Royals Round-Up, December 1st, 2017

Luckington Court, the rumoured country retreat of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, UK - 30 Nov 2017

Please note all pics taken from the public footpaths that pass over the property Mandatory Credit: Photo by Joan Wakeham/REX/Shutterstock (9252546b) Luckington Court, rumoured to be the prospective country home for Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markle. Luckington Court, the rumoured country retreat of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, UK - 30 Nov 2017

It's rumored that Harry and Meghan are going to be moving into Luckington Court in the Cotswolds for their country estate -- as far as I can tell, the rumor started, though, because it sold right when their engagement was announced, which could certainly be a coincidence. If it looks familiar, it's because it was the Bennet house in the BBC Pride and Prejudice. Meghan getting to marry Harry AND live in the Colin Firth P&P makes me VERY JEALOUS. I want an English countryhome TOO! And UGH LOOK HOW NICE IT IS INISDE.

Luckington Court, the rumoured country retreat of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, UK - 30 Nov 2017

It looks from the outside as if it might need a splash of work, which will also be fun for Meghan as she now doesn't really need to worry too much about her budget (as long as she doesn't go all Gold-Plated Shower Stalls).

Luckington Court, the rumoured country retreat of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, UK - 30 Nov 2017

SIGH.

German President Steinmeier Visits The Queen

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9246814d) Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William greet the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender outside the Grand Entrance before a private lunch at Buckingham Palace German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier private lunch at Buckingham Palace, London, UK - 28 Nov 2017 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Cambridge greet the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender outside the Grand Entrance before a private lunch at Buckingham Palace

Informative Caption tells me that "Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William greet the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender outside the Grand Entrance before a private lunch at Buckingham Palace," at which I'm sure they all housed several plates of nachos and talked about where everyone is going to sit for Harry and Meghan's wedding.

Wills Visits Finland

USA Rights Only - Helsinki, Finland -20171130-Prince William hands Prince George's Christmas Wish List to a man dressed as Santa Claus as he visits Esplanade Park's Christmas market in Helsinki, on the second day of his tour of Finland. -PICTURED: Prince William with Santa -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com -33942934.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded

Wills also jaunted off on an official visit to Finland for a couple of days, where he met Santa and got to deliver George's Christmas list in person.

Wills Visits Finland

George can write his name AND the words POLICE CAR, which is very cute. It's also very cute to me that William transported this all the way from home to deliver it in person. I am sure Kate showed George the pictures of Daddy talking to Father Christmas, which was probably very exciting for him.

Wills Visits Finland

USA Rights Only - Helsinki, Finland -20171129- The Duke of Cambridge at an ice rink in Helsinki, Finland to see the work of Icehearts, a welfare charity that uses sport to engage with and support boys at risk of social exclusion. -PICTURED: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge -PHOTO by: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images/INSTARimages.com This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded

Wills also got to play a spot of hockey at "Icehearts, a welfare charity that uses sport to engage with and support boys at risk of social exclusion." That seems like a very nice charity indeed!

Wills Visits Finland

USA Rights Only - Helsinki, Finland -20171129- The Duke of Cambridge, President of Finland Sauli Niinisto and wife Jenni Hauiko attend a dinner at Mantyniemi, the official residence of the President of Finland in Helsinki, Finland. -PICTURED: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, President Sauli Niinisto, Jenni Hauiko -PHOTO by: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images/INSTARimages.com This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded

And here he is with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, and the first lady, Jenni Hauiko -- who is a Finnish poet and is also expecting a baby, in February. Wiki also taught me that Niinsito's first wife was killed in a car accident, and he and his son survived a tsunami by climbing a utility pole!

Sophie Visits Coral Reef Waterworld

USA Rights Only - Bracknell, UK -20171129- The Countess of Wessex watches Jordan Meakes demonstrating a water slide during a visit to Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell. -PICTURED: Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Jordan Meakes -PHOTO by: Steve Parsons/PA Images/INSTARimages.com This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded

"Well. At least one of us misread the dress code."

Camz visits Royal School of Needlework

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9237043l) Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visits Royal School of Needlework. The Duchess of Cornwall visits Royal School of Needlework, London, UK - 22 Nov 2017 Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of the Royal School of Needlework visit's the Royal School of Needlework for the first time since taking over the patronage from Queen Elizabeth II in January 2017. Camilla Duchess of Cornwall is joined by The Duchess of Gloucester, President of the Royal School of Needlework, meeting staff and students and see the innovative and beautiful hand embroidery work being created.

Here's what a nerd I am. When I saw this visit to the Royal School of Needlework pop up on the Royal Family's Instastory, I squealed with glee. WHAT. I LIKE NEEDLEWORK.

Camz Visits School Children

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9246820n) Camilla Duchess of Cornwall poses in the stand at Stoke City Football Club with 200 children from local schools. Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visit to Stoke on Trent, UK - 28 Nov 2017 The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, The National Literacy Trust, visits Stoke City Football Club to meet over two hundred local school children taking part in reading activities with the help of authors as part of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Stoke.

This photo is so great, and these kids seem to LOVE CAMILLA. Informative Caption tells me that Camz "visits Stoke City Football Club to meet over two hundred local school children taking part in reading activities with the help of authors as part of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Stoke." Look at these delighted kids with their books!

HUGGING!

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9246820u) Camilla Duchess of Cornwall poses in the stand at Stoke City Football Club with 200 children from local schools. Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visit to Stoke on Trent, UK - 28 Nov 2017 The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, The National Literacy Trust, visits Stoke City Football Club to meet over two hundred local school children taking part in reading activities with the help of authors as part of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Stoke.

SO MANY kids appeared to have given Camilla a hug. IT IS SO CUTE.

Prince Charles Visits Poundbury, Dorset

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9243693l) Prince Charles visits Damers First School to meet staff, students and parents, and learn about their sustainability programmes. Prince Charles visit to Poundbury, Dorset, UK - 27 Nov 2017

And has there ever been a person more delighted to talk about sustainability -- his fave topic -- with little girls over a whole bunch of worms and mud?

Prince Charles Visits Poundbury, Dorset

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9243693r) HRH Prince Charles visits Bowes Lyon Court Retirement Living Plus in Poundbury, Dorset. Prince Charles visit to Poundbury, Dorset, UK - 27 Nov 2017 The Prince of Wales was visiting Bowes Lyon Court Retirement Living Plus, an assisted living retirement community comprised of independently owned properties, to meet residents and staff.

This is "Bowes Lyon Court Retirement Living Plus in Poundbury, Dorset..an assisted living retirement community comprised of independently owned properties," where HRH, I assumed, fleeced serveral senior citizens of their entire life savings.

Queen Elizabeth II and a Dog

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9252520l) "Yarna" the black Labrador presents Queen Elizabeth II with a bouquet of posies in it's mouth before she dropped it at Queen Elizabeth II IIs feet at the conclusion Queen Elizabeth II II's visit to the "Canine Partners" charity in Midhurst in Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II visit to Sussex, UK - 30 Nov 2017 Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with physical disabilities to enable them to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. Where possible the charity helps people with disabilities into education and employment through the provision of specially trained assistance dogs. As part of this partnership, the well-being of the dogs is also a key consideration. Canine Partner dogs are trained to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors for their wheelchair-using partners, retrieving dropped items, loading and unloading washing machines, helping their partners to undress and getting help in case of emergency. As well as providing practical assistance, the dogs provide companionship, emotional support and increased opportunities for the human partner to interact with members of the public

YES, that DOG is giving the Queen her bouquet of flowers! She's a black lab, her name is Yarna, she politely dropped the flowers at the Queen's feet and I have to imagine that Her Majesty was DELIGHTED by all of this. Informative Caption tells us, "Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with physical disabilities to enable them to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. Where possible, the charity helps people with disabilities into education and employment through the provision of specially trained assistance dogs. As part of this partnership, the well-being of the dogs is also a key consideration. Canine Partner dogs are trained to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors for their wheelchair-using partners, retrieving dropped items, loading and unloading washing machines, helping their partners to undress and getting help in case of emergency. As well as providing practical assistance, the dogs provide companionship, emotional support and increased opportunities for the human partner to interact with members of the public." (a) That is wonderful, and (b) you KNOW the Queen was very excited to do this event today, given how much she loves dogs, and (c) a dog that takes the laundry out of the machine is AN AMAZING MAGICAL CREATURE and (d) the people who train these dogs are so tremendous.

Queen Elizabeth II and Flint the Puppy

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9252520e) Queen Elizabeth II is introduced to 12 week old Labrador puppy "Flint" by her trainer Ruth Narracott as she tours the facilities at "Canine Partners" charity in Midhurst in Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II visit to Sussex, UK - 30 Nov 2017 Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with physical disabilities to enable them to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. Where possible the charity helps people with disabilities into education and employment through the provision of specially trained assistance dogs. As part of this partnership, the well-being of the dogs is also a key consideration. Canine Partner dogs are trained to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors for their wheelchair-using partners, retrieving dropped items, loading and unloading washing machines, helping their partners to undress and getting help in case of emergency. As well as providing practical assistance, the dogs provide companionship, emotional support and increased opportunities for the human partner to interact with members of the public

LOOK AT THIS PUPPY.

Char and Al at the World Rugby Awards

HSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco arrive for the World Rugby Awards at the Salle des étoiles in Monaco Featuring: HSH Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene Where: Monaco, Monaco When: 26 Nov 2017 Credit: Arnold Jerocki/ News Pictures/WENN.com **Only available for publication in UK & USA**

My kingdom for a red lip, Charlene.

Felipe and Letizia

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9252481h) King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia Constitutive meeting at Zarzuela Palace, Madrid, Spain - 30 Nov 2017 King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend a Constitutive meeting of the National Commission for the commemoration of the 5 Centenary of the expedition of the first round the world of Fernando de Magallanes and Juan Sebastian Elcano

This is a very preppy look on Letizia.

Felipe and Letizia

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Cordoba Miguel/action press/REX/Shutterstock (9237740f) King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia Cerecedo award 2017 at the Ritz hotel, Madrid, Spain - 22 Nov 2017

And this is a very saucy one! Can you imagine if Kate wore something so bare? Certain factions would lose their minds.

Queen Letizia

This coat/dress combo is GLORIOUSLY romantic.

Felipe and Letizia

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Belen Diaz/DYDPPA/REX/Shutterstock (9239459b) Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI Plenary Session of the Royal Board of the National Library, Madrid, Spain - 24 Nov 2017

But this rather makes her look like a financial advisor from a bland dystopian future.

Prince Daniel, Princess Sofia, Prince Carl Phiip

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (9239294a) Prince Daniel, Princess Sofia of Sweden, Prince Carl Philip Official dinner at the Royal Palace, Stockholm, Sweden - 23 Nov 2017

There was an official dinner for the Swedish royals last week that required tiaras, and tiaras there were! (I didn't see Crown Princess Victoria, because I believe she was off visiting Germany.)

King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia

I told you the tiaras got dragged out, and bless the Swedes for how much they like to yank out the headgear. Does anyone wear as many major jewelry pieces as the Swedish royals, with such regularity? (The Brits obviously have an amazing collection of jewels, but I feel like they don't turn to the big guns quite as often.)

Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel

I love CPV, but this is perhaps not her most successful look.

Christening of Prince Gabriel

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (9253457i) Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Oscar Christening of Prince Gabriel, Drottningholm, Sweden - 01 Dec 2017

On the other hand, Victoria looks AMAZING in this red ensemble for Prince Gabriel's christening today. I'm not sure if she's ever looked better (in day wear, anyway). Fantastic! And Estelle is getting so tall!

Princess Madeleine, Chris O'Neill

Mandatory Credit: Photo by People Picture/Willi Schneider/REX/Shutterstock (9253415k) Princess Madeleine of Sweden, husband, Christopher Paul O'Neill Christening of Prince Gabriel, Drottningholm, Sweden - 01 Dec 2017

I was struck, earlier this week when looking at old pics, by how handsome Chris used to be, and frankly he almost always looks like an unmade bed anymore. He has an attachment to the permastubble facial hair -- surely thanks to Carl Philip's stellar facial hair work. But what is dashing and hot on CP just makes O'Neill look unkept. I really wish he would shave. I have my doubts about this relationship. Doubts based on literally nothing.

Sofia, Prince Gabriel, Prince Alexander, Carl Philip

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (9253402b) Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip with their children Prince Gabriel and Prince Alexander, Christening of Prince Gabriel, Drottningholm, Sweden - 01 Dec 2017

HOW CUTE IS PRINCE ALEXANDER?! The Swedish royal family makes EXCELLENT babies. Also, somewhere in the UK, Kate is thinking, "thank GOD I didn't have to wear Traditional Dress while everyone else got to wear whatever."

Christening of Prince Gabriel

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (9253457g) Queen Silvia, princess Sofia, Prince Gabriel, Prince Carl Philip, prince Alexander Christening of Prince Gabriel, Drottningholm, Sweden - 01 Dec 2017

Queen Silvia looks lovely, but I think my favorite thing about this photo is the dude in the background in that hat. I decided he is just a passerby who happens to dress like that.

Christening of Prince Gabriel

Princess Estelle is highly doubtful about ALL of this.

King Philippe And Queen Mathilde

This coat on Mathilde is TREMENDOUS.

Queen Mathilde

Two steps forward, one step back.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visit the Caribbean Islands

These two are visiting "St. Eustatius, Saba and Sint Maarten (Saint Martin), to check on reconstructions after Hurricane Irma devastated the islands." Max looks great here.

Queen Maxima

GOALS.

Maxima

I'm sure these shoes were expensive, but they sort of look like shower shoes. This whole look says, "I'm just heading down to the swim-up bar."

Queen Maxima

Bring us home with your earrings, Maxima!