Latest news with #PrincessAlexandra
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The hottest royal you've never heard of' follows in the footsteps of Princes William and Harry with Sandhurst graduation - as his grandmother makes rare appearance at celebrations
The late Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra, made a rare public appearance on Friday afternoon to celebrate her grandson graduating from his Royal Military course. The daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, 88, opted for a vibrant ensemble for the occasion, which took place at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, Berkshire. She came together with family to support Alexander Ogilvy, 28, otherwise known as 'the hottest royal you never heard of', who was recently accepted into the Household Cavalry following his graduation. Alexandra put her best fashion foot forward and donned a colourful paisley blouse and emerald green skirt, which she paired with a baby pink scarf and a wide-brimmed tan hat. The royal opted for glamorous makeup, donning bright pink blusher and rosy lipstick while styling her grey tresses in an elegant updo. Princess Alexandra, who is Queen Elizabeth's cousin, was sitting alongside her son James Ogilvy, 61, her daughter-in-law, Julia Ogilvy, 60, and her granddaughter Flora Vesterberg, 30. Flora, who is married to Swedish financier Timothy Vesterberg, looked effortlessly stylish in a cobalt blue and white satin caped frock designed by Emilia Wickstead. She paired this with a blue Aspinal of London clutch bag, which was personalised with her gold initials 'FV', and a Jane Taylor hat. Flora wrote on her Instagram on Sunday evening: 'On our way to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to celebrate my wonderful brother! 'Congratulations @acogilvy on your graduation - and for your acceptance into the Household Cavalry. Very proud of our British Army Officer! #London.' Flora, who is an art historian and philanthropist, boasts almost 80,000 followers on Instagram, with many gushing over her stunning ensemble. One fan wrote: 'Many congratulations to your brother! I love your look!' Another penned: 'Congratulations to your brother. You look so beautiful.' A third commented: 'This blue look! Stunning on you!' The clan gathered for the Sovereign's Parade, which is a special event marking the end of an Officer Cadet's time at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. They are then commissioned into the British Army and overseas armies, with the occasion taking place three times a year. Each cadet graduates the 44-week course and is awarded at the parade, a closed-off event attended by family and friends. Alexander has followed in the footsteps of Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Edward, who have all graduated from the military academy. Flora's followers took to the comment section to share their thoughts about Flora's ensemble for the occasion He looked typically dapper in his military uniform as he proudly held his hat and showed off his medals in snaps with his parents, James and Julia, and his brother-in-law, Timothy. It was his sister Flora who initially revealed that he had started his training in a heartfelt post on Instagram last year. She posted: 'The @cartier Queen's Cup. Very proud of my brother @acogilvy beginning at RMA Sandhurst this weekend. We're full of admiration for you. Forever thoughtful and inspiring. Very good luck xx.' Alexander is the grandson of the late Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra of Kent, making him 54th in line to the throne. Before deciding to join the military, he was based in New York where he worked for Prove, a technology firm. HIs graduation comes as Flora revealed she has been diagnosed with autism at the age of 30 in May. The royal, who is 62nd in line to the throne, opened up about the diagnosis in a deeply intimate essay published in British Vogue, calling it 'unexpectedly empowering'. She detailed her struggles battling 'the challenges of neurodiversity' during her formative years, and said the diagnosis has brought 'a sense of relief as well as validation'. An art historian and broadcaster, the royal ancestor mostly steers clear of publicity, but is sometimes spotted joining for events in the society circle calendar, including the Chelsea Flower Show, where she was pictured this year with Lady Amelia Windsor. Reflecting on her diagnosis during Autism Awareness Month, she hoped to 'contribute to a shift in statistics', referencing the figure stating that 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by the age of 18. 'Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths,' she wrote. She told of having received her diagnosis from Dr Dimitrios Paschos, a consultant psychiatrist and Honorary Research Fellow at King's College London, ahead of beginning her PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art. Undergoing multiple psychiatric evaluations over the course of a week earlier this year, Flora was left feeling both relieved and 'unsettled' by the final diagnosis. The royal, who works closely with heritage brands like Tiffany & Co. and Piaget, said it had also impacted the way she approached her job. She cited diagnostics for people with autism, notably women, who often 'camouflage' by mimicking 'social norms', habits she said she can relate to. Nevertheless, her symptoms don't prevent her from carrying out her work, explaining that she is able to 'speak eloquently at engagements'. Indeed, the diagnosis has helped her discover new ways to prepare to 'over-stimulating environments'. She said she hoped her opening up about the diagnosis would help contribute to changing the statistic, and that fewer autistic women would be 'hiding in plain sight'. Though not a senior royal, Flora is most definitely part of the elite family circle. For Trooping the Colour 2023, King Charles invited six members of the extended Royal Family to enjoy the flypast from a second balcony situated in the inner quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. One of these guests was Flora, who stood alongside her husband, Swedish financier Timothy Vesterberg, and Lady Gabriella Kingston.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Alexandra Subtly Took a Side in Charles & Harry's Feud Amid Reports There's ‘No Turning Back' in Their Relationship
When family issues arise, people usually take sides. The British Royal Family is no different; their problems just play out on a bigger stage. That means that the feud between King Charles and Prince Harry has made everyone in the family take sides. This is complicated by the fact that King Charles is very ill, Prince Harry is also feuding with Prince William, and he's now living in the United States, far away from his family, with his wife, Meghan Markle, and his two kids. A surprising royal who seems to be taking sides in this feud is Princess Alexandra, the late Queen Elizabeth's cousin and daughter of the late Prince George, Duke of Kent. The 88-year-old made a rare public appearance on Wednesday, June 4, as she joined the King at a special church service in London. Princess Alexandra was pictured sitting next to King Charles in the Queen's Chapel, as the family marked its 400th anniversary. More from StyleCaster Prince Edward Could Predict 'Desperately Lonely' Harry's Future Amid Reports Charles' Funeral May Be the Last Time He Ever Sees His Family Again Duchess Sophie Subtly Took a Side in William & Harry's Feud Amid Reports He Caused 'Irreparable Harm' to the Royals Related: Did William really cheat on Kate? It might not feel like a lot, but for someone who doesn't make many public appearances, it feels like a statement. The Honourable Lady of Ogilvy had last been seen publicly when she attended the King's Christmas lunch for extended family at Buckingham Palace last December. Other family members have recently appeared publicly with either King Charles or Prince William, which is seen as taking sides in this public feud. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, stepped out with Prince William for a joint engagement on June 6th, while Princess Anne joined other members of the family —including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to watch the VE Day commemorations from their balcony at Buckingham Palace. This comes amid reports that the feud might never be put to rest. 'There is no turning back,' Royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News 'King Charles remains tender towards his son but can't risk communication. Prince William now has absolutely no interest in mending fences. Those close to the king say he [shouldn't] make peace with Harry in a way that would burden Prince William's future reign. The animosity is so deep that William has shut the door on Harry. Charles is not willing to go against his heir's wishes.' Recently, another source had told Fox News that Harry's relationship with William cannot be fixed and the two are not expected to see each other until King Charles dies. 'The funeral of Charles would be the first time that courtiers would imagine [them reuniting],' the source said. 'I can't imagine William would invite Harry to his coronation.' Royal author Valentine Low also told People that Charles' inner circle at Buckingham Palace is also advising him not to speak to Harry. 'There is not a good angel in [the king's] ear to say, 'Be a good dad and make the first move,'' Low said. So, it looks like things are not getting better anytime soon, and we might see many more people taking sides in this feud. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
King marks 400 years of the Queen's Chapel at service with royal fanfare
The King has marked the 400th anniversary of the Queen's Chapel with a royal service. Horns rang out as His Majesty entered the chapel, a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, on Wednesday evening. He took his seat beside Princess Alexandra for the 40-minute service – attended by around 200 people. It featured music by the Gentlemen and Children of His Majesty's Chapel Royal Choir, accompanied by the Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra and the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry Band. The service reflected the chapel's early role as a place of worship for European courtiers. After the celebration, the King viewed a newly commissioned piece of altar plate – the His Majesty King Charles III Ciboria – the first addition to the chapel's silverware since 1688. Made by St Ives silversmith Tim Lukes, the ceremonial cup includes the image of the Green Man, a symbol used during the King's Coronation. Outside huge crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the King whilst police held up traffic. Later, inside Friary Court, His Majesty shared a laugh with children from the Chapel Royal Choir. He could be heard asking the youngsters: 'You've been practicing already, have you?' Built in 1625, the Queen's Chapel was originally intended for the wedding of the future Charles I to Spanish princess Maria Anna.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Royal reveals shock autism diagnosis at the age of 30
Flora Vesterberg, the granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II 's cousin, Princess Alexandra, has revealed she has been diagnosed with autism at the age of 30. The royal, who is 62nd in line to the throne, opened up about the recent diagnosis in a deeply intimate essay published in British Vogue on Sunday, calling it 'unexpectedly empowering'. She detailed her struggles battling 'the challenges of neurodiversity' during her formative years, and said the diagnosis has brought 'a sense of relief as well as validation'. An art historian and broadcaster, the royal ancestor mostly steers clear of publicity, but is sometimes spotted joining for events in the society circle calendar, including the Chelsea Flower Show, where she was pictured this year with Lady Amelia Windsor. Reflecting on her diagnosis during Autism Awareness Month, she hoped to 'contribute to a shift in statistics', referencing the figure stating that 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by the age of 18. 'Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths,' she wrote. She told of having received her diagnosis from Dr Dimitrios Paschos, a consultant psychiatrist and Honorary Research Fellow at King's College London, ahead of beginning her PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art. Undergoing multiple psychiatric evaluations over the course of a week earlier this year, Flora was left feeling both relieved and 'unsettled' by the final diagnosis. The royal, who works closely with heritage brands like Tiffany & Co. and Piaget, said it had also impacted the way she approached her job. She cited diagnostics for people with autism, notably women, who often 'camouflage' by mimicking 'social norms', habits she said she can relate to. Nevertheless, her symptoms don't prevent her from carrying out her work, explaining that she is able to 'speak eloquently at engagements'. Indeed, the diagnosis has helped her discover new ways to prepare to 'over-stimulating environments'. She said she hoped her opening up about the diagnosis would help contribute to changing the statistic, and that fewer autistic women would be 'hiding in plain sight'. Though not a senior royal, Flora is most definitely part of the elite family circle. For Trooping the Colour 2023, King Charles invited six members of the extended Royal Family to enjoy the flypast from a second balcony situated in the inner quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. One of these guests was Flora, who stood alongside her husband, Swedish financier Timothy Vesterberg, and Lady Gabriella Kingston. The thrice great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, has an impressive set of academic accolades under her belt. She holds a master's degree from The Courtauld Institute of Art, where she recently joined the Campaign Board, a circle of prominent philanthropists and advisors tasked with raising £50million for the transformation of the Somerset House campus. Additionally, she co-chairs the Young Patrons' Circle of the Victoria and Albert Museum, demonstrating her commitment to education. Specialising in modern and contemporary art, Flora lectures at esteemed institutions, including Sotheby's Institute of Art, and brings a distinctive sense of style to her public appearances. Whether delivering a lecture or appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Flora proudly represents British designers, from Self-Portrait - a favourite of Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie - to The Deck. In 2020, Flora's royal lineage was underscored by her marriage to Timothy Vesterberg at The Chapel Royal of St James's Palace, the very venue where Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840. Exactly one year later, the couple staged a more public marriage blessing at the chapel, with a host of royals in attendance. Flora's father, James, is the son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy. Born in Edinburgh, she and her younger brother, Alexander, grew up in a 1780s country house on the east coast of Scotland. Flora attended the co-educational Rugby School in Warwickshire, studying English, French and Fine Art at A-level, before graduating with a degree in Art History from the University of Bristol.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Baby joy for the royal family as they announce a princess is pregnant
The Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg has revealed her 'delighted' after announcing that she is expecting a second child. The royal, 34, married Nicolas Bagory in 2023 at Luxembourg Town Hall, before they went on to welcome their first child last May, a daughter named Victorie. Now, the couple have revealed that their family is about to grow even larger after revealing that Princess Alexandra is pregnant. The loved-up pair released a statement via the institution's official Instagram page on Thursday evening. It read: 'Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are delighted to announce that Princess Alexandra and Mr. Nicolas Bagory are expecting their second child. 'The Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, and members of both families share in the joy of their children.' The family also unveiled the timeline of the birth and said that the new infant is expected to be born in the autumn season. In 2011, the Luxembourg Succession Rules were revised to allow women in the line of succession - which added Princess Alexandra along with her future children. The social media post soon racked much excitement for royal fans who commented their best wishes to Alexandra and Nicolas. One wrote: 'Sincere congratulations to the happy parents.' Another penned: 'Congratulations to Princess Alexandra and Mr Bagory,' while many others wished the happy couple congratulations. Alexandra is the daughter of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg. As well as being an active working royal, Princess Alexandra - who is sixth in line to the throne - also works as a professional linguist. Meanwhile, Nicolas, who grew up in Brittany, France, works on social and cultural projects in Paris, where he is based. Up until her 20th birthday, Princess Alexandra was excluded from the line of succession until 2011, when Grand Duke Henri adopted Absolute Primogeniture, meaning that all his descendants could be in line for the throne, regardless of gender. She was nine when her father ascended the throne in 2000 after her grandfather abdicated in his favour. According to her online biography, Alexandra speaks four languages fluently, including Luxembourgian, English, French and Spanish. She can also hold her own in German and Italian. Throughout her studies - which she pursued in the US, France and Ireland - the Luxembourg royal expressed a keen interest in international relations and conflict. She even interned for the United Nations in New York when Luxembourg was one of its non-permanent members. She dedicates her time to volunteering with refugee associations and loves sports, being a keen skier, dancer and tennis player. It comes after Grand Duchess Maria Teresa revealed the reason behind her husband Grand Duke Henri's shock decision to abdicate the Luxembourg throne. The monarch, 70, made the announcement in December during what will now be considered his last ever annual Christmas broadcast, bringing his 24-year reign to an end. His son, Prince Guillaume, 43, will officially take the throne from October - and has already assumed many of his father's duties in recent months. He will be the second European monarch to step down in recent years. In January 2024, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decoded to give up the throne after 52 years, with her son Frederik taking over as King. In an exclusive interview given to HELLO! Magazine at her impressive home in Berg Castle, the Grand Duchess has revealed the real reasons behind the change in plan. She said that, unlike other monarchies, abdication is a tradition in the Luxembourg royal family. "It's a family tradition that goes back to Henri's grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte,' the Duchess explained. 'Then his father Jean did the same. What is special and doesn't exist in other monarchies is the transition period we have, which makes things smoother.' In 2000, Grand Duke Henri took to the throne when his father, Grand Duke Jean abdicated. Duchess Maria Teresa added: 'So the abdication isn't something radical. After reigning for 25 years, at our age and with such a well-prepared heir, we're able to pass on the baton and enjoy some rest.' She said that there will be a one-year transition period as the reins are handed over, with the Grand Duke remaining as head of state but delegating some of his powers. In October, the royal couple will retire to the Fischbach Estate to make way for their heirs, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie. The Duchess herself, who has been married to the Duke for 44 years, grew up in Cuba but was forced to flee due to the Castro revolution in 1959. The couple share five children: Guillaume, Felix, Louis, Alexandra and Sebastien. Unlike other monarchies, Luxembourg is helmed by a Grand Duke, rather than a king or queen. The current house is Nassau-Weilburg, dating back to a family pact in 1783. During the broadcast in December, the outgoing Grand Duke said he was 'proud' to have served his country for a quarter of a century. He said: 'It has been a period during which Luxembourg has undergone great changes, and I am proud to have been able to, together with the Grand Duchess, walk this path with you.' While explaining that 'the Grand Duke is above political parties and does not interfere in political debates,' he said, 'nothing prevents me from speaking out when the fundamental interests of the country and its citizens are at stake.' He continued: 'This is what I have strived to do over the past 25 years, paying particular attention from the outset to the diversity of our population, the need for coexistence, and sustainability in all areas of our society, so that we can leave our children a healthier country.' Henri had hinted at stepping down in June this year when he announced his son would become Lieutenant-Representant. After the announcement, the Grand Duke appeared very moved and kissed his son whilst the room applauded. According to the official Palace website, 'designation of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs in the process of change of reign'. 'This is the beginning of a next chapter for our monarchy,' Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden told local media at the time. While the move over the summer on the country's National Day came as a shock to the public, Frieden said it had been mulled behind closed doors for a while. 'We have been talking about it for some time, and I think that on the national holiday it was the right moment, because the Grand Duke is the symbol of our nation,' he said. Grand Duke Henri is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte and took to the throne in 2000, after his father abdicated following a 36-year reign. Following his birthday last year, he admitted that he 'intends to retire at some point' in an interview with French publication La Libre. 'All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective.' 'There are plans, it will happen,' the Grand Duke continued. Last year, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to give up the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January. In a statement revealing the news, the former Danish monarch said: 'I have decided that now is the right time. 'The 14th January 2024 - 52 years after I followed my beloved father - I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik.'
