Seven days and dozens of images to tell the royal story. In a year when everything has changed, the constant of monarchy is being challenged in a new and uncertain way. As Europe’s ruling dynasties, like the rest of us, continue to feel our way through a world where all is altered, the photos taken tell a story all of their own. Here’s the royal week, just gone, in pictures.
A King in Waiting
Crown Prince Haakon opened the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament, for the first time this week. Acting as regent while his father, King Harald recuperates following a recent stay in hospital, Haakon gave the traditional speech in a ceremony altered by the coronavirus pandemic. And in another reminder of the destiny that one day awaits him, Haakon sat on the monarch’s throne during the ceremony.
Belgium’s new princess
Belgium gained three new royals in the week when a court decided that Delphine, illegitimate daughter of King Albert II, was entitled to the style of HRH and the title of princess. The same applies to her two children, Josephine and Oscar, as current laws state that the children and grandchildren of a king are royal. The ruling surprised many and comes just weeks after Delphine, who now takes the surname Saxe-Coburg, revealed for the first time that she wanted royal status. She is now known as HRH Princess Delphine of Belgium.
Close to the throne, for a moment
The Prince of Wales took part in the now obligatory royal photo next to the throne from Game of Thrones when he visited Belfast in the week. This Windsor had come to Northern Ireland to thank all those who have worked so hard during the coronavirus pandemic. His brief close encounter with the throne came at the Ulster Museum where he and the Duchess of Cornwall met hospitality and tourism representatives to hear about their plans to rebuild.
President Kate
The Duchess of Cambridge took on a new role in the week when she was confirmed as the new Joint President of the Scouts Association. Kate is the first woman to hold the post and will work alongside the other Royal President, the Duke of Kent. The Duchess headed to a scout group in London as the announcement was made to enjoy a toast to her new role in the form of heated marshmallows.
An important event for a Crown Princess
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is a constant supporter of the campaign to raise awareness of Breast Cancer which takes place every October. As always, she posed for a new image to encourage others to give their backing to the Sweden Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon Campaign.
And that’s the royal week, in pictures.
