Prince Philip Dies At 99

 

His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died Friday at the age of ninety-nine. The statement was made on The Royal Family website. The Duke of Edinburgh was Queen Elizabeth's, as in her words, "my strength and stay all these years." The queen and her prince were married for seventy-three years. He was her consort for sixty-nine years. 

The duke was associated with nine hundred and ninety-two organisations. His special interests included scientific and technological research and development, the welfare of young people, education, conservation, the environment and the encouragement of sport. He was the founder and patron of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. His son, Prince Edward, achieved the Gold Award in 1986.

The duke served in the Royal Navy.

Philip was quite the sportsman. He loved cricket, polo, sailing and carriage driving. He was known for watching cricket on the telly in the royal box during horse racing season.

The Duke of Edinburgh is survived by The Queen, four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

BBC’s Inside Sport Interviews Princess Anne

BBC’s Inside Sport was granted a rare interview with Princess Anne; it aired tonight on BBC One at 10:35 pm (local time). The princess is renowned for her industriousness in charity work and steadfast commitment to sports. She has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1988 and was involved in London’s bid for hosting the Olympic Games in 2012. Anne is currently serving on the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

The Princess Royal At 60: An Inside Sport Special will air again on Sunday at 2:00 pm (local time) on BBC Two.

Princess Anne will be turning sixty on Sunday.

The BBC News article, “No plans to slow down as Princess Anne turns 60,” can be read here.

The BBC News photo presentation, “In pictures: Princess Anne at 60,” can be viewed here.

Photo: © Press Association

Prince Willem-Alexander Views Plans for 2012 Summer Olympics in London

The Prince of Orange appeared in London this week to view the layout for the 2012 Summer Olympics. About 60% of the sport venues will be built in East London as part of the restructuring plan to help regenerate growth in the district. Included in his agenda was a lunch with volunteers from the district of Newham and a visit to Newham Sports Academy.

For more information on the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, visit the official website.

Photo: Andrew Baker

Willem-Alexander's 40th Birthday Celebration

A sumptuous 40th birthday celebration is planned for The Prince of Orange. He will be hosting a reception, Saturday, September 1st at the Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was born on April 27, 1967 at the University Hospital, Utrecht. He received the title Prince of Orange on April 30, 1980 when his mother, Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, ascended the throne upon abdication of her mother, Queen Juliana on her 71st birthday.

The prince married Máxima Zorreguieta on February 2, 2002. He resides with Máxima and their three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at the Villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten estate in Wassenaar.

The prince holds many public appointments. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee, Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and Aide-de-Camp Extraordinary to Her Majesty the Queen.

He completed his military service in the Royal Netherlands Navy. He also received instruction in the Royal Netherlands Army and Air Force at the Netherlands Defence College. He holds the ranks of Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Navy reserve, Brigadier General in the Royal Netherlands Army reserve and Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Air Force reserve.

Willem-Alexander is an accomplished pilot. He obtained his first pilot's license in 1985. He is licensed to fly private, military and commercial aircraft.

Lastly, the prince has a fervor for sports. Some of his favorite pastimes include tennis, golf, skiing, riding and sailing. Being a man of action, he also loves running, rock climbing, skating and diving.

Photo: Jeroen van der Meyde