Retrospectives
June 28, 2009
For the summer, there will be retrospectives posted. It could be either pictures, videos, reports, press reviews, exhibitions in various domains and about various people (royals, past weddings, leading public figures like Jackie O. Kennedy etc.) .
So enjoy. Here is the first set.
Click here.
Palaces of Europe’s protectors (documentary)
June 24, 2009
Curator, restorer, landowner, patron of the arts, or even writer… Nowadays, they manage and restore ten or so historical buildings. Their mission is to support and keep alive an exceptional heritage, largely unknown : they are the protectors of european palaces. Bertrand du Vignaud, historian of arts, has founded in 1965 a private philanthropic foundation based in New York, the World Monuments Funds, in order to preserve and maintain the most treasured architectural and cultural sites on Earth. Since its creation, the fondation has financed around the globe more than 450 sites in 90 countries.
Among them, three sites in Europe going under the different processes of restoration are illustrated into this documentary.
13 Feb 2009 - Evening Standard Second edition.
A LETTER written by Henry VIII that has not been seen for almost five centuries is to go on display in a new London exhibition.
Henry VIII’s admirable youth
February 14, 2009
The Press - 14 Feb 2009.
HENRY: VIRTUOUS PRINCE by David Starkey. Harper Press, $ Reviewed by Bruce Rennie.
Henry VIII was one of the most accomplished monarchs to sit on the English throne. An outstanding athlete, with a fondness, at least when he was young, for jousting, he was also, when he could be bothered, an enthusiastic student of classical literature, history, mathematics, music and astronomy.
Look out: another screen queen
February 14, 2009
A thoroughly modern monarch: Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt) in the upcoming historical drama ‘The Young Victoria’
The Independent, Arts & Books - 13 Feb 2009 - ‘The Young Victoria’ is released on 6 March.
‘The Young Victoria’ goes a step further than other films about royalty. It is co-produced by Sarah Ferguson and has a cameo for her daughter, Princess Beatrice. Alice Jones reports.
If you’re quick, at the beginning of the historical biopic, The Young Victoria, you can catch glimpse of Princess Beatrice making her movie debut. Actually, you don’t need to be all that quick. The flamehaired princess is practically the first person on the screen, strewing rose petals at the tiny determined feet of Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt) as she strides up the aisle of Westminster Abbey for her coronation. A blast of “Zadok the Priest”, a stunning aerial shot of the vaulted ceiling, a swish of ermine, a flash of diamond … And there she is again! A vaguely embarrassed lady-in-waiting in a frou-frou confection of ivory tulle and pink silk roses, studiously not looking at the camera.
Monarchy’s involvement with technology
February 14, 2009
The Herald - 13 Feb 2009
1878 – Queen Victoria meets Alexander Graham Bell and tries out his new invention, the telephone.
Le sacre d’«Yvonne, princesse de Bourgogne»
January 28, 2009
Le Figaro – 28 Janvier 2009 – Par Christian Merlin
Philippe Boesmans présente sa dernière création au Palais Garnier. Une œuvre toute en équilibre.
On change pas une équipe qui gagne. Après Schnitzler pour La Ronde (1993), Shakespeare pour Le Conte d’hiver (1999) et Strindberg pour Julie (2005), le compositeur belge Philippe Boesmans renouvelle sa complicité avec Luc Bondy comme librettiste et metteur en scène. Aujourd’hui : Witold Gombrowicz et son Yvonne, princesse de Bourgogne, commande de Gerard Mortier créée samedi soir au Palais Garnier. Nouvelle réussite.
Five actresses to play the Queen for C4
January 28, 2009
The Guardian – January 28, 2009 – Leigh Holmwood
Five different actresses will portray the Queen at different stages in a new docudrama for Channel 4 that will examine five “pivotal years” in the monarch’s life.
Shake really is rock and roll royalty
January 24, 2009
Sheikh Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifar, the lead singer and guitarist for Manakin.
The National News – 24 January 2009 – By Eugene Harnan
Bahraini prince trying to make music his career
DUBAI Could you please put your hands together for the artist formerly known as Prince.
Actually, this particular rock star still goes by the title Prince.
He may have the sun glasses, ponytail, T-shirt and jeans that are essential prerequisites for any selfrespecting musician seeking to break into the big time, but Hassan has something else that sets him apart.
He is a member of Bahrain’s ruling royal family. Known to the boys in the band as Shake, his actual name is Sheikh Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa. He has a fondness for riding horses, football and sport cars, but his real passion is music and his group, Manakin, which he fronts as lead singer and guitarist.
Last word
January 24, 2009
24 Jan 2009 – The Guide
When Prince William finally walks down the aisle with a doeeyed bride, you won’t find me waving bunting or ironing my souvenir tea towel. From Burns suppers to school assemblies, whenever the national anthem hoves into earshot I find an urgent need to dislodge a long-lost tomato pip from my back teeth, and somehow the words God Save our Gracious Queen never quite reach the tip of my tongue. Not, I must say, that I have anything against Her Majesty. She is one of the most astute, dignified and hardworking players the British monarchy has ever produced. I suspect I will feel genuine sorrow the day she vacates the throne.
