I nominate HRH Prince Philip as the next person to drive the “reasonably priced car” around TopGear’s track! :)

Princess Eugenie, the 19-year-old daughter of the Duke of York, is currently touring the world on her gap year. However, once she resumes her studies, the princess will reportedly be settling in the States.

My state of Massachusetts may host Her Royal Highness, who is eyeing Williams College. Lovely! :)

via Eugenie eyes Massachusetts college for post-gap year study.

Accession of King Umberto II of Italy

May 9th marked the 63rd anniversary of the accession of King Umberto II and his Belgian-born wife, Queen Marie-José, to the Italian throne. On May 9, 1946, Umberto’s father, King Vittorio Emanuele III abdicated in his son’s favour.

I highly recommend the blog The Cross of Laeken for more information on the Italian royal couple.

The last Savoy to have reigned in Italy died March 18, 1983 in Geneva, at the age of 79. He lived 44 of his 83 years in exile. His funeral was ignored by the Italian authorities (only the Italian consul in Lyon was present), but it was attended by ten thousand Italians who made their way to the abbey of Hautecombe near Aix-les-Bains in High Savoy, France. The funeral was attended by the King and Queen of Spain, the King and Queen of the Belgians, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Prince Rainier III of Monaco with his son and heir, Prince Albert, the Duke of Kent represented the Queen of the United Kingdom. The King of the Bulgarians, the King of Romania and the King of the Hellenes paid their last respect to King Umberto. The Vatican was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio in France.

http://radicalroyalist.blogspot.com/2009/05/accession-of-king-umberto-ii-of-italy.html

Thanks to Harold for the information!

The Privy Council has ruled in favor of the Muslims and Hindus of Trinidad and Tobago, saying that the Trinity Cross awarded to them is unconstitutional because of its associations with Christianity.

So, despite getting an award for distinguished service and bravery, not mention that it was instituted 40 years ago, the decoration will now be withdrawn.

That slap in the face stings a bit, though now the Queen and government know better – no medals to anyone unless they are carded and stamped at the door as being ok with Christianity or an actual Christian. Otherwise… lawsuit!

Thought bubble: Christian person lives in a country that has a Muslim/Hindu/etc. head of state. They are awarded for good service, but instead of accepting the honor graciously, they sue the Muslim/Hindu/etc. system because of the non-Christian imagery on the award.

I don’t suppose I have to yammer on about the obvious outcome of that scenario.

It is not just a Muslim v. Christian issue.  No sir. This is clearly a “We Don’t Like England and Her Ideals” stance in general.

Take, for instance, Christine Grahame, a member of the Scottish Parliament, who said the George Medal was “clearly very Anglocentric” and unsuitable for Scots.

How very awful of King George VI to bestow the highest civilian award for bravery on someone. His Majesty had that honor created so that he could personally recognize all that the people of the realm did in the war effort. That’s so very Anglo-centric and evil. Not at all suitable.

Fair warning: next time, England will just ignore you. After you slap someone in the face enough, they get the picture.

via Queen’s medal ‘unlawful’ for being too Christian – Telegraph.

Congratulations to Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark. The Princess gave birth earlier today to a six pound, 11 ounce boy.

The royal grandparents, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, visited Marie in the hospital and both mother and son are said to be well.

This child is the third son for Joachim. His previous marriage to the former Princess Alexandra of Denmark produced sons Prince Nikolai, 9, and Prince Felix, 7.