[GrandDuchess]

ROYAL QUICK HITS

Here are a few threads that the TRF Team feel are of note and worth to take a look at

* One year ago I (GrandDuchess) was invited to join the TRF Team, and the first thing I did a few days after joining, was to get involved in planning and creating a big July-August 2005 Newsletter about the summer residences- and holidays of our Royal Families. In my opinion, this newsletter was a huge success and it came out better that I had thought it would. Together with great TRF Team Members and forum members Dennism, Larzen, Lena, The Watcher, Elspeth and pdas1201, we created a wonderful newsletter containing all the information and pictures you could ever want or need to know about where our royals spend their summers, and what they are usually up too.

So now, one year later, it’s summer once again. Before you go on reading this newsletter, I really recommend you to take a look at the July-August 2005 Newsletter again, perhaps if you want to know more on these topics, or if you want to remind yourself. We promise good reading and nice pictures to look at!

* With the lack of grand royal weddings this year, as most royals of the right age are already hitched, why not celebrate the arrival of this summer with a glimpse into the world of royal weddings? The June 2005 Newsletter, “Princess Brides”, covered royal brides through the last centuries, from Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands to Mary Donaldson.

* Ever since April, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries have been celebrating the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. In her honour, we have created this newsletter about her life, but we recommend you to follow the celebrations that have already taken place and those that are planned in the special thread for her anniversary this year.

* At the end of June, two Benelux countries will strengthen their ties of friendship and cooperation even further as the Queen of The Netherlands will pay a State Visit to Belgium on the invitation of King Albert II. This special event can be followed in this thread.

* This year marks the first year anniversary of the death of Prince Rainier of Monaco, and in July his son, Prince Albert, has been an enthroned sovereign for one year. To remember those celebrations one year ago, go here.

* In July, the King and Queen of Sweden will pay a State Visit to The People’s Republic of China, strengthening the ties between the two countries even further. The visit will celebrate the highly noted arrival of the East Indiaman ship Götheborg to Kanton, and the Royal Couple will also visit Beijing were the President will receive them. The visit can be followed in this thread.

* The month of August, namely the 29th of that month, will mark the wedding anniversary of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway. Crown Prince Harald truly broke new soil as he was give permission to marry the love of his life, a commoner girl, and after him many others followed. To read about their wedding and see pictures, go here.