Prince Harry Visits Oman

Prince Harry visited Oman on a state visit, and then popped by Abu Dhabi for a charity polo match this week and although the Oman trip did not BEGIN with the sword, I was certainly not going to resist. This photo is going to look great on the cover of the fanfic that Harry is currently writing about himself, in which he's a misunderstood but brave and handsome gladiator.

Prince Harry Visits Oman

These men seem to be properly balanced between "this is a hoot," and "I hope this dude doesn't trip over his suede kicks and accidentally stab me."

I hope they let Harry take the sword home. He can hang it over the dining room table in case a duel breaks out.

Prince Harry Visits Oman

Let's sidebar for the Informative Caption: "Prince Harry visits Nizra Fort on November 19, 2014 in Muscat, Oman. Prince Harry is on a three day visit to Oman before heading to Abu Dhabi to compete in a charity polo match for his charity Sentebale." Oh. I guess I already told you all of that! ANYHOODLE. I also really just wanted to use this picture due to Sunglasses. (Although I think his are not right on his face. Kate, buy him some aviators this Christmas. Kate, in fact, should use her pregnancy hormones as an excuse to buy everyone stuff they desperately need. New casual pants for Wills, number two on the list.)

Prince Harry Visits Oman

"Did you all see me with the sword? That was awesome, right?"

Prince Harry Visits Oman

REAL Informative Caption Time: "Prince Harry chats to the Sultan of Oman's First Cousin His Highness Sayyid Haithem Bin Tariq Al Said as he arrives at the VIP section of Muscat International Airport." This photo is basically to assure you that a navy suit WAS deployed on this trip and Harry will not be excommunicated from the Gentlemen in Blue Suits club upon his return.

Prince Harry Visits Oman

"Do you guys think Kate will get mad if I bring George back one of those knives?"

Prince Harry Visits Oman

This is the Old Muttrah Souk, and it looks fascinating, and I hope Harry came back with all KINDS of stuff. "Kate, here, I got you six BeDazzled camels and this silver tea set and also...I don't know what this is, but it looks neat, right? Happy Christmas!"

Prince Harry Visits The Grand Mosque in Muscat.

I have never been to Oman, but the Mosque there looks quite breathtaking.

Polo In Abu Dhabi With Prince Harry

Speaking of breathtaking....

Polo In Abu Dhabi With Prince Harry

This is going to be the cover of his polo-themed album, dropping next month. It's going to be aurally horrifying but visually a treat.

Polo In Abu Dhabi With Prince Harry

Prince Harry: LITERALLY befriending the children of the world.

Prince Charles Takes Part In His First Google+ Hangout

"Hangout... so that's hanging out, like a dude, right? Is this how dudes sit? Where's Harry when you need him."

olo In Abu Dhabi With Prince Harry

"Would you call that...very much an Entry Level Cartier?"

Camilla and the Winners Of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

Speaking of kids, I was going to pick the photo of Camilla with the prize-winner here whose outfit I thought was the cutest, but they ALL look nice, so mazel tov to them. You go with your essay writing, kids.

Service Of Thanksgiving For Lady Soames

The Lady Soames died in May, and sounds awesome: "The Lady Soames was the youngest of the five children of Winston and Clementine Churchill. Mary Soames was the widow of Christopher Soames, European Commissioner and the last Governor of Southern Rhodesia. Lady Soames had a distinguished career in public life, served in the ATS in the Second World War from 1941-1946, was a successful author, patron to many charities and chaired the Royal National Theatre Board of Trustees between 1989 and 1995." Here, I believe Charles is asking the Dean of Westminster just WHAT exactly William DID say to Kate at the alter because he and Camilla have a bet.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales Visits The Prince's Drawing School In Shoreditch

"No, no, it's 'WinGARRRRDium LeviOOOOSA', not 'LeviosAAAA,' and then you just sort of JAB it... Really, did you not see the movie? Emma Watson could not have been clearer."

Princess Beatrice

This is a cute, if basic, if probably incredibly expensive, coat on Beatrice.

Queen Letizia

Over to Spain! This feels slightly jazzy than her usual, and I am all about those shoes.

Queen Letizia

I actually think this suit is lovely -- if somber and serious -- but it could have used a little special sauce in the accessories? It's definitely fancier than her usual ADA look, though. Maybe Letizia's been watching a lot of The Good Wife.

Queen Letizia

"Hold the phone! You're not Felipe."

King Felipe IV at the Academy of Artillery

THERE he is.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde

I kind of love this on Mathilde. She wears this color a lot -- it's not great on her, but I appreciate the boldness -- and those shoes are a welcome flash of metallics.

Crown Princess Mary

"You guys, I'm really busy right now. Get the coat shot and allow me to get back to business."

National Day 2014 in Monaco

Here's Caroline and Stephanie at National Day in Monaco. As pointed out at the Royal Hats blog, which has great coverage of this particular event, Stephanie has taken this Hats-Required Event and just worn a sad little scrunchie. I don't even know what to do with you, Stephanie. (Caroline, however, looks lovely.)

Sacha Casiraghi and Andrea Casiraghi

Andrea and Tatiana's little boy Sacha is CUTE AND SNUGGLY. Playdate with George? (I feel like Tatiana and Kate wouldn't have much in common, though. Kate would be all, "do you want to talk about field hockey?" and Tatiana would be like, "no. Do you want to talk about Dolce & Gabbana?" and Kate would be like, "I mean...not really?" and then they'd politely drink tea in silence, and then Kate would say, "do you want to know how I ended up quitting smoking?" and Tatiana would be like "NO," and then the event would be over.)

Monaco National Day 2014

Here, we've got Albert, Caroline, Tatiana Santo Domingo and Andrea Casiraghi. Both of the ladies look nice, right? Caroline looks wacky, but in an appealing way, and Tatiana looks like she's thinking, "goddamn it, Kate. I was planning to wear this LONG BEFORE you wore YOUR black lace."

Princess Charlene

And FINALLY. Charlene only came out for the Balcony Portion of this event -- she skipped church, and the gala. I wonder if perhaps she's just not feeling that well. Her due date is apparently around Christmas, so she may well be just taking it extremely easy, as she should. I actually think whatever she's wearing here SEEMS to suit her, too.

Prince Albert II & Princess Charlenene of Monaco Share A Kiss On Monaco National Day

"IF YOU SAY SO," Sven says to himself, as he weeps quietly into his cafe au lait.

Royals Round-Up, November 21, 2014

This Royals Round-Up is extremely Harry heavy. It has white polo pants and SWORD-FIGHTING and also kissing. (The kissing, however, involves Prince Albert. I just wanted to be upfront with you.) In Case You Missed It! Kate left the house this week and, as often is the case with her cocktail party wear, I made some perplexed faces. I get that cocktail wear is sort of a weird nether world between the Day Dress (which she generally nails) and Formal Wear (also many successful outings), but I have hope that this can be perfected eventually. ELSEWHERE: Spain's Duchess of Alba died this week. She was quite a character. And she was married to a dude 25 years younger than she was, against the wishes of her children! Her Wikipedia also taught me that she was Spain's richest woman, she "had more titles recognized by an existing government than any other noble in the world," her second husband was a former Jesuit priest who was SCANDALOUSLY ILLEGITIMATE, and her first wedding was allegedly the most expensive in the world. THIS sounds like a book. (Today) Speaking of weddings, Thursday was QE2 and Philip's 67th anniversary. Hello! takes a look back at the wedding (and secret engagement. I love a secret engagement). The Court Jeweller has GREAT pictures from their wedding, too. I assume you want the scoop on Wills and Kate's trip to New York! What Would Kate Do? has you covered. Wills has teamed up with Angry Birds for wildlife conservation awareness. Harry is still working on his collaboration with Candy Crush. (People) I will never resist linking to a story about James Middleton's Custom Marshmallow Empire. (NYT) Vanity Fair has this great piece on all of Princess Diana's amazing/hideous/amazing sweaters, with bonus shots of tiny Wills and Harry. I really really want the one that's covered in sheep. [Photos: Getty, Splash, Fame/Flynet]