#sweden: netherlands state visit

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Constitutional Monarchy

As there are many breeds of government, there are equally as many species of monarchy. Today, we will be learning about the concept of constitutional monarchy and how we can write them within our WIPs.

What is a Constitutional Monarchy?

Constitutional Monarchy is a monarchy that is bound by a country's constitution, where the monarch doesn't rule but they reign. The government acts and runs in the monarch's name, at their pleasure and owes their allegiance to the Crown but they are the decision-makers.

The Power and the Glory

The monarch doesn't have the power to rule but as Head of State, they still retain certain powers and responsibilities.

The monarch has the right to:

Warn a Prime Minister/Chancellor against a decision.

Be consulted about all state matters, crisis and news.

Advise and encourage.

The monarch has the responsibility to:

Be impartial, no matter their true feelings

Support the Prime Minister/Chancellor in their efforts to lead the country

The monarch usually retains power in the form of the Head of the Armed Forces (though most can't declare war), has the power to dissolve a sitting government, has the power to sign bills and legislation into law, by the opening of Parliament and recieves diplomats and ambassadors.

Why a Constitutional Monarchy?

You might be asking, why would a monarch agree to all these rules and limits? They are the King/Queen, no? Shouldn't they have all the power? Easy answer, they want to maintain both their power and their heads. Most modern monarchies have ceded to be bound by constitution because autocracies come with as many dangers as they come with benefits. A constitutional monarchy is often chosen to protect the monarchy, ensure it's longevity, appease the public and modernise to fit with changing opinions. The monarchy that doesn't adapt, doesn't survive. If a monarch truly believes in the role of monarchy and their duty, they would do well to consider how much they are willing to sacrifice in its name. It also provides a unifying figure for the country to look up to without the divide of political opinion and creed.

Constitutional Monarchies Across the World

The UK: The monarch's role is ceremonial, they open Parliament, grant Royal approval to bills and meet with the Prime Minister to be informed of the government's doings.

Sweden: The Swedish monarchy is symbolic only.

Japan: The Emperor of Japan has no governing powers, he recieves foreign dignitaries, participates in traditional events and rituals.

Spain: The Spanish monarchy has the power to dissolve government, summon government and appoint the Prime Minister.

Norway: Norway's monarchy is heavily symbolic but the monarch resides over the Council of State, signs official documents and undertakes state visits.

Belgium: The Belgian monarchy is also ceremonial but has the power to appoint the formateur who leads coalition negotiations, signs laws but these acts must require the signature of a government minister.

The Netherlands: The Dutch monarch has a ceremonial role, with the Prime Minister and Parliament holding political power. The monarch’s duties include signing bills into law and representing the country at official events

Thailand: The Thai monarch has a cultural and ceremonial role but politics is the business of the elected government.

Monaco: The Principality of Monaco is an exceptional version of a constitutional monarchy. While the Prince is bound by the constitution, he had the power to appoint the Minister of State and the Government Council. These bodies are directly accountable to the Prince. The Prince has the right to propose laws to the National Council, veto laws and formally enacts the laws approved by the National Council.

Denmark: The monarch appoints the Prime Minister who leads Folketing, they sign all acts passed by the government which must be countersigned by a Cabinet Minister and participates in state ceremonies.

Lesotho: This monarchy is ceremonial too but the King has the power to appoint the Prime Minister and other officials (on governmental advice).

[weirdestbooks]

Countryhumans Oneshots

The United States of Idiots: 50 Times the States Did Something Super Dumb and Funny. And America's Reaction to His Kids Being Crackheads.

Sleepy Twin: Delaware is tired, and decides to take a nap on his twin New York.

Coffee: In America’s household, there is one rule. Don’t touch the Coffee Trio’s coffee.

Bonding: Delaware tries to bond with one of the newest territories, Hawaii.

Bonus Scene From Chapter 5 of Secrecy and Deception: "A British man talking about how the Declaration of Independence was important and great. He almost laughed but was not able to hold back giggles. Dad also looked incredibly amused by that. Britain would probably be getting a call from Dad laughing about this." -Missouri, Secrecy and Deception

Americanized: Oklahoma used to be the Indian Territory. Now, he's an American State that wants nothing to do with them. What happened to cause this? Based on @walkingtalkingcountries' headcanons!

Languages: America is very tired and forgets English.

A Reckoning With Oneself: Ireland is a very catholic nation and over a thousand years old. Therefore, being queer and accepting queerness is hard for him.

The Living Ghost of a Long Dead Brother: Sweden meets her long-dead half-brother.

Sammy and Sammy Junior: Polynesia is a very close family. They visit each other and hang out often. It's a shame when one of those meetings goes a bit sour due to an accident.

America and the Struggles of Having a Human Face: America has body dysmorphia. It's not something he's handled well.

The Frozen State: Lake Superior. Beautiful, but deadly. Michigan learned that the hard way.

Camping is Deadly: Florida is a great brother and friend. He's just not the best person to go camping with.

Dog Therapy: Alaska gives his nephew therapy with the help of his dogs.

Concerned Family: New Zealand was abused. He doesn’t think so. His family is concerned.

Arson: California likes fire. They also hate their brother.

Human Perceptions: Sometimes New Jersey just wants to pretend to be human. That does make things awkward when his human friends start talking about his family though.

A Dead Man's Flag: Delaware was the reincarnation of the son of Forest Finns. Due to his reincarnation-caused amnesia, he has very limited memories of the man he calls isä. But a gift from his uncle might spark a new memory to return. More importantly, he had a physical trace of his father.

Fuck Tourists: Hawaii hates tourists. America gets her a shirt.

Fear: Illinois is haunted by the threats of the mob, not that his roommate is aware. That won’t stop Michigan from comforting him as the nightmares awaken him again and again.

United States of Ameridad: America is a dad, and he loves helping and caring for each and every one of his kids.

Hawaii and the Celtic Nations: Hawaii visits the Celtic Nations, oblivious to their family ties.

The Sign: Germany has a funny sign. So does his father.

Finland's Wings: Finland gets a new flag. In doing so, he also gets a pair of wings.

The Thoughts of an Empire: Russian Empire was an awful person. He didn’t think of his son as a son. Just as a tool.

Southern Neighbors: Texas has a problem

impermanently: An angry man shoots and kills New York. It’s the first time a state dies.

The Burn Recovery: Alaska is hurt badly. Luckily, he always has his dad to help him.

Nieuw York: New Netherlands was murdered a long time ago. It’s really unfortunate who found her body.

The Parental Sibling: Delaware is sick. Luckily he has a big brother/father figure who can look after him

What's the Worst Way to Punish an Introvert?: Sometimes child abuse isn't as apparent as it seemed. Take this case of Finland and the Russian Empire.

America and his Cat: Just a little America drabble.

Tulips: Canada is picking up his boyfriend from the airport so they can spend a week together. (Not canon to my countryhumans universe, this is a requested oneshot)

The Fire Pokémon Club: Five countries have the ability to create fire. So why not make a club?

India Gets Revenge: India does not like the curry that exists in England. She really shouldn't.

The Fires of Hatred and Passion Are Much the Same: France and Britain are somewhat enemies. However as time goes on, they become fonder and fonder of each other.

An Old Friendship: Morocco was the first country to recognize America's independence. The two countries have been firm friends ever since.

The Outlier of Oceania: Madagascar is not Polynesian, but her sister, French Polynesia, seems determined to drag her to Polynesian family reunions anyway.

The Boston Christmas Tree: On the hundredth anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, Massachusetts and Nova Scotia meet again in Boston.

ASEAN Nonsense: A typical ASEAN meeting can be very exhausting for it's namesake.

The Funky Gender of the Northern Carolina: North Carolina has a strange relationship with her gender.

The Place of Origin: North Carolina is the home of her father's birthplace. They talk about that.

Alba agus A Mac: Scotland adores his son, the personification of the Orcadians.

York and Jay: New York and New Jersey have a sibling rivalry. Sometimes, it feels too real for New Jersey.

Meeting Mississippi: The time has come for the US states to meet their newest sister, Mississippi.

When the Father Had Power [Non-Canon]: When America goes back in time, he confronts the man who raised him.

The Dragon's (Grand)Son: A talk with Wales ends up with Britain gaining dragon traits. They learn to adjust.

A Drowned Out Voice: The District of Columbia had always been different from her siblings. That difference always made her feel so alone.

[charlotte-of-wales]

Messages from European monarchs to the newly proclaimed King Frederik X and Queen Mary:

King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden:

“When you ascend the Danish throne today, I send my and the Swedish people's congratulations to you and the people of Denmark. To you and Queen Mary, I would also like to convey my and my family's most heartfelt wishes for success. This day reminds us of the historical community, closeness and cordiality that binds our two countries and families. It is my hope that the already very close Danish-Swedish relations will deepen even more in the years ahead.”

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands:

"Today, after 52 years, Denmark has a new head of state. It is with warmth and affection that we honour Queen Margrethe for her unconditional commitment and extraordinary dedication to her country. We look forward to meeting King Frederik X and Queen Mary in their new roles and will continue to cherish the deep friendship between the Netherlands and Denmark.

King Charles III of United Kingdom:

“Your Majesties, my wife joins me in writing to convey our very best wishes on the day of your accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Denmark. I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world. I pay tribute to the many years of service of your mother, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, and remember fondly the frequent visits between our countries, including our visit to Copenhagen and Elsinore in 2012. I was delighted that Your Majesties were able to attend our Coronation last year and I much look forward to future opportunities to celebrate the close connection that unites our countries and our families.”

King Felipe VI of Spain:

“Our congratulations on the beginning of your Reign, with the greatest personal affection and the best wishes for the people of Denmark”

[mhgrf]

Our country's regional visa-free policy for foreigners mainly includes:

Hong Kong and Macao foreign tour groups to enter Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy. Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties with China holding ordinary passports may visit the nine cities in the Greater Bay area and the Shantou Bay Area without the need for a visa after entering the region through a group of Hong Kong and macao-registered travel agents, activities will be held in the cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Shantou, group in and out, stay less than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for tour groups from ASEAN countries to Guilin, Guangxi. Group tours (2 or more) from ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia) , with an ordinary passport, you can enter or leave the country visa-free through the Guilin Airport and travel agencies in Guilin, stay no longer than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups by cruise. Foreign tour groups (2 or more persons) on cruises and received by travel agencies in China, visa-free group visits are available from 13 cruise ports in Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou and Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya, the tour group shall travel with the same cruise to the next port until the departure of this cruise, activities for Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and other 11 coastal provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government) and Beijing, stay no longer than 15 days.

4th, 59 countries personnel entry Hainan 30 days visa-free policy. Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus and 59 other countries hold ordinary passports, for short-term reasons such as tourism, business, visit, family visit, medical treatment, convention and exhibition, sports competition, etc. (except for work and study reasons) , visa-free entry to Hainan may be granted, the scope of activities shall be within the administrative area of Hainan province, and the entry and exit ports shall be all open ports of Hainan province, and the stay time shall not exceed 30 days.

Visa-free 144-hour entry policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao. Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with China who hold ordinary passports and visit Hong Kong and Macao may visit Hainan visa-free if they are in a group of two or more members of a travel agency legally registered in Hong Kong and Macao, activities for the administrative area of Hainan province, the entry and exit ports for all open ports in Hainan province, the use of group entry and exit mode, stay less than 144 hours.

[devilsrains]

aoike character guide book

places visited in yasuko aoike's works (translation under the cut by the lovely @asnowperson)

ENGLAND 1- London (Midnight Collector side story among others) 2- The National Gallery (London) (Pt.1 A Thousand Kisses) 3- British Museum (London) (Pt.1) 4- Salibury Military Base (Lieutenant Colonel Eberbach side story) 5- Heathrow Airport (No.11 Seven Days in September among others)

GERMANY 6- Plymouth (El halcón) 7- Bonn 8- NATO Bonn Office 9- Cologne 10- Thermal Spas on the Rhine River and the old castles (Eroica, among others) 11- Lilienthal Monastery (Shuudoushi Falco) 12- Berlin (No. 15 Nosferatu, among otheres) 13- Trier (No.17 Trojan Horse) 14- German Military Hospital (Intermission side story) 15- Dresden (No.16 The Panda’s Maze) 16-Hamburg (From Lawrence with Love side story) 17- Eberbach Mansion

FRANCE/ITALY/GREECE 18- Paris (No.17 Trojan Horse) 19- Louvre Museum (No.1 A Thousand Kisses) 20- Charles de Gaulle Airport (No.11 Seven Days in September) 21- Nice (No.17 Trojan Horse) 22- Avignon (Alcazar Oujo) 23- Catacombes (No.8 Veni Vidi Vici) 24- St.Peter’s Basilica (No.8 Veni Vidi Vici) 25- St.Peter’s Square (No.8 Veni Vidi Vici) 26- Parthenon Temple (No.4 Love in Greece)

SPAIN/PORTUGAL 27- Sevilla (Alcazar Oujo) 28- Sigüenza (Alcazar Oujo) 29- Toledo (Alcazar Oujo) 30- Jerez Castle (Alcazar Oujo) 31- Jerez Monastery (Alcazar Oujo) 32- Jaén (No.18 Judgment of Paris) 33- Plaza de Toros de Jaén (No.18 Judgment of Paris) 34- Córdoba (Eroica) 35- Zuera, Alcala (No.11 Seven Days in September) 36- Aragon region (Eroica) 37- Calatayud (Alcazar Oujo) 38- Granada (Alcazar Oujo) 39- Barcelona (Eroica) 40- Valencia (Alcazar Oujo) 41- Lisbon (No.3 Achilles’ Last Stand)

SWITZERLAND/AUSTRIA/LICHTENSTEIN/ROMANIA 42- Zürich (No.13 The Seventh Seal) 43- Luzern (No.12 The Laughing Cardinals) 44- Vienna State Opera (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 45- Vienna Central Cemetery (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 46- Innsbruck (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 47- Innsbruck Airport (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 48- Hofburg Palace (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 49- Tyrol region (No.14 Emperor Waltz) 50- Lichtenstein (No.13 The Seventh Seal) 51- Romania military base (No. 15 Nosferatu)

THE NETHERLANDS/BELGIUM 52- Amsterdam (Eroica, Madan no Shashu) 53- Bruxelles (No.17 Trojan Horse) 54- NATO HQ (No.19 Poseidon 2000) 55- European Commission HQ (No.13 The Seventh Seal) 56- Antwerp (No.17 Trojan Horse)

NORWAY/SWEDEN/DENMARK 57- Oslo Airport (No.11 Seven Days in September) 58- Mora (No.13 The Seventh Seal) 59- Copenhagen (No.19 Poseidon 2000) 60- Kronborg Castle (No.19 Poseidon 2000) 61- Lousiana Museum of Modern Art (No.19 Poseidon 2000)

TURKEY/SYRIA/LEBANON/ISRAEL/PALESTINE/IRAN 62- İstanbul (No.13 The Seventh Seal) 63- Rumeli Hisarı (No.11 Seven Days in September) 64- Turkish air base (No.6 Inshallah) 65- National borders of Anatolian plateau (No.6 Inshallah) 66- Historical remains of Palmyra (No.6 Inshallah) 67- Beirut (No.6 Inshallah) 68- Jerusalam (Saladin no Hi) 69- Gaza (Saladin no Hi) 70- Tehran (No.6 Inshallah)

EGYPT/TUNISIA 71- Ancient remains outside Cairo (No.6 Inshallah) 72- El Alameyn (No.6 Inshallah) 73- Giza Pyramids (No.11 Seven Days in September) 74- Alexandria (No.11 Seven Days in September) 75- Hotel Rosetta (No.11 Seven Days in September) 76- Carthage (No.17 Trojan Horse)

RUSSIA/JAPAN/USA/OTHERS 77- Moscow (No.19 Poseidon 2000) 78- St. Petersburg (No.18 Judgment of Paris) 79- Hermitage Museum (No.18 Judgment of Paris) 80- Siberia (A Tale of Alaska side story) 81- Uspensky Air Base (Eroica) 82- Tokyo Tower (Hiiro no Yuuwaku) 83- Alaska (A Tale of Alaska side story) 84- FBI Fairbanks Office (No.9 The Alaskan Front) 85- Tazlina Lake (No.9 The Alaskan Front) 86- Hawaii (No.9 The Alaskan Front) 87- West of Eden (Eve no Musukotachi) 88- Olympos (Eve no Musukotachi)

[mariacallous]

What Geert Wilders Wants in Europe

On Nov. 22, Geert Wilders’s far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) won the most seats in the House of Representatives following national elections in the Netherlands. On the same day, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gave a keynote speech in Zürich at the invitation of the conservative magazine Die Weltwoche. The latter event offers a key to understanding the former. Orban offered a preview of what Wilders wants to do with Europe.

Wilders, who has earned the right to try to form a governing coalition with several center-right parties that have already rolled out the red carpet for him, has repeatedly said in the past that he wants to take his country out of the European Union. The PVV program calls for a referendum on “Nexit.” But like other far-right politicians in Europe, Wilders has understood the lessons of Brexit: Countries standing alone in this turbulent world marginalize and weaken themselves, so instead of leaving the EU, it would be better to stay and change it from the inside. This is exactly the scenario Orban sketched out in Zürich.

For starters, Orban apologized to the audience because it had to put up with him, the leader of a small country, while in these challenging times it had deserved a speech by a real leader like Konrad Adenauer or Helmut Kohl—politicians who had ruled postwar Germany for years with a steady moral and political compass, shaping Christian democracy in Europe. But alas, Orban continued, Europe is in decline. It does not have politicians of that caliber anymore. It has lost its grip on the world because it is ruled by bureaucrats infected with the liberal-progressive bug, not by true politicians. If we want to stop this decline, he said, “we must return to classical European political and leadership culture.” This would mean national leaders taking the helm in Brussels, from now on treating European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as “our employee, our paid employee, whose job it is to carry out what we decide.”

Wilders, whose wife is Hungarian, is close to Orban. He has visited him many times. He knows a large majority of the Dutch do not support a Nexit. Eighty percent think membership is beneficial for the country, which is higher than the European average of 72 percent. None of his possible center-right coalition partners advocate an exit from the EU. Moreover, like Orban, Wilders considers it unwise that the United Kingdom did not just leave the EU but also the single market. Orban told his Swiss audience that decisions taken in Brussels directly affect Switzerland as a participant in the single market, without Bern having any say in those decisions. All the more reason to stay and shape those decisions from the inside. For him, national sovereignty is key, and this would be better served by staying in the EU.

When it comes to Europe, sovereignty is also a key word in the PVV program. “Intensive cooperation between countries does not need a political union like the EU,” the program states. It calls for a smaller EU budget and the usage of opt-outs; for example, in the fields of asylum and migration. On election night, on television, Wilders mentioned the Dublin agreement (on asylum and migration) as a positive piece of EU regulation he wants to stick to. If European regulation is not good, he added, “we can always change it to make it better.” This did not sound at all like someone who wants to leave the EU. On the contrary, it sounded like someone who stays in to grab the steering wheel.

In fact, Orban is showing him the way. Orban currently is playing out several trump cards in Brussels. The European Commission is refusing to pay him around 30 billion euros in European subsidies, because those funds are tied to requirements connected to the rule of law and anti-corruption. Some cosmetic reforms notwithstanding, Orban is doing nothing to meet those requirements. Now, Orban is taking revenge. He keeps blocking Sweden’s accession to NATO. At a European summit in December, European government leaders are supposed to decide whether or not to start formal accession talks with Ukraine. In a letter last week, Orban announced that he does not want a decision yet. He is also threatening to block European financial and military assistance to Ukraine—50 billion euros over the next few years, plus joint arms purchases through the European Peace Facility. Finally, Orban has signaled that if he does not get his billions, he will try to prevent the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission in 2024.

Meanwhile, he ordered posters to be put up all over Hungary depicting von der Leyen and Alex Soros—the son of George Soros and new leader of the Open Society Foundations he founded—with the text, “Let’s not dance to their tunes.” He has also organized a (nonbinding) national consultation on Europe, with 11 rather suggestive questions. One segment about EU financial assistance to Ukraine reads as follows: “They are asking Hungary for additional support [for Ukraine] even as our country has not received the EU funds due to it.” One of the possible answers says: “We should not pay more to support Ukraine until we have received the money we are owed [by the EU].”

Like Orban, many far-right politicians in Europe have concluded that now is not the time to leave the EU. Even a large country like the United Kingdom has lost influence since Brexit. The economy took a beating, immigration has doubled, hedge funds are buying up the country. Moreover, potential trade agreements with third countries have been revealed to be worse than the ones the U.K. had through the EU, with powerful countries like India or Australia taking the opportunity to squeeze concessions out of London they never managed to get from the EU. As former Prime Minister John Major noted in a lecture in 2020, the U.K. is a second-class power that has chosen to become more poor and more powerless—with the slogan “taking back control” more applicable to Europe than to the U.K.

It is no coincidence that both the U.K. and Switzerland are seeking rapprochement with the EU at the moment. The EU’s waiting room is full of candidate countries. Many countries in the EU’s orbit have discovered that with regional powers like Russia and Turkey bullying everyone at will, being part of a larger group can protect them from being eaten raw before breakfast.

The mantra of Europe’s nationalists used to be, “We lose sovereignty in the European Union, so let’s leave the European Union.” Now, many realize they actually gain sovereignty by being part of it. Figures like Orban suddenly emphasize the advantages of the European single market and other benefits such as cheap, common vaccines or the power to collectively discipline multinational companies such as Google or Microsoft.

If anybody embodies this U-turn on Europe, it’s Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni. The minute she took power last year, she started investing in Europe in a way no one had thought possible. She suddenly became supportive of the euro and European defense, and got herself constructively involved in the search for a better EU asylum and migration system. Only on environmental policy and cultural issues has she remained arch-conservative.

France’s Marine Le Pen, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, and Austria’s Herbert Kickl, like Wilders, all seem to realize that—contrary to what Orban says—EU member states already have almost all of the power in Brussels. And that if they manage to get themselves elected nationally, like Orban, they can actually play with that power to their advantage. Like him, they can inflate their position by threatening to use a veto now and then and take everybody hostage. They can open their doors, like Hungary, to those seeking a foothold in Europe in order to undermine it from within. Moreover, they can force the Bundeskanzleramt and the Elysée to finally pay attention. In short, EU membership provides leverage. It is a tool that makes national leaders larger than they would otherwise be.

This is the cynical Europe that politicians like Orban, Le Pen, Salvini, and Wilders are working on. Next weekend, at a conference of Salvini’s far-right European parliamentary group in Florence, they will be tuning their violins again.

Far-right parties used to rant on the national podium against the EU and “unelected Eurocrats” in Brussels, pushing narrow national interests—and, as a result, often clashing among themselves. Those differences are now increasingly overshadowed by the new prominence of some of their favorite themes: security, defense, migration, and border control. The far right no longer just speaks on behalf of the nation against Europe, Hans Kundnani of Chatham House recently wrote; it is now starting to speak on behalf of Europe. This “ethnoregionalism,” as he calls it, is characterized by a rhetoric that focuses on the idea of an endangered “European civilization.”

Indeed, the “decline of Europe” is becoming a common theme for far-right parties. In Zürich, Orban mentioned Europe’s inability to exercise “autonomous and sovereign action” several times. Europe, he said, is losing its way in the world. Then, he posed as its savior—in the footsteps of political giants like Adenauer and Kohl.

The fact that Orban now positions himself in a center-right tradition, not on the far right, is not accidental. It implies that the dam between the center right and the far right, which has been in place for decades, has broken. In many countries, the center right is copying the far-right discourse, making it mainstream. In the Netherlands, it was the center-right VVD—Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s party—that made the PVV electable by opening the door to cooperation. The same is happening in Austria, where the far-right FPÖ has overtaken the center-right ÖVP as the more popular party, with elections scheduled for next fall. In Belgium, which holds elections in June, a similar dynamic could play out. In France, the center-right Republicans are now more radical than the far-right National Rally—and a lot smaller, too. Meanwhile, in the European Parliament, the conservative family that has been a powerful bulwark against political extremism since World War II is equally shifting to the right. It votes down some of the Green Deal climate laws it previously supported; it wants to close borders; and it is getting increasingly vocal in opposing social-justice issues.

With all this happening, far-right politicians like Wilders have fewer reasons than ever to leave the EU. As Orban said in Zürich, “Hungary is not the black sheep but the first swallow, and … we look forward to the others.”

[beardedmrbean]

Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat covered the discussion on Finland at the US vice presidential debate on Tuesday night between Republican candidate JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz.

On the subject of school shootings, Walz brought up his experience visiting Finnish schools.

"I've spent time in Finland and seen some Finnish schools. They don't have this [school shootings] happen, even though they have a high gun ownership rate in the country," Walz said on the debate stage.

Walz said he and presidential candidate Kamala Harris were both gun owners and stressed that it was the responsibility of policy makers to ensure the safety of children.

He also spoke about how he was affected by meeting the families of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Walz emphasised that change can be made without taking away Americans' guns.

Vance, however, advocated for improving school safety by reinforcing doors, windows and other security features. He also said schools should be given more resources.

"I appreciate what Tim [Walz] said about Finland, because I do think it illustrates some of the weird differences between our own country's gun violence problem and Finland. First of all, we have way higher rates of mental health substance abuse, we have way higher rates of depression, we have way higher rates of anxiety. We unfortunately have a mental health crisis in this country," Vance responded.

HS also noted that Walz is the current governor of Minnesota, a state with a large population of Finnish ancestry, and that a photograph of him wearing a Finland beanie previously circulated online.

Despite the rhetoric praising the Nordic country, Finland suffered its first school shooting in over a decade earlier this year.

Gold going up

Rural-focused newspaper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus highlighted that the global price of gold has surged to new highs. Current prices are reaching near 80 euros per gram, compared to under 10 euros in 2000.

While this has not yet triggered a gold rush in Lapland, there has been notable interest from foreign prospectors.

Mechanical gold mining has ceased in areas like Lemmenjoki National Park, cutting production to a third of previous levels. However, Europe's largest gold mine in Kittilä produced seven tonnes of gold last year.

Kai J. Rantanen, head of the Lapland Association of Gold Miners (Lapin Kullankaivajain Liitto), said that social media and foreign television reality series about gold miners created a movement even before the price had risen.

"Many have since discovered a reality of gold mining that may not suit their own psyche and physique. It requires a strong back," Rantanen said.

Despite strict environmental regulations, Lapland continues to attract gold prospectors, including from countries like the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

However, only about 20 of the region's 2,000 prospectors earn a significant portion of their livelihood from gold.

Learning Finnish on the job

The story of Saudi Arabian Mahir Ashraf Khan learning Finnish made it into Tampere daily Aamulehti.

Khan moved to Finland about two years ago, and while the words in his Finnish sentences are at times out of order, his fast and confident speech is easy to listen to, according to the paper.

Over the past couple of years, Khan's Finnish language skills have improved from non-existent to conversational. Khan learned the basics of Finnish in a beginners' course at Tampere University as soon as he arrived in Finland.

However, he conceded that his goal of effortless conversation is still a long way off.

"It would be great to be able to think in Finnish as well. Now I might be able to, if I concentrate," Khan said.

Having grown up in Saudi Arabia, Khan knew he wanted to study abroad as soon as he finished high school.

Out of several options, AL wrote that he chose Finland for a somewhat surprising reason — in Finland there are bidet showers even in public toilets. That's important for someone from the Middle East, laughed Khan, who moved to the Tampere district of Hervanta in autumn 2022.

[digitalyarbs]

The many faces of John Quincy Adams based upon his portrait by John Singleton Copley.

In 1797, Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, quite unexpectedly received a shipping case. It contained this portrait of her twenty-eight-year-old son by John Singleton Copley, which Mrs. Susanna Copley had asked her husband to paint as a gift for her old friend. Abigail was delighted, and she wrote to John Quincy Adams on June 23, 1797, “It is allowed to be as fine a portrait as ever was taken, and what renders it peculiarly valuable to me is the expression, the animation, the true Character which gives it so pleasing a likeness . . . It is most elegantly Framed, and is painted in a masterly manner. No present could have been more acceptable.” John and Abigail Adams had visited London in the 1780s and had become friends with the artist and his wife, and Copley had painted a full-length portrait of John Adams in 1783. Copley had also painted a likeness of Abigail Adams, daughter of John and Abigail Adams, probably at about the same time, which was subsequently destroyed by fire. John Quincy Adams responded to his mother in a letter dated July 29, 1797, enlightening her on the circumstances under which his portrait had been painted: "The history of the Portrait which you received last March was this. While I was here, the last time, Mr. Copley told me that Mrs. Copley had long been wishing to send you some token of her remembrance and regard, and thinking that a likeness of your Son, would answer the purpose, requested me to sit to him; which I did accordingly and he produced a very excellent picture, as you see. I had it framed in a manner which might correspond to the merit of the painting, and after I left this Country it was sent out by Mr. Copley. . . . It is therefore to the delicate politeness of Mr. and Mrs. Copley, that we are indebted for a present so flattering to me, and in your maternal kindness so acceptable to you. They are well, with all their family and continue to remember you with affection."

John Quincy Adams was serving as the United States Minister to the Netherlands in 1796 when he sat for Copley, having been appointed by President George Washington in 1794. He was resident in London for several months in 1795 and 1796 to conduct negotiations concerning the ratification of the Jay Treaty, which resolved many issues remaining from the American Revolution. Even though Adams was a relatively young man, he had been chosen for these important positions because of his extraordinary education and upbringing. Since he had often accompanied his father when he was sent to Europe on government business, the younger Adams had traveled to France, Spain, the Low Countries, England, the German States, Russia, and Sweden by the time he was seventeen. Often John Adams’s business required lengthy stays, and John Quincy Adams had therefore been enrolled in schools in Paris and Amsterdam. Back in the United States in 1786, Adams entered Harvard College, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated the following year. Subsequently he studied law in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and then began to practice law in Boston.

Adams recorded seven sittings for his portrait from February to April 1796. Two of the notations provide an elucidating glimpse into the experience of posing for Copley. On March 4 he wrote: “At Mr. Copley’s all the morning sitting for my picture. Conversation with him political, metaphysical, and critical. His opinions not accurate, but well meaning.” On March 28: “At Mr. Copley’s all morning, sitting again for my picture. Stayed there too long gazing at his Charles [Charles I ], and at a portrait of the three youngest princesses [The Three Youngest Daughters of King George III, 1785, Royal Collection, United Kingdom], a finely finished thing.”

In a stylish oval format, the portrait shows a rather debonair John Quincy Adams with powdered hair, dressed in a black frock coat with a white stock and a glimpse of a pink waistcoat. He is set against a red curtain and a crepuscular landscape. Copley carefully delineated Adams’s features but painted the costume and background with dashing and loose brushwork.

Shortly after the portrait was completed, Adams became engaged to Louisa Catherine Johnson in London. He went on to a brilliant political career, serving in the United States Senate, as Minister to Russia, as Minister to England, and as Secretary of State. In 1825 he was elected the sixth president of the United States, and after he lost his bid for re-election, he represented Plymouth, Massachusetts, in Congress for the rest of his life. Adams also went on to have his portrait painted by many of the leading artists of his day; in all he sat for at least sixty likenesses. Of all these portraits, Adams decided that “Copley’s Portrait of 1796, Stuart’s head of 1825, and Durand’s of 1836 . . . are the only ones worthy of being preserved.

[usafphantom2]

IMAGES: Norwegian F-16s landed in Denmark, ready to train Ukrainian pilots

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 06/01/2024 - 15:37in Military, War Zones

The two Norwegian F-16 aircraft, recently tested in Bodo, northern Norway, landed on January 5 in Denmark. After more than 40 years in service, these aircraft will now help Ukraine in its defense efforts.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Bard Bakke, the Norwegian detachment in Denmark, in collaboration with a broad coalition of nations, provides support from instructors in F-16 for Ukraine's air defense. This includes technical training, mission support and other crucial elements to ensure the effective functioning of the weapons system in Ukraine.

Ukrainian pilots, with experience in other types of Soviet-era fighters, will go through a transition to all the capabilities of the F-16, a long-term venture. Although some effectiveness is expected from the beginning, it will take some time for Ukraine to operate the F-16 according to Western standards.

“I was very impressed by the Ukrainian staff,” says Bard Bakke, who also participated in the international collaboration to establish the F-16 in Ukraine.

The F-16 system in Norway was originally retired on January 6, 2022 and replaced by the F-35. The Norwegian Defense Materials Agency was tasked with decommissioning the F-16 aircraft and preparing them for potential sale. Thirty-two aircraft have already been sold to Romania.

Since the mission to support Ukraine began in July 2023, personnel from across the Norwegian defense sector have been working diligently to reoperate the F-16 after two years on the ground.

The first instructors of the Royal Norwegian Air Force have already been to Denmark in October and now, with the arrival of the aircraft, they are ready to contribute even more. The Norwegian government decided to support Ukraine in building a modern fighter capacity by donating Norwegian F-16 fighters.

The long-term goal is to allow Ukraine to ensure its own security without international support, a crucial step for stability and security in Europe. This support will take place in a multinational framework, led by the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Norway, as well as Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium, decided to donate F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The training of Ukrainian personnel on the aircraft is a fundamental preparation for the donation.

“An impressive effort has been made in the Norwegian defense sector to establish the contribution of F-16 in Denmark,” said Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram, who recently visited Bodo to see first-hand the preparations.

He also sat in the seat during one of the last test flights of the Norwegian F-16s, before the Ukrainian pilots took charge for practical training in Denmark.

"Since the summer of 2023, we have been working to reintroduce the F-16 in the Norwegian Armed Forces. Operating, maintaining and conducting operations with fighters are specialized and complex operations. It was a truly unique and special effort of the entire defense sector, and we are eager to train Ukrainian pilots in the Norwegian F-16,” said Detachment Commander Bakke.

Tags: Military AviationF-16 Fighting FalconUkraine Air ForceRNAF - Royal Norwegian Air Force / Royal Norwegian Air ForceWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[atotaltaitaitale]

.

Wednesday Wanderings and Wonderings - Journées Européenne du Patrimoine* Edition.

Got to visit the beautiful building of La Cour des Comptes (Cour of Audit) and learn about the ins and outs of the institution.

The Cour des Comptes ("Court of Accounts") is France's supreme audit institution, under French law an administrative court. As such, it is independent from the legislative and executive branches of the French Government. However, the 1946 and 1958 French constitutions made it the Court's duty to assist the Cabinet and Parliament in regulating government spending. The Court thus combines functions of a court of exchequer, comptroller general's office, and auditor general's office in common-law countries. It is also a Grand Corps of the French State and mainly recruits among the best-ranked students graduating from the Ecole nationale d'administration.

*European Heritage Days (EHD) is a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission involving all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention under the motto, Europe: a common heritage. The annual programme offers opportunities to visit buildings, monuments and sites, many of which are not normally accessible to the public. It aims to widen access and foster care for architectural and environmental heritage. The event began in France in 1984, with La Journée portes ouvertes dans les monuments historiques, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. In 1985, in Granada, at the 2nd European Conference of Ministers responsible for Architectural Heritage, the French Minister of Culture proposed that the project be internationalised under the Council of Europe. The Netherlands held their first Open Monumentendag in 1987. Sweden and the Republic of Ireland joined in 1989, as well as Belgium and Scotland in 1990. In 1991 these events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe, supported by the EU. By 2010, 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention had joined the EHDs.

[duchessofostergotlands]

I'm curious if you have any idea if these state visits between two friendly countries actually are worth it. The reason I ask is I'm seeing pics of the Dutch Belgian state visit and it's obviously extravagant, but at the same time I couldn't help but wonder if relations between these countries actually need the kind of money that seems to be spent on state visits. I feel like the royal fams see each other a bunch and are already friendly. (1/2)

(2/2) Im not trying to be snarky at all and I love seeing the tiaras and gowns and pictures, but the recent visit got me thinking I'd already seen this many times this year between them, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc, and I'm just curious if they are just a way for rich people to rub shoulders and hang out again or if there is some kind of financial or otherwise gain for the countries participating! I don't see the Brits doing this more than 2x a year and wasn't sure if it was just preference

I was asked a related question the other day and the same part of the episode should answer your questions too: https://www.tumblr.com/duchessofostergotlands/720316587045945344/the-norwegian-royal-couple-are-in-denmarkim?source=share

Your questions are understandable and you're not the first to ask but I think come from a slight misunderstanding of what a State Visit is and the purpose of it. Two royal families seeing each other is not a State Visit. So while it is true they see each other regularly and have good relationships as individuals, State Visits happen far less frequently than people think. As far as I know, since Philippe and Willem-Alexander took their respective thrones 10 years ago there has been one state visit between them which was Belgium going to the Netherlands in 2016. This is the first state visit from WA to Belgium. Same with the other countries you mention. For example, the last state visit between Norway and Sweden was actually 30 years ago!!

I talk in the episode about why I don't think it's massively helpful to draw distinctions between royal State Visits and republic State Visits because they have the same purpose and many republics are set up exactly the same way as a monarchy in terms of division of power so I won't go into that in depth but basically there is more to a State Visit than we see. The royals do the public ribbon cutting, the hosting, the PR side of things but State Visits are the highest form of diplomacy, they aren't just fluffy chats in a tiara. On this current visit WA and Max are accompanied by at least six different actual government Ministers from the Netherlands who will be going to different engagements. The idea is the royal couples charm everyone with their hosting skills, they remind everyone how close the two countries are with the engagements, they invite important people to hang out in fancy venue and drink wine. They open doors and they wine and dine, they soften people up, so that in the background the ministers and other delegates with the actual day to day power can sign treaties and trade deals and contracts. And so I think you can see from that why countries which are friendly still do State Visits. Firstly, can't be complacent. An ally can become an enemy real fast! But also, of course you'd focus your energy on your closest trading partners! And it does seem to work. I talk in the podcast about a study I found which suggests State Visits do have a positive impact - I won't spoil it - but State Visits are not decided by the royals themselves, it's a government decision. And they exist in Republics too. If they weren't working, people would have stopped them!

As for the Brits bit, the Queen didn't do outgoing State Visits because of her age. She hadn't done one for 7 years before she died. So that reduced the numbers. But also going back to the start, lots of things you think are State Visits are not so Sweden only has two or three state visits a year, for example. And they go to the same place a lot. Like they're always in the US or Australia!

[andiatas]

The Crown Princess in a meeting about Keystone Dialogue

On Oct. 6, the Crown Princess met with representatives from the Stockholm Resilience Center at the Royal Palace to talk about Keystone Dialogue 6, which is being held in Busan, Republic of Korea.

At the meeting, Professor Carl Folke, Professor Henrik Österblom, researcher Robert Blasiak and researcher Frida Bengtsson from the Stockholm Resilience Center informed about the upcoming Keystone Dialogue taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, October 10–12.

The Crown Princess also received information about current maritime issues and how the work has progressed since SeaBOS's last working meeting in May in Stockholm.

At the Busan Keystone Dialogue, representatives from the world's nine largest fish and shellfish companies, international experts and researchers in the field, will participate.

SeaBOS

The initiative SeaBOS, Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship, aims to make the world's fishing happen more sustainably.

SeaBOS is a collaboration between researchers and nine of the world's largest seafood companies. SeaBOS aims to lead a science-based global transition towards sustainable production of fish and shellfish, as well as healthy oceans.

Keystone Dialogue

Nine of the world's largest fish and shellfish companies have issued a joint statement on a ten-point action program for the sustainable management of the world's oceans, SeaBOS. Participating companies commit to improving transparency and traceability in their operations and eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in their supply chains.

The Soneva Dialogue, held in the Maldives in November 2016, was the first Keystone Dialogue meeting. Keystone Dialogues are meetings and dialogues between businesses and researchers about the state of our world's oceans.

When the Crown Princess visited Japan in April 2017, a follow-up to the Soneva Dialogue was held. Japanese fishing companies and fishing experts were invited to a more informal dialogue at the Swedish embassy in Tokyo.

Keystone Dialogue 2 was held in Stockholm in 2017; Keystone Dialogue 3 was held in Karuizawa, Japan, in 2018; Keystone Dialogue 4 was held in Phuket, Thailand, in 2019; Keystone Dialogue 5 was held in Santpoort, the Netherlands, in 2022, and Keystone Dialogue 6 was held in Busan, Republic of Korea, 2023. Virtual Keystone Dialogues took place in 2020 and 2021.

Photos: Henrik Garlöv, The Royal Court of Sweden.

[weirdestbooks]

The Living Ghost of a Long Dead Brother (Wattpad | Ao3)

This oneshot is spoken entirely in Swedish.

Sweden had never met New Sweden. Her half-brother had died over fifty years before she was born. So when her king asked her to visit America and the former site of New Sweden to celebrate its founding anniversary with them, Sweden agreed, despite her lack of emotional attachment to the area, to come.

She didn’t really know why she agreed. Maybe she wanted to see the land where her older brother would have been raised or maintain positive diplomatic relations with America. Sweden didn’t know, but she was glad she did.

It was a lovely trip, and Sweden was glad for the break from her duties as a country. Now, she was sitting by the Delaware River, smoking a cigarette and wondering what the New Sweden Colony would have looked like back when it existed.

And wondering what her older brother looked like. Her father had never commissioned any portraits of him, despite his status as a countryhuman, so Sweden had never had a face to put with the name. There were even conspiracy theories regarding the status of the colony, with some people thinking that New Sweden had never been personified despite evidence to the contrary.

“You think I’d have an easier time finding you since this is my land,” a voice suddenly said behind her. The voice was odd, his Swedish almost archaic or spoken with a very strange accent. Sweden turned to see a countryhuman behind her, a nervous grin on his face, which bore the flag she had been seeing flying around Wilmington all day.

“Delaware?” She murmured, surprised. The state shrugged.

“Yeah,” he said, before laughing slightly. “But I’m also the replacement for New Sweden if that means anything to you.”

Sweden blinked before looking at the countryhuman, now with renewed interest. Was this her half-brother? Or, more accurately, the child of her half-brother? Of course, that might not be the way he saw things. Sweden knew replacements didn’t always see it the same way, with some seeing themselves as the children of their past and others seeing themselves as a new beginning for whatever they personified.

“Replacement, huh? How do you see your past?” Sweden asked.

“I’m New Sweden, just with some amnesia and a new name,” Delaware said, “So, I do consider myself your brother.”

So, her long-dead brother was alive in the form of an American state.

She wondered if her king had known about this, and that’s why he was so insistent that she came with them to America. She would have to ask him later.

“I didn’t know the American states were personified,” Sweden stated. It wasn’t a question, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want answers.

“You know Britain and how he treats his kids?” Delaware asked. Sweden nodded, her lack of knowledge of the American states making much more sense.

“Does America fear him?” she asked. She knew most of Britain’s former colonies weren’t comfortable around him, but with everything that had happened in the past few decades, she figured America would be over that.

“Not him. What he could do to us. Dad’s overprotective like that.” Delaware said, walking to stand next to her before shooting her a small smile, “You won’t tell, will you little sister?”

Sweden snorted, “Who willingly wants to spend time with him?”

“France.”

“Well, she’s never been right in the head,” Sweden replied without missing a beat. Delaware laughed.

“I don’t think very many of us are.” He said before the conversation ended. They sat silently for a while before Sweden acknowledged the topic they were avoiding.

“Replacement? What happened?” She asked. Delaware shrugged.

“I don’t know. Don’t want to either. I know it had something to do with Britain and that New Netherlands was killed the same day, but aside from that–” Delaware made a clicking noise with his tongue, pointing at his head, “I got nothing. But that is not a New Sweden memory I want to have. I’d rather have the others.”

Sweden hummed in acknowledgment before speaking, “So you remember our father?”

“Not really. He was very neglectful. He was busy with wars in Europe and didn’t have enough time for me.” Delaware said. Sweden sighed.

“Sounds like what I’ve heard of him. Was he a bad parent, the parts you remember?” She asked. Their father had died the day she was born, and she grew up being compared to him and told of how amazing he was as a person and a country. And she grew up with the whispers, too, people saying that God was upset with Sweden, which is why he replaced the Swedish Empire with a skinny little girl.

Sweden took great pleasure in punching the particular noble where the sun didn’t shine.

But now she had someone who knew Father as a parent and could…verify the things she had been told.

“He tried. He wanted colonies, though, not kids. And I think he was convinced that we are inhuman enough to take care of ourselves from birth. He could’ve been worse. He tried more than others I’ve seen. Unfortunately, the bar for countries as parents is so low; neglectful parents are considered good parents.” Delaware said, with a sigh, “But much of my New Sweden memories are incomplete or missing. He could be better than that, but…”

“He could be worse.” Sweden said, shaking her head, “That’s better than I expected.”

“Glad I could help. Now, I know you’re here for politics and such with your monarchs, but if you are willing, I’d like to show you around Wilmington and some nearby areas…and get to know you as a sister or something. Only if you’re willing, of course. We just met, and I’m a part of another country so it would be stupid to wan—”

“Delaware,” Sweden said, cutting off the state’s worries,  “I would like that.”

Delaware looked at her, surprise in his eyes, “really?”

“Why not? It seems fun, and we don’t have to do human forms or names, just country…or country and state,” Sweden said. Delaware smiled, visibly reminding Sweden of America.

“That sounds great. Thank you, Sweden.” 

Sweden smiled back.

[mathsandwhiteroses]

Tiara Recap: First half of 2024 - the Favourites

This is the second part of my recap of the first half of 2024 and today we have the Favourites. Please let me know your favourite tiara moment/outfit as well.

5. Queen Mary (Danish New Year’s Reception)

I love this look so much! It’s suitably dramatic for a New Year’s event with the velvet and the train. The dress is plain enough to not clash with the accessories but isn’t boring and it’s a gorgeous colour. I also love that Mary has adapted the Ruby Parure Tiara so it suits her perfectly.

4. Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie (Luxembourg New Year’s Reception)

Stéphanie looks absolutely ethereal! I love the flowers and the tulle, the entire look is so coordinated. Stéphanie is also wearing the Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde’s Sapphire Tiara which is my favourite Luxembourgish tiara and is definitely in my top 3 sapphire tiaras so of course I had to include it in this post.

3. Queen Mary (State Visit from Denmark to Sweden)

I know that a lot of people prefer the first iteration of this gown but I love this version! The colour of the lace matches the rubies of the tiara and Mary’s look is a nice contrast next to Queen Silvia’s looks as both women are wearing a gown with a lace top and satin skirt. Overall, Mary has been my favourite in terms of tiara outfits over the last six months and all four of her outfits are in my top 10.

2. Queen Máxima (State Visit from Spain to the Netherlands)

Absolutely stunning! The tiara, the gown and the sash all work together in perfect harmony to make Máxima even more gorgeous than she usually is. The pleating on the bodice is fabulous, the flow of the skirts is gorgeous and the brooch is perfectly sparkly without looking too overwhelming. I love it!

1. Queen Sonja (State Visit from Denmark to Norway)

I don’t know why this is my favourite outfit from the last six months but there’s just something about it. Sonja looks like she’s glowing, the draping of the gown is phenomenal, surprisingly the orange of the dress and the green of the jewellery coordinate really well. I slightly prefer the Norwegian Emerald Tiara over the Stuart which is why Queen Sonja has narrowly beaten Queen Máxima to the title of my favourite outfit from the first six months of 2024.

[tiaramania]

Just a couple of housekeeping notes.

Tonight there will be a state banquet Bellevue Palace and I expect the dress code to be black tie and tiaras. There will also be a reception at the British Embassy on Friday that might have tiaras. In recent years Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Silvia of Sweden have worn tiaras for the return event during state visits to Germany but Queen Maxima of the Netherlands did not. I'm not sure what the dress code will be this time around because Germany seems to be going all out (the fighter jet escort was nice touch) but if I had to guess I would say that the Brits wouldn't want to do a second night of tiaras.

Then yesterday The Telegraph publish an article about the guest list for the coronation. It is not the official guest list, just guess work by the reporter of who they expect to be invited and not even very good guess work at that. The article contains several mistakes like saying that foreign royals haven't been invited to past coronations, including Tom Barker Bowles' estranged wife but not Laura Lopes' husband, and leaving out Princess Alexandra's descendants entirely. There have been a bunch of similar articles recently so I don't know why this one has gained so much traction but it's being picked up as fact on social media and even other news organizations. Many of the people on the list probably will attend the coronation but not all of them. I'm keeping a running list of confirmations here. So far Japan and Monaco have informally said who is going but we still don't have anything official. There's also a lot of articles about President Biden snubbing the royal family by refusing to attend when he was probably never going to go in the first place because historically American presidents do not attend British coronations. It has nothing to do with anybody's personal feelings about anybody else, it's just the way it is.

I don't know if the stories are getting more...intense because the coronation is getting closer or if they are always this dramatic and full of speculation but I just never paid attention to them because tiaras weren't involved. It's probably the latter. I really wish they would put out some concrete information like the dress code and guest list so that we can get to the fun part of predicting tiaras. You can find all of my posts about the coronation here.

[personalcareexpo]

Visa-free! 🎉Entry policy relaxed!�� Visa waiver added!🤝 Relax visa requirements for foreigners!😆

🐼Relaxing visa conditions for foreigners， More convenient for overseas visitors✈️ To visit exhibitions in China for business cooperation💼🥂 ! ! !

In 2023, the transit policy and visa process will be optimized, international flights will resume and increase at a faster pace, and multiple entry favorable policies will further facilitate international business exchanges. China's door to the world will open wider and wider!🐼💖🤗

01✨

Shanghai port issued a new visa-free transit reminder📣 The National Immigration Bureau issued a new visa-free transit policy in November, 23📣

At present, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is implemented at 31 ports in 23 cities in 18 provinces for people from 54 countries. Namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries, totaling 54 countries with valid international travel documents and confirmed dates and seats within a limited time. Persons from 54 countries who transit from China to a third country (region), with valid international travel documents, and connecting passenger tickets with fixed dates and seats within a limited time, may apply for transit visa exemption to the port entry inspection authorities of the cities that implement the transit visa exemption policy, and the exit border inspection authorities will handle the temporary entry formalities for them. The duration of visa-free stay starts from 00:00 on the next day of entry.

❤️[Please see the table at the bottom for details of Shanghai ports]👇👇

02✨

📢New news on visa-free policy released in November 📢China’s new visa-free policy promotes high-level opening-up

On November 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has decided to try to expand the scope of unilateral visa-free countries and implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the above countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days can enter China without a visa.

03✨

New news on convenient foreign personnel coming to China released in January📣 The National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreign nationals to come to China📣

Another good news has come recently. Starting from January 11, the National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, which mainly include:

Relax the conditions for foreigners coming to China to apply for port visas. For foreigners who urgently need to come to China to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling private affairs, and who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad, they can apply for a port visa entry to the port visa authority with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters.

For foreigners, 24-hour direct transit passengers at nine international airports including Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang are exempted from border inspection procedures.

Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location.

Foreigners in China who need to enter and exit multiple times can apply for a re-entry visa.

Simplify the application materials for visa documents for foreigners in China.

04✨

📢Starting from February 9, China and Singapore will exempt each other from visas

On January 25, representatives from the government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Republic of Singapore signed the 'Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders' in Beijing. The agreement will officially enter into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). By then, people from both sides holding ordinary passports can enter the other country without a visa to engage in tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs, and their stay shall not exceed 30 days. If you enter the other country to engage in activities that require prior approval, such as work or news reporting, or plan to stay in the other country for more than 30 days, you must obtain the corresponding visa before entering the other country.

As of January 25, China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different passport types with 157 countries, and has reached agreements or arrangements with 44 countries to simplify visa procedures. Comprehensive mutual visa exemption has been achieved with 22 countries including Singapore, Maldives and Kazakhstan. In addition, more than 60 countries and regions offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival convenience to Chinese citizens. The convenience for Chinese citizens to leave the country has been greatly improved, and the 'gold content' of Chinese passports will become increasingly valuable. (Source: CCTV News)

05✨

Starting from March 1, China and Thailand will exempt each other from visas📣

On January 28, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Royal Government of Thailand held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders. The agreement will take effect from March 1, 2024.

After the news was released, data from a travel platform showed that the search popularity of Thailand-related keywords on the platform increased by more than 7 times compared with the previous day. Among them, air tickets and hotels increased by more than 6 times compared with the previous day. (Source: CCTV News)

In addition, recently, China has stated that it will grant unilateral visa-free treatment to Sweden and Ireland. This is the second time that China has granted visa-free treatment to European countries after France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

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