Modern Princes and Princesses - the real fairy tale stories part 3

Oh my goodness, I completely forgot about the modern princes and princesses!!! There was the Scandinavian monarchy followed by the British, and then I got sidetracked by other stuff and forgot to post about the Spanish, Belgian and Dutch...
And a lot has happened in these monarchies during the past three years. Three new kings and queens have been crowned after King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Albert of Belgium and Queen Beatrix of Holland decided to abdicate. Personally, I think the older monarchs should be allowed to enjoy a proper retirement while their children take center stage. For King Albert especially it seemed like a necessary choice since he was having some health problems at the time. Queen Beatrix and King Juan Carlos on the other hand simply felt that it was time for the throne to be held by a new generation. As former King Juan Carlos stated in his televised address: "A new generation must be at the forefront...younger people with new energies."

For BBC coverage of the abdication of King Juan Carols, click HERE
For BBC coverage of the abdication of King Albert II, click HERE
For BBC coverage of the abdication of Queen Beatrix, click HERE

King Felipe & Queen Letizia of Spain

Wedding day splendor, 2004

Newly crowned, 2014

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde of Belgium

Wedding splendor, 1999

Newly crowned, 2013

King Willem-Alexander & Queen Maxima of Holland

Wedding splendor, 2002

Newly crowned, 2013

Modern princess and princesses - the real fairytale stories. Part 1

As a European, I grew up on photos in magazines of princesses dressed in fantastic gowns and crown jewels. They lived in impressive castles, even rode in horse-drawn carriages on occasion, and comported themselves with the utmost of grace. There were princes too, and by the time I was five, I'd selected the one whom I planned to one day marry.
Needless to say, things didn't quite turn out that way, which was probably best for everyone. Considering all the attention these people have to suffer, living in the spotlight the way they do, I don't think I would have lasted more than a second for the simple fact that I value my privacy.
After moving to America, the European royalty drifted into the background and the Oscars became the event to watch if you wanted to see a ridiculously overpriced outfit. But I digress...let me instead begin by introducing you to the royal families of Scandinavia and the fairytale magic that they represent. Stay tuned for posts on England, Belgium, Holland, Greece and Spain.

Denmark

Crown Princess Mary (born in Tazmania) and Crown Prince Frederik (who will one day inherit the throne from his mother, Queen Margaret)

Princess Marie (born in France) and Frederik's younger brother, Prince Joachim

Norway

Crown Princess Mette-Marit (she was a single mother with a disadvantageous past, embodying the fairy-tale dream to perfection) and Crown Prince Haakon.

Crown Prince Haakon's younger sister, Princess Martha-Louise and her husband, Danish born Ari-Behn

Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria and her husband, Prince Daniel. He was a personal trainer and gym owner before marrying Victoria.

Prince Carl Philip, currently engaged to Sofia Hellqvist (former model & reality tv contestant). The couple plans to marry on June 13th, 2015

Crown Princess Victoria's younger sister, Princess Madeleine and her husband, British/American businessman, Christopher O'Neill