Queen Elizabeth attended a public church service yesterday at the West Newton parish church near Sandringham. The outing was her last in Norfolk before her return to London today. Following tradition, the Queen has been at her estate since just before Christmas. Though the past weeks have not been a purely work-free vacation, I’m sure she enjoyed her more relaxed schedule in the estate, having lots of time with her corgis, horses and the countryside. At the church, the Queen and Prince Philip briefly met some of the residents who gathered outside the church to greet the royals. A couple of little girls presented the Queen with some flowers. Now, here is something I have not really paid attention to before. Under her lovely pink coat, the... [Read more]

We’re still in the grip of winter where I live, though thankfully not facing the prospect of a snowstorm like what’s in the U.S. East Coast right now (I hope you guys are keeping warm and safe!). It’s a good time to look at the coats and other cold weather clothing that the royal ladies have been wearing lately. Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary comes in out of the snow into the New Carlsberg Glyptoteque in Copenhagen on January 27, 2010. She attended the award ceremony of the Elite Research Awards, which are given to outstanding Danish scientists. She wore this striated teal-and-black coat. I actually love this color, and the coat doesn’t need much beyond the black scarf. What do you think? You can have a closer look at the front of... [Read more]

The life of a working royal can never be described as monotonous. One day, they can be on a military ship and the next evening, at a concert. What the Spanish royals have been going to the past couple of days is a great example of how diverse a royal calendar can be. Yesterday, Crown Prince Felipe was in the Gulf of Cadiz to attend military exercises aboard the naval ship ‘Victoria’. He interacted with officers of the ship as the exercises were going on. However, I don’t think he took part in any of the maneuvers himself. Prince Felipe, btw, has earned his Helicopter Pilot’s Wings for both the Spanish Army and Navy, and is a Commander in the General Navy. Today, Prince Felipe attended the funeral of Spanish soldier John Felipe Romero... [Read more]

Prince Christian and Princess Isabella are not to be kept indoors in the winter when there is snow to be enjoyed in Switzerland! Their parents, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, took the little tots to Verbier for a family R and R on the slopes. The Danish royals were all bundled up and ready to have fun in the cold. The little ones are introduced to winter sports early, and 4-year-old Prince Christian appears to have already mastered his skis! Princess Isabella, who is 2 1/2 years old, seems content with sledding for now. But I’m sure we’ll see her on skis soon enough. Princess Mary still looks very elegant and poised even dressed down in a ski suit and parka. Prince Frederik just looks as if he is having the time... [Read more]

For today’s Fashion Friday, we’re going to shift gears from entire outfits to a specific item in royal fashion: the clutch. These versatile little bags can carry a princess or queen’s most important necessities. Perhaps a handkerchief or tissues, lipstick and some other small makeup items, photos of the kids/grandkids? Whatever it is that they may need for royal engagements, these accessories are sure to hold. The royal ladies of Spain and Denmark, and their pretty bags, are the features for today. Queen Sofia and Princess Letizia (with King Juan Carlos and Prince Felipe) attended the Foreign Ambassadors Reception, at Spain’s Royal Palace on January 14, 2010. Queen Sofia chose a royally purple little bag (left in photo above) with a... [Read more]