas market. The royal shared her family outing on Instagram, showcasing several photos capturing their joyful experience. The first image features the four royals happily mingling with the crowd, with Fergie cradling her youngest grandson.
The gallery also includes a charming mother-daughter selfie and clips of the children marveling at the dazzling light displays. Eugenie joyfully notes, ‘The start of the Christmas countdown has become even more magical this year because I was at @windsorilluminated with Grandma and Mom.’
December 3, 2024
Unity Among the Iranian Royal Family
In a rare and heartwarming display, former Iranian Empress Farah Pahlavi, 86, is seen together with her family. The photos feature her eldest son, the designated Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, 64, and his wife Yasmine Pahlavi, 56, capturing a moment of familial togetherness.