Princess Margriet Roots for Dutch Athletes

As a honorary board member of the International Paralympic Committee, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended the Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing from September 5th to September 10th. The honorary board’s purpose is to “allow leaders of society an opportunity to support the vision of the Paralympic Movement and to strive to maintain the issue of sport for persons with a disability high on the agenda of the global community.” Other royal members of the IPC Honorary Board include Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

For more information on the International Paralympic Committee, visit the official website.

Princess Haya Plans to Compete in the London Olympics

As a member of the International Olympic Committee and President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale Executive Board, Princess Haya of Jordan’s agenda has been crammed with the obligations of these two posts, but she has revealed that she wants to participate in the equestrian events at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. “I still think of myself as an athlete. Yes, I want to compete in London,” she effused.

Besides revealing her desire to participate in future Olympics, the princess was optimistic about the outlook for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. During a CNN interview with John Vause, the princess offered nothing but praise for the hosts and said, “I think the crowd and the people in China are going to make it a fantastically fun games. That’s still to be seen, but from what we’ve already seen, the facilities are fantastic, and the athletes are really happy.”

Below is the CNN video: Saddling up for Olympics.

Photo: Petra

Princess Haya of Jordan Names Her Daughter Aljalila

Announcement from the Jordan news agency (Petra):

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein named their new baby girl Aljalila.

Sheikh Mohammad and Princess Haya were blessed with Sheikha Aljalila on December 2.

Princess Haya of Jordan Gives Birth to a Daughter

Princess Haya of Jordan, President of Fédération Equestre Internationale, has given birth to a daughter on Sunday. The same day that the 36th National Day of the United Arab Emirates was celebrated. She is the wife of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. No other information has been released.

Princess Haya Declared UN Messenger of Peace

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has declared Princess Haya of Jordan a UN messenger for peace. The secretary-general said, "I know you make a compelling advocate for our shared goal of ending the suffering of the more than one billion people in the world who continue to live in extreme poverty."

Princess Haya is committed to her new responsibility and said, "I consider it my inherited duty to help relieve the plight of people who suffer the devastating effects of poverty".

The declaration was part of the International Day of Peace celebration that occurred on September 21st.

Princess Haya of Jordan Elected IOC Member

On July 7th, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, president of the Federation Equestre Internationale, was elected a member of the International Olympic Committee. She will act as an IOC representative in the United Arab Emirates. In her acceptance speech, she recalled her desire at an early age to become a part of the elite sporting body, saying: "Since the age of six I have followed the spirit of Olympism and dreamt of serving the Olympic Family. Now I have been honoured by the trust of the IOC through their election of me to their membership.”

Since 1999, the IOC term of office for all members was mandated to eight years, subject to review and renewal through re-election every eight years thereafter. Several royal members were up for renewal this year including: The Prince of Orange, Prince Albert of Monaco and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.