A bumper crop of royals has been seeing the light of day across Europe this year. On October 14, Prince Frederick of Denmark and his consort Mary were blessed with the birth of a prince. In Spain, los Principes de Asturias, Felipe de Borbon and Letizia Ortiz this week welcomed into the world la Infanta Leonor.

Both Denmark and Spain, having liberalized policy towards gays, must now do so towards their actual princesses. Still part of the constitutions in those countries is the requirement that a male heir to the throne, if available, take precedent over a female. The constitutional changes are expected to be made without resistance, and if they are not, perhaps a prince will surprise everybody by having a sex change operation.

William Alexander of Orange and his Argentine princess Maxima Zorreguieta made all Holland smile on June 26 when their second daughter Alexia was born. Belgium did not refrain from the festivities; Phillipe and Matilde presented the kingdom in question with their third son, Emmanuel. And finally, the Royal House of Norway is pleased that in December, Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit will be giving their first child, Princess Ingrid, a regal sibling. (By Scott Rose)