The Royal Dispatch
The royals' diaries are filling up after the holidays
Hello Royal Clubbers, Danielle here with the latest edition of The Royal Dispatch, and you'll be pleased to see many monarchies are returning to public engagements after the holidays.
But before we delve into this week's best pictures and the upcoming diary, it's time to take a look back on this day in royal history. Princess Patricia of Connaught, the royal who gave up her HRH style for love, died on 12 January 1974 aged 88.
The princess was the youngest child of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia – making her a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
Princess Patricia was considered one of the most beautiful and eligible princesses of her generation, with rumoured suitors including the King of Spain – Alfonso XIII.
But she fell in love with a commoner, Alexander Ramsay, and relinquished her royal title when she married the royal naval officer at Westminster Abbey on 27 February 1919. It was the first royal wedding to be held at the Abbey since Richard II married Anne of Bohemia in 1382.
After her marriage, she was styled Lady Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth Ramsay and became known for her work as an accomplished artist.
Alexander and Patricia went on to have one child – Alexander Ramsay of Mar.
Patricia was laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor, alongside her husband, who died 15 months before her.
Best Royal Pictures of the Week
King Frederik and Queen Mary
The Danish royal couple hosted a number of New Year receptions earlier this week for diplomats, politicians and representatives from local organisations and royal patronages. Queen Mary wowed in two looks from her wardrobe – a dove blue lacy gown by Julie Fagerholdt and a gold brocade number from Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman.
Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine
King Frederik and Queen Mary also celebrated their twins' 14th birthday this week, with the Danish royal palace releasing never-seen-before pictures of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. The photos, showing the youngsters all dressed up, were taken after their father delivered his first New Year's Eve speech to the nation.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
The Swedish royals enjoyed perfect skiing conditions on a getaway with their children, Princess Estelle, 12, and Prince Oscar, eight. And we can't believe how tall Estelle has become!
Mike and Zara Tindall Down Under
The Tindalls are soaking up the sun on Australia's Gold Coast for the annual racing event, Magic Millions. Equestrian Zara and former rugby star Mike have been enjoying the races and dazzling at the polo.
The Princess of Wales' birthday portrait
Kensington Palace released a beautiful portrait of the Princess of Wales to celebrate her 43rd birthday on 9 January. The stunning black and white image was shot by photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer, and shows Kate posing with her hands in the pockets of her jeans. The picture was accompanied by a personal and heartfelt message from her husband, the Prince of Wales.
Paying tribute to his wife of nearly 14 years, Prince William wrote: "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W."
The Princess Royal returns to work
The assiduous Princess Royal was one of the first British royals to return to her duties after the Christmas break this week, stepping out for the Oxford Farming Conference.
The Duke of Edinburgh in the US
Prince Edward represented the British monarchy at the funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter in Washington D.C on 9 January. The Duke was seated alongside outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sitting behind him, as all five living US presidents, world leaders and diplomats paid tribute.
Princess Leonor
King Felipe and Queen Letizia's eldest daughter, 19, embarked on the next stage of her military training this week as she boarded Juan Sebastián Elcano ship, where she will spend the next five months training at sea, visiting eight different countries.
Royal Diary
As the royals return to their public duties following the holidays, here's what you have to look forward to this week.