Monaco’s Prince Albert II and his niece Charlotte Casiraghi were interviewed by Stade2 after the recent International Jumping Competition in Monte Carlo. The link was sent to us by Merry Royals reader Rodrigo (thanks!). The interview is in French, but there’s a translation below.

We’ve only seen photos of Charlotte, so it’s great to hear her voice! She’s very charming and poised, though this is apparently her first interview.

Read More - Video: Charlotte Casiraghi’s First Interview by Stade2

Prince Charles and Camilla visited the Isles of Scilly today, July 2, 2009. The group of more than 50 islands and islets are located southwest of Cornwall. The biggest islands are St. Mary’s and Tresco, both of which were on the royal couple’s tour.

Among the stops of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall’s visit were the Gig Boat Club,Trenoweth Horticultural Centre, and the Harbour Quay. The royal couple boarded a boat to get from St. Mary’s to Tresco. At one point, the Duchess had to take off her shoes, probably to avoid getting them stuck in the sand.

Read More - Prince Charles, Camilla at Isles of Scilly

Crown Prince Felipe of Spain arrived in Panama yesterday, June 29, 2009, for a three day visit.

Prince Felipe met with Panama’s outgoing president, Martin Torrijos (photo above), today at the Presidential Palace in Panama City. He will attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new president, Ricardo Martinelli, tomorrow, July 1, 2009

Image: Zuma Press

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands officially opened a new public library in Wassenaar, the Netherlands on June 29, 2009.

The new library not only houses books and digital resources. It also includes a new youth department and a room for viewing films and movies.

Read More - Princess Maxima Opens Public Library

It seems only yesterday that Princess Alexia of the Netherlands was a little baby. Now she’s going to school!

The second daughter of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima turned 4 years old just last week. This week, she’s starting class 1A at the Bloemcampschool in Wassenaar. Her mom and dad, and older sister Princess Amalia accompanied her to her first day of school.

Princess Alexia looked both excited and apprehensive about going to school as she looked up to big sister Amalia.

Read More - Princess Alexia of the Netherlands Attends First Day of School

Happy happy birthday to the following royals, nobles and friends of royals!

June

30 - Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg (1964)

30 - Shaikh Abdullah of Bahrain (1975)

July

July 3 - Prince Maximilian, Margrave of Baden (1933)

July 3 - Princess Marie Louise of Baden (1969)

July 4 - Prince Michael of Kent (1942)

July 4 - Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand (1957)

July 4 - Queen Sonja of Norway (1937)

via Royal Forums

Merlin Episode 1.04: The Poisoned Chalice

Airdate: June 28, 2009

Nimueh returns to seek revenge on Merlin. She poses as one of the servants (Cara) of the visiting King Bayard.

Merlin is Poisoned

King Bayard and the Knights of the Western Isles are in Camelot to celebrate the union between the two kingdoms. King Bayard gives chalices to King Uther to mark the event. Nimueh convinces Merlin that King Bayard has poisoned Arthur’s chalice. Uther challenges Merlin to prove that he is telling the truth. Merlin drinks from the chalice and falls into a coma.

Gaius identifies the potion and finds its antidote. Morgana encourages Arthur to try and help Merlin. Arthur disobeys his father and goes alone on the quest for the plant that will save Merlin’s life. He only has two days to do it and return, because the enchantment has speeded up the potion’s action.

Read More - Merlin – Episode 1.04: The Poisoned Chalice - Recap

Merlin Episode 1.03: The Mark of Nimueh

Airdate: June 28, 2009

The third episode of Merlin begins with the witch Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) bringing a monster to life in Camelot’s water source. The beast poisons the water and brings sickness to everyone who drinks of it. One by one, citizens of Camelot fall ill. Gwen’s father catches the plague. Merlin secretly steps in, with magic and a poultice, to save the blacksmith’s life. As a result, King Uther suspects Gwen of being a sorceress and the cause of the plague. Morgana defends Gwen but the king does no listen.

Merlin is caught in a conflict; he goes to visit Gwen in the prison. Gwen asks him to remember her. Merlin leaves with a promise that he will not let her die. He storms the king’s meeting and confesses that he is the sorcerer. Arthur says that Merlin is only saying that because he is in love with Gwen. The king lets Merlin go.

Read More - Merlin – Episode 1.03: The Mark of Nimueh - Recap

White dresses are not just for weddings, as Princess Letizia so elegantly shows. Yesterday, June 25, 2009, the Crown Princess of Spain accompanied her husband Prince Felipe to the designation ceremony of the new honorary ambassadors of the “Spain Brand”.

Princess Letizia’s simple white dress was perfect for a summer event. It’s not just a plain white dress, of course. The fabric was textured, and the princess further dressed it up with a green jeweled belt (which I love!), dangly earrings, a tiny white purse and a pair of green snakeskin shoes. She also had what appears to be a green scarf, probably as a just-in-case-it-got-chilly precaution.

Read More - Royal Fashion Friday: Princess Letizia’s White Dress

It looks like Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco is busy these days with show jumping. Just a few days after the Grand Prix Horse Jumping Competition in France, Charlotte is once again in the saddle. This time, it’s at the International Monte Carlo Jumping Competition on June 25 and 26, 2009.

A few of Charlotte’s family members and their significant others were present to give their support: her mother Princess Caroline, her brother Andrea and his girlfriend Tatiana Santos Domingos, and Charlene Wittstock (Prince Albert’s girlfriend).

It was a beautiful sunny day in Monaco for the royals to enjoy. I love seeing Charlotte at these competitions. We usually spot her at fashion events. Yes, she does more than just look good; she’s a great horsewoman too!

More photos below:

Read More - Monaco Royals at Monte Carlo Jumping Event