There was cause for nationwide celebration in Spain at the weekend as Princess Letizia and Crown Prince Felipe became parents for a second time with the birth of a daughter on Sunday, April 29.

Just hours after the little Sofia was delivered by Caesarean section weighing 7lbs 5oz, her proud dad stepped out of the clinic to share the happy news with the world.

I received “The Queen” as a birthday present on Saturday! I couldn’t wait to watch and review it.

My verdict? Brilliant. The acting is indeed superb for most of the characters, and the scenery is breathtaking. Of course, if you live in England you are privileged to be able to see these scenes in person.

While the acting was right on, as we Americans say, there were two characters in particular who seemed to be more of a paraody than the actual person.

Cherie Blair, played by Helen McCrory, was highly sarcastic and not at all impressed by Her Majesty, warmly portrayed by Helen Mirren. She bordered on the rude when brought before the Queen for the first time with her Prime Minister husband Tony(Michael Sheen). The streak of republicanism within Cherie’s nature was brought out to the extreme in this character.

Then there was Alex Jennings’ Prince Charles. He masterfully captured the Prince’s torment at losing such an iconic part of his life so violently. However, the style in which it was delivered made “Charles” look like he had just suffered a mild stroke. His lips frequently fell to the side in order to accurately project the Prince’s speaking voice. While it was spot on, it occasionally made me giggle.

Then there was the majestic Dame Helen herself. Tears pricked my eyes when I saw “Elizabeth” break down in tears while sitting on the river. You feel for her so much, knowing full well that Her Majesty must’ve had moments like this in solitude. Helen makes you proud of the Queen, and makes you feel a little sorry for her, too. Never fear though, because your sympathy will give way to awe as the Queen pulls herself and the monarchy together to do what must be done – honor Diana.

She’s human, she’s vulnerable, but the Queen is still a cut above the rest with her steely resolve. I wouldn’t want her any other way.

-Mandy

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary gave birth to a healthy daughter at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark today.

HRH Crown Prince Frederik was by his wife’s side when she gave birth to the 3350 gr., 50 cm. baby, whose name has not yet been released.

HM Queen Elizabeth II turns 81 today! Happy birthday Ma’am!

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife, Crown Princess Maxima, named their new daughter Ariane Wilhelmina Máxima Ines. She is fourth in line to the throne behind her father and sisters Princess Amalia and Princess Alexia.

The name Ariane was chosen because Willem and Maxima thought it was lovely, and wanted to keep the trend of starting their childrens’ names with an “A”. This Ariane can share with her sisters Alexia and Amalia (although Amalia’s first name is technically Catharina-Amalia).

The name Wilhelmina was chosen to honor Willem’s great-grandmother Queen Wilhelmina.

The name Máxima was chosen not just for the Crown Princess herself, but for her own great-grandmother, also named Máxima.

Ines is another family name, the name of Máxima’s youngest sister.

I would like to extend my sympathies and condolences to all of the people injured or killed in the massacre at Virginia Tech. It is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history….

How tragic to have this happen so close to our country’s happy 400th anniversary celebrations in that state. In 2-3 weeks’ time we celebrate the English colonial beginnings of our country in Jamestown, Virginia.

This is so, so, sad.

The Queen

GRACING DVD SHELVES APRIL 24th

Miramax Home Entertainment announces that The Queen, one of the most highly-acclaimed films of the year, will grace us with her presence on DVD April 24th, bringing Helen Mirren’s Academy Award© Winning performance (Best Actress), the Academy Award© Nominated Best Picture and Stephen Frears Academy Award© Nominated directing to the noble chambers of your living room. The critics have all been buzzing about The Queen, a revealing look at the private world of the British Royal Monarchy in the wake of the tragic death of Princess Diana, starring Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth. The New York Post raves, “The Queen is one of the year’s best movies.”

“…Acting is Just Pinpoint Perfect…” – Ebert & Roeper

“A Brilliantly Crafted Drama…” – Claudia Puig, USA Today