Royal Babies Rule! (Well, They Will Someday)

Last week, we saw some truly horrific things happen around the world (If you don't already know what I'm talking about, good for you, ignorance really is bliss.).

But since it's almost Christmas, and I'm in a really good mood, I'm going to risk the chance of going to the darkest place in hell, and completely skim over all terrorist attacks and only talk about royal babies.

Lots and lots of royal news this month, after a relatively dry spell. To begin with, two royal babies were born - TWO.

The twin children of Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, were born on the 10th of December. The daughter, Princess Gabriella, was born two minutes before her younger brother, Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, but because Monaco still follows the principle of male primogeniture, poor Gabriella is only second in line to the throne. As consolation, perhaps, she was given the title of Countess of Carladès, but it's not as though she's going to appreciate that much when she's told that the reason she won't be Queen is because she's a girl.

But that's a few years in the future. For now, both Jacques and Gabriella are probably sleeping in their cradles, not really bothered about anything at all, let alone the prospect of ruling a country. The babies will be introduced to the Monegasque public on the 7th of January, which has been declared a public holiday... for some reason? Was the day Prince George was born a public holiday? Well, either way, there are some adorable pictures to look forward too.

Speaking of adorable pictures: In the spirit of Christmas, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released three new pictures of this charmer:

The latest photos of Prince George for you! Our little Prince is pictured sitting on the steps of Kensington Palace. pic.twitter.com/kWkj9aAtTz
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) December 13, 2014

He's growing up too fast, faster than I can handle. Very soon, he won't be making grumpy faces at the camera any more, and then what?

But thankfully, I'll always have this picture of George to remember him by.

Not to be outdone, the Swedish Royal Family brought in their own cute child in a knitted jumper. And they made it into a video, just to give themselves an edge in this competition between royal babies.

I give you, Princess Estelle of Sweden.



I was introduced to Princess Estelle through Order of Splendor, and I instantly adored her, She had the most sass that I have ever seen in a child, let alone a royal baby. In fact, I'm almost sorry that George came along, because that meant I paid less attention to her. But then I'm also not sorry, because Prince George.

A similar situation is going to be created next year, when Baby Cambridge No. 2 is born, and I shift my attention from George to him/her. These royals really need to stop having children in such quick succession.

Which leads me to the last piece of royal news. Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Chris O'Neill have announced that they are expecting their second child. Their first child, Leonore, will turn 1 this coming February, so that will make it two children in two years for Madeleine and Chris. Which is only a little bit better than the Cambridges - if Prince George had been born in February, they would have been two for two too (Alliteration).

~

That's all for this post. I'll have more news on each of these royal babies as they are born/presented to the public/grow up, and until then I'll continue to type away about something or the other.

Happy Christmas, and best wishes this festive season if you don't celebrate Christmas. Don't forget to write to your favourite royal!

N

UPDATE: Literally minutes after I published this post (And I don't use the word literally lightly), I saw on Twitter that the first photos of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella had been released. Take a look.

First PICS of Monaco's twins! Albert & Charlene with babies Jacques & Gabriella http://t.co/UnMA25dUeJ via @Femail pic.twitter.com/I0vEZNtfH5
— British Royals (@britishroyals) December 23, 2014

Adorable!

A Big Week For Royalty

I've been back from holiday for a while now, but when I was supposed to be writing this post yesterday, I was doing a lot of BuzzFeed quizzes instead. It was useful. I learnt that if ever a movie was made about my life, I (the main character) would be played by Emma Watson, and that if I lived in Panem, I would be a part of District 1, which is great, because then if I ever got selected in a reaping, I'd have a higher chance of survival, what with being a Career tribute and having sponsors all.

But I'm glad I didn't post yesterday, because I read some news today, which just made this the biggest week for European royalty that I have seen in a long time.

First things first: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco are expecting their first child. Princess Charlene, of course, wore that wedding dress that I thought was the best of all ever worn by royal brides. Charlene is also one of my favourite women to marry into a royal family (My all time favourite is Kate Cambridge, obviously), because she seems like a strong woman, who stays passionate about her causes despite royal protocol's attempts to subdue her. I have no opinion about Prince Albert.

Everyone is making a big deal about how this baby is going to be a grandson for the late Princess Grace, but I think they're forgetting that Princess Grace already has a grandson. More than one, in fact, as well two great-grandsons. It must be weird for Albert to be having a child after his nephew and niece.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's baby will be first in line to the throne of Monaco, which is, in my opinion, great news for the principality. Because while the Casiraghis are great fun, I'm sure, they don't really seem like ruling material.

And most importantly, one more royal baby!

Speaking of royal children who are first in line to the throne, Infanta Leonor of Spain (not to be mistaken for Princess Leonore, who is from an entirely different country) is going to be the new Princess of Asturias, because her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, has abdicated. Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, is expected to rule next, as Felipe VI. His wife, Princess Letizia, will be Queen Letizia. Obviously.

This is the third abdication in the past year. Previously, Queen Beatrix (the Netherlands) and King Albert (Belgium), abdicated in favour of their sons, who coincidentally, will both be succeeded by daughters, as will Felipe. The world, or the monarchy any way, is getting a lot more influenced by women, and if history has proven anything, it's that women are better rulers. I may be just a little biased.

Also, abdication seems to be the new sit-on-the-throne-even-though-you-aren't-mentally-or-physically-fit-to-rule. Could Queen Elizabeth be next?

[Probably not. She, of all monarchs, would never abdicate, because, as anyone who has seen The King's Speech knows, an abdication was what caused her father so much grief and an early death. Never.]

N

Images: Reuters