Tribute to Princess Diana At the Flame of Liberty Statue, Near Pont De L'Alma In Paris

As you surely know if you are reading this post, the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death was yesterday -- Thursday -- and there were MANY many impromptu memorials to her around the world. This Informative Caption WAS informative: "Iconic photos, flowers and messages dedicated to pay homage to Diana, Princess of Wales to the 20th anniversary of her death adorn the plinth of the Flame of Liberty statue on August 31, 2017 in Paris, France. Princess Diana is died in a car crash on August 31, 1997 near the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. The Flame of Liberty statue became the unofficial memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales." I didn't know that. (I always also have logistical questions about these things. Like, is someone going to pop back over here and pick up their piano pics of Diana?) Regardless, this is very sweet. I find it very moving that people care enough to think to bring a physical item to a memorial like this. Most of us are always trying to find a way to express meaningful connections, even if we don't really know how, even with people we don't really know, aren't we?

Tribute to Princess Diana At the Flame of Liberty Statue, Near Pont De L'Alma In Paris

This was also in Paris, yesterday.

Kensington Palace On The 20th Anniversary Of The Death Of Princess Diana

This, obviously, was at Kensington Palace, and this memorial seemingly only grew larger throughout the day. I remember when Diana died -- I think we all do. I knew about the car crash, and I was driving down Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica when the DJ broke into the song on KROQ to announce that she had died. (You know you live in LA when you were in the car for many celebrity deaths; I heard about John Ritter when I was stuck in traffic on Beverly, and I heard about JFK Jr when I was on Santa Monica Blvd, driving toward the Nuart to see Blair Witch Project.) What reminded me of that, though, was that a couple of days afterward, I was once again driving -- this time, down Wilshire. And there were tons of flowers in front of the British Embassy, and people going in to sign the condolence book. I sort of wanted to do it, but decided it would be over-the-top of me (and I didn't know where to park), but now I kind of regret that. 

Princess Diana 20 Year Anniversary Tribute

Informative Caption tells me that the "artist Endless pays tribute to Princess Diana on the 20 year anniversary of her death involving a vintage Routemaster bus and military brass band at Chelsea Waterside Artspace." I feel like they should give this bus to Harry and Wills and when the boys are feeling cheesed off about anything, they can arrive at events in this and then everyone will feel guilty and be extra nice to them.

Prince Harry

Informative Caption says that here, "Prince Harry lays flowers given to him by a member of the public at the gates of Kensington Palace in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales." That's awfully sweet.

Wills and Harry

This is just a snap of the boys that I didn't get to include in the post about them and Kate visiting the new KP gardens. I have to think they're very touched by the outpouring of affection for someone that they loved so much.

Crown Princess Victoria Attends The Junior Water Prize 2017

Over to Stockholm! I both like this pattern on Victoria and am delighted that she's wearing her hair out of the traditional bun.

Crown Princess Victoria

This HAS to be one of her mother's old dresses, right? Man, this buttoned-up 80s thing is really back. (It suits her.)

First Day Of School For Belgium Royal Family Children

Behold! Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, and Princess Eleonore of Belgium are all off to the first day of school, as escorted by their Dad, the king. 

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark

Crown Princess Mary also made several appearances this week; this outfit is GREAT, I think.

Prince Nikolai Of Denmark Celebrates His 18th Birthday At The Royal Ship Dannebrog

This seems less successful -- her dress looks like the hem got dirty. This sort of ombre just never works for me. ANYWAY, also behold Princess Josephine, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Prince Christian as they head off to celebrate Prince Nikolai's 18th birthday. Don't they look so cute in their formal wear? I believe Nikolai is Mary's nephew. (For those of you wondering where Fred is, he is in South Korea for an IOC meeting, where surely he and Princess Anne are huddled by the coffeemaker wondering if they can get across the border and talk some sense into Kim Jong-un.

Prince Nikolai Of Denmark Celebrates His 18th Birthday At The Royal Ship Dannebrog

OKAY, so this is a little juicy. This is the birthday boy (center, in the tux), with all of his siblings, his dad (Fred's brother Joachim) his step-mother Princess Marie WHO LOOKS JUST LIKE MARY, and his mom, Alexandra. I've never seen her before! She has great taste in shoes. I'm glad they're all seemingly amicable, but if they aren't, also please give us the gossip.

Prince Nikolai Of Denmark Celebrates His 18th Birthday At The Royal Ship Dannebrog

Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik hosted the party aboard the royal ship Dannebrog, and I keep imagining Margrethe hissing to Henrik under her breath, "YOU'LL BE LUCKY IF I DON'T TOSS YOU OVERBOARD ONE DAY."

Queen Margrethe Visits The Island Of Bornholm

After the party, in fact, she did ditch him and pop over to the "island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea" for a three-day jaunt, "where she will visit the rocky island's attractions, industries and public institutions," and also wear kicky blazers.

Queen Margrethe Visits The Island Of Bornholm

And jaunty hats to protect her face from the sun...

Queen Margrethe Visits The Island Of Bornholm

And coordinate her skirts and her headgear.

Royals Round-Up, September 1st, 2017

Much to discuss today, from the Diana anniversary to what I hope will be some gossip about the Danes