Windsors in North America

Prince Harry, in New York (where he threw the first pitch at a baseball game) to promote closer links between American and British military charities, expressed his desire to return to Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, his grandparents the Queen and Prince Philip have arrived in Canada for a nine-day tour, after which HM will address the United Nations in New York. It's "very good to be home," the Queen told her cheering Canadian subjects in Nova Scotia. For continuing coverage of the royal visit and in-depth information on the Canadian monarchy, see the website of the Monarchist League of Canada and its Dominion Chairman's Blog. Videos are available at the 2010RoyalTour YouTube channel.

Charles vs the Modernists

With the row over the Prince of Wales's intervention in architectural matters reignited, Norman Tebbit and Gerald Warner defend HRH from the apologists for unrestrained ugliness who can't stand a single defeat.

Royal Family a Bargain

For all the sniping at its finances, the monarchy is a bargain for Britain, writes Gerald Warner.

Prince of Monaco engaged

Over the years Monegasques might have been forgiven for wondering if their Prince (who has two illegitimate children) would ever marry, but their doubts have finally been laid to rest with the announcement of the engagement of HSH Prince Albert II, 52, to former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, 32. I wish them a happy and fruitful marriage and hope that the future princess in giving Monaco its first consort since 1982 will prove a worthy successor to Albert's beloved mother Grace. Mad for Monaco has more.

Victoria & Daniel

Today Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden married trainer Daniel Westling (now HRH Prince Daniel) in Stockholm, in what has been called the biggest royal wedding since that of Britain's Charles and Diana in 1981. (BBC pictures) RadicalRoyalist reflects on some of the benefits of such royal occasions here, and Hello! and The Local have extensive coverage in English. I wish the couple all possible happiness and success in guiding the Swedish monarchy through the 21st century.

Trooping the Colour 2010

In one of the spectacles that makes the British monarchy admired throughout the world for its pageantry, Britain celebrated the Queen's official birthday with magnificent pageantry in London on June 12. I am not the American tourist quoted in the Telegraph article, but I certainly share the sentiment.

A Greek salutes his King

(I'm currently in HM's Dominion of Canada attending the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute in Toronto, so don't have a lot of time for blogging, but wanted to link to this article.)

Earlier this month exiled HM Constantine II, King of the Hellenes (1964-74), celebrated his 70th birthday with a grand party attended by many distinguished guests including HM Queen Elizabeth II. One of the other guests was the controversial right-wing Greek journalist Taki, who despite youthful republicanism and occasional irreverence towards other royalty has always spoken respectfully of his king, who he defends in "The Crown Knows Best."

Remembering Grand Duchess Leonida

The last member of the Russian Imperial Family who was born before the Revolution, Grand Duchess Leonida (1914-2010), has been laid to rest in St. Petersburg. Russia Today has excellent video and commentary in English. Also see videos in Russian here and here.

(I thank Monarchy Forum member Seth for these links.)