[Sweden] Crown Princess Victoria was the guest of honor at the Royal Academy of Music

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[UK][VIDEO] Queen opened the Museum of Liverpool and met Yoko Ono

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I know this video is a few months old but I love how she calls his attention #royallove

[Monaco] No place for rumours when there is genuine love

I dunno how to explain, but it is really in photos like these, in a style like this that I see Charlene's personality and style. And I like it, it is more genuine. As Hello shares with us, the couple that is about to get married, spend the evening "exchanging loving glances, arms around one another, Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock look like a couple who can't wait to get married. The bride and groom kicked off the festivities by attending an Eagles concert in the Luis II stadium.

Greeting the 15,000-strong crowd, the Monegasque sovereign and his princess-to-be dispelled unkind rumours that she was having second thoughts about the wedding.

Charlene looked strong and sexy in figure-hugging black trousers and a strapless top. The sultry outfit was finished off with a necklace and bracelet that appeared to be from her South African homeland. And her hair had been teased up in one of her favourite bouffant styles. Meanwhile, Albert looked proud to be showing her off ahead of the day that they have longed to celebrate".

The William & Kate song - so cute! #royalwedding

[Swaziland] Concert controversy on King Mswati III's over-expending taxpayers' money

US rapper Jadakiss gave a concert linked to the embattled royal family early Sunday, performing in a nearly empty hall in Swaziland's main city Manzini following an opposition boycott call.

The event, billed as a fundraiser for a charity bearing the name of the son of King Mswati III, Lindani, was supposed to start at 6:00 pm Saturday.

But Jadakiss finally took to the stage around 1:00 am Sunday, giving an "excellent" performance to a small audience of under 500 people, including several princes and princesses, according to Mphikhelele Msibi, a reporter of the state-run Observer newspaper.

VIP tickets for the Jadakiss show were sold for 100 dollars (69 euros), the equivalent of a month's salary for many workers in this impoverished African nation.

The banned Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), who had called on young people to shun the "royal" event, hailed the poor turnout as a success.

Several big name South African acts who had been billed to perform -including DJ Tira and Jozi, did not travel to Swaziland for the concert.

Neighbouring South Africa's ruling ANC party's Youth League also called for a boycott of the event, saying it is a "celebration of the suffering and starvation of the people of Swaziland by the king, his friends and family".

"We have no problem with Jadakiss personally we have a problem with taxpayers' money being used to organise activities of this kind," SWAYOCO's national organiser Mxolisi Nghamphalala told AFP, adding: "Jadakiss performed and he got his money."

But he dismissed the concert as "a publicity stunt by the royal family," saying: "It is about winning the hearts and minds of the Swazi youth. Bear in mind the timing -- it comes immediately after April 12th."

On that date Swazi police stopped anti-government protests from going ahead by detaining, beating and tear-gassing demonstrators.

Swaziland's trade unions have embarked on a campaign of mass action demanding that the government step down and that multi-party democracy be introduced in sub-Saharan Africa's last kingdom.

King Mswati III, at 43 Africa's last absolute monarch with a fortune estimated at $100 million by Forbes magazine, has ruled tiny Swaziland for 18 years.

The landlocked country wedged between Mozambique and South Africa is fast running out of money to pay for the day-to-day running of state, including civil servants' salaries.

The economy depends almost entirely on South Africa, which finances most of the Swazi government's income through a regional customs union that sees Pretoria lavish money on its smaller neighbours.

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Prince Harry & stars hit the right notes for Help for Heroes

British musicians showed their support for the armed forces charity with a very special concert.

The recently-reunited duo - Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow - sang their new single, Shame, to the delight of the excited crowd. Introducing his friend, Robbie, who also sang a number of his own tracks, said: "Have I got a treat for you, this is one of the most amazing moments in my professional career so far.

"It's been 15 years in the making. My wife calls him my boyfriend, I call him my captain, you call him Gary Barlow"

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Proving to be just as popular as the musical entertainment was Prince Harry - known for his tireless support of the charity. The kind-hearted 25-year-old, who serves in the Blues and Royals regiment, gave up his place in the royal box to allow 25 wounded troops and their families to take the seats instead. He also refused free tickets for the concert, choosing to spend £2,000 on entry for him and his friends.

from Hellomagazine.com

Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland hit the red carpet at the Polar Music Prize ceremony

Sweden's new prince Daniel Westling is really settling into his regal role following his June wedding to Crown Princess Victoria. Having made his first official appearance as the Duke of Vastergotland earlier in the month, the 36-year-old once again proved himself to be the perfect gentleman as he escorted his wife to the Polar Music Prize ceremony. Daniel - dapper in a tailored suit – and Victoria seemed blissfully happy as they walked the red carpet together, the heiress to the throne particularly radiant in a shimmering two-tone metallic dress. They joined Victoria's mother and father, Carl Gustav XVI and Silvia of Sweden, for the 19th presentation of the music prize – the king annually presents awards to the laureates. This year it was the turn of Icelandic singer-songwriter Bjork and Italian composer and conductor Ennio Morricone to be honoured at the event, held in Stockholm's Concert Hall. With a reputation for an avante-garde approach to fashion to uphold, Bjork selected a typically flamboyant ensemble to arrive in featuring a textured pink jacket and orange skirt. And by the time she had taken her place at the table next to the Swedish monarch, the quirky 44-year-old had changed into a silk kimono-esque dress. The brunette singer, who was accompanied by her father, and Ennio both received one million Swedish kronor as prize money, as well as pieces of art created especially for them. But for Bjork, taking her place alongside the likes of Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and Elton John was reward enough – she said it "tickled" her vanity to be named alongside the former laureates. The Polar Music Prize is typically shared by a pop artist and a classical musician. It was founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, the manager of Sweden's legendary group Abba.

(God, I love Victoria's dress!)

Prince Harry teams up with Goldie for new reality show

On paper Prince Harry and Goldie don't have much in common. One is a prominent member of the British royal family, and the other is a drum and bass DJ. Nevertheless, the improbable pair have decided to stage a gig at Buckingham Palace together. Producer and actor Goldie – real name Clifford Joseph Price – is hosting a TV talent search to find 12 youngsters between the ages of 17 and 24 with "raw musical talent" for a new BBC 2 series, Goldie's Band – By Royal Appointment. His hunt will culminate in a big finale show at the palace in October with Harry as the guest of honour.

Photo: BBC

Not only will the lucky dozen have the opportunity to perform in front of the popular prince, but they will also receive tuition from industry experts, including Robbie Williams' collaborator and composer Guy Chambers. Harry, 25, and Goldie, 44, who has appeared in EastEnders and James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, have already met to discuss the concert. They were first introduced backstage at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park last year, the Daily Mail reports, and "got on like a house on fire." Speaking about the venture, one royal aide said: "Harry is a fan of reality TV, but what is particularly good about this one is that its about mentoring and encouragement – nobody gets voted off or laughed at, so its not nasty at all." "Harry believes music can be a way for young people who haven’t had the best of starts to get a new chance." Goldie, meanwhile, has described the search as "one of the most inspiring projects I've ever been involved with." "It's all about unearthing musical talent that’s under the radar in Britain – finding young people who've faced huge challenges and have never had the opportunities that they deserve," he said.

from Hellomagazine.com

Danish Crown Princess Mary makes an impression on Liam Gallagher

They are the most unlikely of pairings; one is a European princess and the other a former member of one of England's biggest rock bands. But for all their differences, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Oasis star Liam Gallagher seemed to hit it off when they came face-to-face at the Copenhagen's Fashion Fair. There to promote his clothing line, Pretty Green, Liam was perhaps a little star-struck as he met Mary, a regular visitor to the annual event. Giving a little bow and kissing her hand, the 37-year-old was soon deep in conversation with the pretty royal, who recently announced she is pregnant. Since leaving Oasis last year, Liam has been busy carving out a name for himself in the fashion world. After founding the company and designing the products, he initially sold his clothing online before recently opening a temporary, pop-up shop on London's Carnaby Street. Currently Pretty Green only offers menswear – Liam recently told the Sunday Times: "We're not like all them fashion designers. These (clothes) are just for lads on the street." But he has said he will be doing a range for women thanks to the success of the brand. And Liam is forging ahead on the music front too with his new band Beady Eye – all former Oasis members – and the group plan to release their first single this year. Mary of course also has an exciting new project in the pipeline – she is expecting twins. The 38-year-old wife of Crown Prince Frederik is already a mum to Prince Christian, four, and his younger sister Isabella, who is three. And in January she will welcome two more to her brood, additions she has said came as a great surprise to the happy couple."My husband and I are incredibly happy," she said as she stepped out for the Danish Navy's 500-year anniversary this week. "And I feel fine, although a little tired from time to time."

Prince Albert of Monaco, his sister Caroline and his fiancée Charlene dancing (and as you never saw them before)

Out of their seats and busting some moves with wild abandon, the couple were clearly lost in music. A regular sight at a rock concert, maybe - but the two spectators at the Monaco Live Music event weren't your average gig-goers, they were newly-engaged Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock.

The last time they were pictured together – in the official portrait to celebrate their engagement - they looked serene and calm.

But that image couldn't have been more different from the scene which unfolded at the Prince's Palace Square, Monte Carlo where the couple shimmied around the VIP box to the tunes of Iggy Pop and ZZ top, bumping hips and cheering wildly.

The one constant however, was the couple's obvious happiness and delight in each other's company.

And eagle-eyed royal fans may have picked out the most tender of moments when, in the midst of the action, Charlene grabbed her beloved's shoulders and plant a tender kiss on the back of his neck.

The fun-filled scene - during which Albert's sister Princess Caroline also got down to the serious business of boogying - speaks volumes about the pair.

Despite their high standing position, they are far from pretentious. Their shared playful nature is something that clearly brings them close together and points to many happy years to come.

Even their similar outfits – both arrived dressed in rock-appropriate black – points to their duality. Charlene, who didn't stop smiling for a moment, looked thrilled to meet Iggy Pop at the gig. The future princess – her hair styled into a funky quiff – also joined her fiancé to pose for a picture with blues rock legends ZZ Top.

from Hellomagazine.com

Kate... the secret star of William's Wembley gig

When Princes William and Harry take to the stage next month to host the Concert For Diana, two special guests will be supporting them in the wings.
Despite her split from William in April, Kate Middleton will be attending the memorial event at the new Wembley stadium, along with Prince Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Sources say Kate, 25, and Chelsy, 21, have been involved with the planning of the July 1 concert from the start.
"They have been very active behind the scenes, but their involvement has been kept very quiet until now," my Royal source tells me.
"It will be quite significant for Kate as it will be her first public event with William since they split.
"She helped him draw up a wish list of acts and William wants her to see the results of it all on the night.
"Both she and Chelsy will be backstage supporting."
The concert, which will mark the tenth anniversary of Diana’s death, was the brainchild of William and Harry.
Kate and Chelsy will be given VIP Access All Areas passes for the gig which will include songs from Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart and Lily Allen.
"Chelsy is coming back from her travels and has already picked about five friends to bring with her," I’m informed.
"Kate hasn’t decided who she’ll take, but it will probably be her sister Pippa."
A senior aide of the Princes last night confirmed Kate and Chelsy would attend, as well as other friends of the princes.

Tom Jones and Diddy to rock for Diana at July tribute concert

The all-star line-up for the Princess of Wales' memorial concert has received a boost with the news that Tom Jones and rapper P Diddy have joined the roster of performers who'll appear at the event. Will Young and Canadian songbird Nelly Furtado have also been added to the bill this week.Tom was a particular favourite of Diana's, who in 1991 was seen leaping to her feet enthusiastically to dance as the wonder from Wales got into one of his famous hip-swivelling routines at the old Wembley Stadium. In recognition of the late Princess' love of ballet and musicals, the show will also include a performance by the English National Ballet and a medley specially devised by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Many of the acts, however, clearly reflect the tastes of her sons, Princes William and Harry, who are organising the gig for July 1 - which would have been their mother's 46th birthday - at the site of the new stadium. Billed as "the best birthday present she ever had", by her children, the concert will also feature Diana's close friend Elton John and younger musicians such as Joss Stone, Lily Allen and Kanye West.

Elton John - Princess Diana's Funeral 1997