Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo-Casiragh
This is STUNNING. It's Giambattista Valli, and it's the streamlined red cousin to the pink version that Rihanna wore to the Grammys that year. It's GLORIOUS on her. Click here if you want to see it larger. And paired with that diamond and emerald necklace? STUNNING. (He is also terrifically handsome.)
Charlotte Casiraghi and Princess Alexandra of Hanover
Charlotte looks SO much like her mother -- she is really beautiful -- and also mildly crazy in that white satin jumpsuit. I think Princess Alexandra looks very sweet, though. She's only sixteen, and what she's wearing here is kind of a coat. Underneath, the dress is strapless, but still very young and lovely.
Princess Caroline in Chanel, Prince Albert
Caroline is in Chanel -- Karl was in attendance, of course -- and I think she looks lovely, although maybe she needs a bit of color? Albert...looks like Albert. (Charlene did not attend.)
Queen Maxima
This is the Prix Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year ceremony, and indeed, what occasion does NOT require champers? Maxima is even WEARING champagne.
Princess Anne
This was the last day of the Cheltenham Festival races, and if you need further proof of how tiny the poshest circles of British society are, Anne is hanging out with Andrew Parker Bowles -- who is often with them at this event, and who is, of course, Camilla's ex.
Chaz and Camz
Speaking of! This was the final day of their most recent trip, most of which I covered last week. Here, they're in Kosovo. Chaz looks extra sharp. Also perplexed.
QE2
This week, Her Maj is meeting the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Janice Filmon, and her husband Gary. She has chosen to match herself to the sofa on this occasion.
The Queen And The Duke Of Edinburgh Attend The Royal Maundy Service
This the traditional Royal Maundy Service, which happened at Windsor Castle this year. This is a very picturesque event! The British monarchy's website actually has a very interesting piece about what this service actually is. It's QUITE an old tradition.
The Royal Maundy Service
Informative Caption tells us, "yeoman warders carry trays containing the maundy money through St George's Chapel in Windsor, where The Queen distributed them to 180 people -- 90 men and 90 women, symbolizing her age.... The Queen commemorates Maundy by offering 'alms' to senior citizens - retired pensioners recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations, in recognition of service to the Church and to the local community...Each recipient receives two purses, one red and one white. Recipients this year are drawn, not from a single diocese as is normally the case, but from across the country. This year, the Red Purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating the Queen's ninetieth birthday, and a 50p coin commemorating the nine hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Hastings...Historically, the sum of £5.50 in the Red Purse is made up of £3 for clothing, £1.50 in lieu of provisions and £1 for the redemption of the Sovereign's gown which, before Tudor times, used to be divided between the recipients. The White Purse contains uniquely minted Maundy Money. This takes the form of one, two, three and four silver penny pieces, the sum of which equals the number of years of the Monarch’s age. This year ninety pennies of silver coins (9 sets of 10p per set) will be distributed.
This is the first time the Royal Maundy Service has been held in St George's Chapel since 1959. A tower in the Castle wall near the Chapel was formerly known as Almonry Tower, marking the historic link between the Royal Almonry and Windsor. From the 12th century the King’s Almoner and his staff were allocated quarters in this tower, and in adjacent buildings that were demolished to make way for the building of the present Chapel in the 15th century. The Chapel of St George is part of the College of St George, which was founded in 1348, the same time as the Order of the Garter. Although the College is located within Windsor Castle, the buildings are owned and occupied by the College itself."
Um. That is LITERALLY the most Informative that Caption has EVER been.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia
These two have been laying low lately, but did come out to sign the condolence book for Belgium.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium and King Philippe
Mathilde and Philipp made a variety of appearances after the bombings, including to the hospital to see victims. They look completely appropriate, and, naturally, very upset and sad. (Is it bad form to say that I think her coat is lovely?)