Monday Tidbits for April 16: Fancy Stuff Ahead (We Hope)

Looking ahead:

--The British royal family will be out in force this week as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) comes to London. This includes a dinner hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace which, while usually a black tie dinner these days, has remained a tiara event for the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall, when in attendance. This is receiving extra attention this year because this is an all-hands-on-deck event, with even Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in attendance. No way to know if everyone will be in tiaras, or what coverage will be available, but we will wait and see. Of course we'll cover what we're able to here and at the Vault. (Do note, however, that the "rule" that unmarried women can't wear tiaras is easily disproved with many examples of unmarried princesses in tiaras over the years.)

--Crown Prince Frederik turns 50 on May 26th and the Danish royal family is gearing up for several festivities in his honor. More than a week of celebrations will include a family balcony appearance and - this is where our ears perk up - a gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace, with guests from home and abroad, on the big day. They've also released two new portraits. [Photos: Steen Evald/Kongehuset]

--Did you know King Philippe is a painter? Here he is working on a portrait of his uncle, the late King Baudouin, in a picture released with thanks for all the well wishes he received on his 58th birthday on April 15th.