Picture this: two radiant royals from across the globe, beaming with smiles as they connect over shared passions in the heart of London. It's a moment that captures the essence of international friendship and cultural exchange. But here's where it gets intriguing—these aren't just any princesses; their meeting blends heritage, art, and royal duties in ways that might surprise you. Dive in as we explore the delightful encounter between Princess Rajwa of Jordan and Princess Eugenie, niece of King Charles, during Rajwa's official European tour.
Princess Eugenie couldn't hide her excitement as she welcomed Princess Rajwa to Springfield University Hospital in Tooting, South London. Accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Hussein, Rajwa—who's just 31 and a proud mother of one—is midway through her European visit, having recently graced Paris with her presence. The 35-year-old Eugenie, along with her Jordanian counterpart, toured the hospital's art installations, which are part of a groundbreaking project by the Hospital Rooms charity. This initiative thoughtfully incorporates visual art into mental health spaces to foster healing and creativity, making environments more serene and uplifting for patients.
Guided by Niamh White, the charity's co-founder, the princesses admired the stunning displays. Eugenie later took to Instagram to rave about the space, calling it 'truly beautiful.' From there, the duo headed to the Hauser & Wirth gallery, where Eugenie serves as a director. It's a place that showcases contemporary art, and their visit highlighted a mutual appreciation for artistic expression.
Rajwa's fascination with the art world likely draws from her roots as a trained architect. She also earned an Associate of Arts degree in visual communications from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles back in 2019, equipping her with skills that blend design and storytelling. Eugenie, on the other hand, has been with Hauser & Wirth since 2015, after stints at Paddle8 auction house following her 2012 degree in English Literature and Art History from Newcastle University. As a mother of two, Eugenie had returned to Springfield University Hospital just last December to check out the newly unveiled artworks, showing her ongoing commitment to the cause.
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This heartwarming meet-up precedes Crown Prince Hussein's upcoming adventure with the Prince of Wales at RAF Benson on Wednesday. Both future monarchs share a love for aviation, having trained as helicopter pilots. William honed his skills at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley, while Hussein completed his training with the Royal Jordanian Air Force in 2019.
The bonds between British and Jordanian royals run deep and personal. For instance, the Princess of Wales, Kate, spent nearly three magical years in Jordan as a child when her dad, Michael Middleton, worked as a manager for British Airways in Amman. She even took her kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—on a memorable family trip to the historic city of Petra in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, and William and Kate were honored guests at Hussein and Rajwa's wedding, rubbing shoulders with Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
And this is the part most people miss—these connections stretch far back in history. King Abdullah II's mother, Princess Muna al-Hussein, was born in Suffolk, England, as Antoinette Avril Gardiner, and adopted her royal name after marrying Abdullah's father, the late King Hussein. Abdullah himself studied at Pembroke College, Oxford, and kicked off his military path at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst—the same prestigious institution where Princes William and Harry trained, along with Abdullah's eldest children: Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, and Princess Salma.
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But let's pause here—what do you think? Do these royal visits truly bridge cultures and strengthen global ties, or are they just glamorous photo ops that distract from real-world issues? And here's a controversial twist: in an era where some question the relevance of monarchies, could these personal connections between families like the Windsors and Hashemites influence international politics in subtle ways? I'd love to hear your thoughts—do you agree these bonds matter, or disagree? Share in the comments below!
