Old traditions altered by challenging times, royals reaching out as the world continues to change and another unexpected style leader in facemask fashion. It’s been a busy royal week – here it is, in pictures.
Ceremonial in the time of social distancing
The King of the Netherlands gave his speech from the throne this week, the focal point of Prinjesdag celebrations. However, the start of the new parliamentary session looked very different in 2020 with no carriage ride, no balcony appearance and a small gathering of guests sat well apart from one another to listen to Willem-Alexander’s speech. Just days later, the king’s brother, Prince Constantijn, who had been present at the ceremony in The Hague confirmed he was isolating after coming into contact with someone with coronavirus in the week before Prinjesdag.
Cooking up support
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to east London this week to hear about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local communities in the area. They spoke to those helping people to find work in this most challenging time and headed to East London Mosque to meet volunteers who have supported the community throughout the pandemic. There was also a stop at the famous Beigel Bake shop on Brick Lane to find out how they had been working with the community throughout the pandemic. Cue royals baking, always a winning combination.
A future queen takes control
Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant is just weeks into her military training but she already looks like she has everything under control. The heir to the Belgian throne was photographed in the early stages of her year long stint with the Armed Forces she will one day lead. She is the first princess from her country to undertake the training.
Facemask fashion
Elisabeth’s mum, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, has won plaudits for making facemasks a fashion must have and this week, the coverings were given another boost with a style twist from an unexpected royal. Princess Anne chose a plain facemask with a rather elegant monogram on it for a visit to Cornwall and suddenly, minimalist was everything.
Support in the sun
As the last rays of summer touched the UK, the Countess of Wessex showed her support for a cause very close to her heart. Sophie posed for a sculpture designed for those with visual impairment. Textured to create images through touch, the artwork was created for Vision Foundation which supports services and activities for those with visual impairments. The Countess sat for sculptor, Frances Segelman in London in the last rays of this summer’s sun.
And that’s the royal week, in pictures.
