Category: Appearances

October 10, 2024 – The Prince And Princess Of Wales Visit Southport

On October 10, 2024, The Princess of Wales made her first public appearance following the completion of her cancer treatment, accompanying Prince William on a visit to Southport. The community had been affected by a tragic knife attack in July, resulting in the loss of three children during a dance class.

As advocates for mental health support for emergency responders, Their Royal Highnesses met with three representatives from the North West Ambulance Service and members of the fire and police services, all of whom played crucial roles in responding to the incident. Representatives from occupational health services, who have been providing ongoing support to affected staff, were also in attendance.

While such incidents are fortunately infrequent, their emotional and psychological impact can be profound and enduring. All warmly welcomed the visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Salman Desai, Acting Chief Executive, who participated in the meeting, remarked, “The July attack has had a profound impact on our staff, particularly those who were directly involved. Over the past few months, we have provided comprehensive wellbeing support, including both in-house resources and external post-trauma care, for all team members who responded that day, regardless of their role. The visit from The Prince and Princess of Wales today was deeply appreciated as he extended his support and gratitude to the emergency services. Though this incident was incredibly challenging for our staff, our deepest sympathies remain with the families who lost loved ones and those who are still recovering.”

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2024 > October 10 | The Prince And Princess Of Wales Visit Southport

July 14, 2024 – Wimbledon – Day 14

On July 14, 2024, The Princess of Wales made a notable appearance in The Royal Box during Wimbledon, marking her second public engagement of 2024 following her cancer diagnosis and treatment announcement in March. She was accompanied by her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Matthews. Upon her arrival, the Princess received a warm standing ovation.

The Princess’s close associates, including her private secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Tom White; her assistant private secretary, Natalie Barrows; and Lee Thompson, the communications secretary at Kensington Palace, further enriched the royal presence. Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, along with their son and daughter-in-law, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, completed the royal group.

The Princess of Wales attended the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles Final, featuring Carlos Alcaraz and seven-time title-holder Novak Djokovic. As Patron of the Club since 2016, she fulfilled her royal duty by presenting Alcaraz with the winner’s trophy after the match. Following the game, the royals had the opportunity to meet and congratulate the players personally, celebrating Alcaraz’s second Wimbledon title.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2024 > July 14 | Wimbledon – Day 14

June 15, 2024 – The Princess Returns At Trooping The Colour

On June 15, 2024 The Princess of Wales made her highly anticipated return to Trooping The Colour.

This would mark The Princess of Wales’s first public appearance in six months since she shared her cancer diagnosis. The day before the event, The Princess sent a message to the world giving an update on her recovery and revealing she would attend the King’s birthday parade and hoped to join a few public engagements over the summer, “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.

My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.

I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.

I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.

Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

If your into fashion, Princess Catherine wore a white dress by Jenny Packham adorned with the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch and paired with a coordinating hat by Philip Treacy.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2024 > June 15 | Trooping The Colour

On This Day: June 06, 2014 – D-Day Commemorations

As we await updates about The Princess of Wales, I wanted to reflect on some of her past engagements. Each week, I’ll highlight a different event. This week, let’s revisit William and Catherine joining veterans to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War II.

On June 6, 2014, Their Royal Highnesses, then The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, embarked on a meaningful journey to France to commemorate the historic D-Day. This significant event marked the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, a pivotal moment in World War II history.

The royal couple’s journey began with their arrival at the Airport Caen-Carpiquet in Normandy, where they were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Arromanches and a naval attache. The sight of uniformed French and British military members lining their path added to the occasion’s solemnity.

Upon disembarking, Prince William and Catherine engaged with approximately 50 WWII veterans over tea, exchanging stories and showing their profound respect for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals. Catherine exhibited her characteristic grace and empathy, acknowledging the veterans’ experiences with heartfelt words.

Subsequently, Prince William and Catherine visited the D-Day Museum, immersing themselves in the exhibits that honored the historical significance of the Normandy landings. They then participated in a poignant commemoration ceremony, joining local veterans in singing the national anthem as a mark of solidarity and remembrance.

In a moving tribute, Prince William delivered a poignant address, recognizing the immeasurable sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. His words underscored the importance of imparting this legacy of courage to future generations, ensuring that the profound significance of these sacrifices endures through time.

Notably, Catherine’s sartorial choice was infused with elegance and symbolism, as she opted to recycle a powder blue Alexander McQueen coat dress, complemented by a black straw hat and sapphire and diamond earrings. The thoughtful selection of her ensemble echoed the dignity and respect she conveyed throughout the commemorative engagement.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2014 > June 06 | 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings

December 25, 2023: Christmas Day Service At Sandringham Church

On December 25, 2023, The Prince and Princess of Wales joined The King and Queen along with extended family at the church of St Mary Magdalene for their annual Christmas Day Service. Photos have been added in the gallery. Enjoy!

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > December 25 | Christmas Day Service At Sandringham Church

Week In Review: December 03, 2023 – December 09, 2023

The Princess of Wales had two public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On December 05, 2023, The Princess of Wales officially opened the Children’s Day Surgery Unit at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide seamless patient care, and it helps the hospital treat an additional 2,300 children annually. The space-themed unit features two operating theaters and was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, patients, and their families. Young patients like Ella Moth and Chloe Morley were also involved in the opening ceremony, with Chloe being the first to receive treatment there. The Princess of Wales also participated in an arts and crafts session with children and young people treated at the unit.

Later in the evening, The Prince and Princess of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for The Diplomatic Reception. The Diplomatic Reception, which takes place annually, sees The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family welcome over 500 members of the Diplomatic Corps in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The invitation list is coordinated by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and invitations are sent to all the ambassadors and high commissioners at the foreign missions in London, as well as past Prime Ministers, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and other public figures.

On December 08, 2023, individuals were nominated in recognition of their outstanding work in caring for children, young people and families. The service was attended by inspiring individuals and families from all corners of the UK, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers, community volunteers, and members of The Royal Family. The evening was filled with beautiful carols, musical performances, and poignant readings, making it an extraordinary and festive occasion. The service airs on Christmas Eve as part of a special program on ITV1 and ITVX.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > December 05 | Evelina London’s New Children’s Day Surgery Unit
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > December 05 | King Charles III Host Diplomatic Reception
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > December 08 | “Together At Christmas” Carol Service

Week In Review: November 26, 2023 – December 02, 2023

The Princess of Wales had two public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On November 30, 2023, The Prince and Princess of Wales held an Audience With The Crown Princess Of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel of Sweden at Windsor Castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Sweden and Norway back in 2018, you can view photos from their visit in our gallery, here.

It was a wonderful evening at the Royal Albert Hall with the Prince and Princess, as well as Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, as they attended The Royal Variety Performance, which is held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides much-needed assistance to entertainers in the UK who may be struggling due to old age, ill-health, or challenging circumstances.

It is fascinating to learn that The Royal Variety Charity has had Royal Patronage since 1921. His Majesty King George V became the first Patron of the Variety Aristes’ Benevolent Fund, which later became the Royal Variety Charity. The King also made the Royal Variety Performance an annual event, and Her Majesty Queen Mary later joined him as joint Patron of the charity.

The Royal Family’s love and support for the entertainment industry and its associated charity is evident through their annual attendance at the Royal Variety Performance. Entertainers play a crucial role in lifting the nation’s mood, and the Royal family understands the passion that drives those working in the profession.

The Royal Variety Charity enjoyed dual patronage from the King and Queen in the past and is now honored to have had Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as its longest-serving Patron for 70 years, between 1952 and 2022. It’s believed that the Royal Variety Charity is the only charity in the UK with such a long, unbroken line of patronage from the reigning monarch, a testament to the charity’s importance and the Royal family’s commitment to it.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 30 | Audience With The Crown Princess Of Sweden
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 30 | The Royal Variety Performance

Week In Review: November 19, 2023 – November 25, 2023

The Princess of Wales had three public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On November 21, 2023, The Princess of Wales stunned during the State Visit Of The South Korean President. The Prince and Princess of Wales started out their day by greeting the President of the Republic of Korea,Yoon Suk Yeol and the First Lady, at their hotel, on behalf of The King. Their Royal Highnesses then travelled with The President and the First Lady to Horse Guards Parade, where The President and the First Lady will received a Ceremonial Welcome. The pomp and circumstance included a royal salute and the Republic of Korea’s national anthem was played, The President, accompanied His Majesty, inspected the guard of honour, by F Company Scots Guards. From there, the President and First Lady joined senior royals in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they were met by a second guard of honour by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. Prince William serves as Royal Colonel of the Welsh Guards. The Prince and Princess joined the King and Queen for a private luncheon at Buckingham Palace where the President and First Lady were shown pieces from the Royal Collection with connections to the Republic of Korea.

Continuing with the festivities on the evening of November 21, 2023, The Princess of Wales attended a State Banquet for the South Korean President, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, and his wife, Mrs Kim Keon Hee. The Princess debuted a new tiara, the Strathmore Rose tiara, which Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the Queen Mother, previously owned. The tiara, a gift from Lord Strathmore to his daughter for her wedding in 1923, features a garland of roses mounted in silver and gold. The Princess also wore a custom Jenny Packham gown.

On November 24, 2023, The Princess of Wales visited Sebby’s Corner in Barnet to kickstart an initiative from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The initiative aims to support families with young children in the run-up to Christmas. During her visit, The Princess learned about the crucial work baby banks do across the UK to get essential items to families in need. Baby banks provide a vital lifeline for families in all sorts of challenging circumstances, including those facing financial pressures. The Princess also met a mother who received support from the charity and the referral partner who made the referral. Families get referred by an extensive network of referral partners, which includes professionals such as midwives, health visitors, and teachers. Her Royal Highness joined volunteers and Shaping Us champion Giovanna Fletcher in putting the final touches to Sebby’s annual Christmas Grotto. The grotto provides a space where struggling families can choose gifts for their children. Finally, The Princess joined a conversation with representatives from Baby Banks across the UK to discuss the increasing demand for their services. The Centre for Early Childhood is encouraging members of the public to donate funds, products, and pre-loved items or to volunteer their time to support their local baby banks throughout December.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 21 | State Visit Of The South Korean President
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 21 | State Banquet For The South Korean President
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 24 | The Princess Of Wales Visits Sebby’s Corner

Week In Review: November 12, 2023 – November 18, 2023

The Princess of Wales had three public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On November 12, 2023, The Princess of Wales participated in the annual National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, to remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives in times of war. The presence of senior members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and Prince William, adds to the occasion’s solemnity. The two-minute silence observed at 11 am is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers. It’s also lovely to note that the Princess of Wales wore a pin of the Fleet Air Arm, of which she was appointed Commodore-in-Chief by King Charles III.

On November 14, 2023, The Princess of Wales attended the Shaping Us National Symposium Reception at the Design Museum in London. The event brought together leaders from different disciplines, child and adult specialists, and global thinkers. The Princess also practiced her cues and speech ahead of the event.

On November 15, 2023, The Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood take the initiative to host The Shaping Us National Symposium at The Design Museum in London. The symposium brought together leaders from different disciplines, child and adult specialists, and global thinkers to discuss how we grow, think, and behave throughout life and build resilience for the future. The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood conducted a global listening exercise with experts from 21 countries to agree on key foundational skills that we lay in early childhood but continue to grow beyond to help establish happy, healthy adult lives. These social and emotional skills significantly impact our future mental and physical well-being – shaping everything from our ability to form positive relationships to our capacity for learning, working, and coping with adversity. The Symposium shared the findings from this exercise and focused on the action needed to make social and emotional skills a greater priority. The event featured keynote speeches from The Princess of Wales and Fearne Cotton and talks from thought leaders like Professor Jack Shonkoff, Sara Rajeswaran, and Professor Robert Waldinger. In the afternoon, Symposium attendees joined a series of workshops to examine what action can be taken at every level to protect and strengthen these skills for current and future generations across disciplines and sectors. The Centre’s Shaping Us campaign aims to increase awareness and action on the unique importance of early childhood in shaping our future mental and physical well-being as adults and the wider society we build.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 12 | Service Of Remembrance
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 14 | ‘Shaping Us’ National Symposium Reception
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 15 | ‘Shaping Us’ National Symposium

Week In Review: November 05, 2023 – November 11, 2023

The Princess of Wales had two public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On November 08, 2023, The Princess of Wales visited the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) as their new Colonel-in-Chief. It was her first visit to the regiment since receiving the honorary title from His Majesty The King in August of 2023. The visit occurred at Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, where The Princess was allowed to drive a Jackal reconnaissance vehicle. This vehicle is the regiment’s primary vehicle for patrolling enemy terrain for hundreds of kilometers before conducting reconnaissance on foot. Catherine was also shown the reconnaissance drones used by the regiment to provide intelligence from deep into enemy territory.

The Princess of Wales also met soldiers and their families during her visit. She presented six Long Service and Good Conduct medals to soldiers who have served for 15 years with exemplary conduct. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kierstead, briefed her on the regiment’s forthcoming training and operational commitments.

The day ended with a special promotion ceremony where the Regimental Mascot, Lance Corporal Emrys Forlan Jones, was presented with his Corporal stripes by Her Royal Highness. This was in recognition of the Welsh mountain pony’s performance on parade at numerous events across the UK.

On November 11, 2023, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the British Legion’s traditional televised service at London’s Royal Albert Hall alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior members of the Royal Family. The Festival is an annual event organized by the Royal British Legion to commemorate all those who lost their lives in conflicts. This year’s Festival marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, serving as an opportunity for the nation to express gratitude to those who served and sacrificed their lives. The Festival also paid tribute to the Windrush generation and their contributions to the military on the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival. During the event, sculptures of King Charles’ late parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, were unveiled, which left him emotional—the night featured performances by Mica Paris, Calum Scott, Colin Thackery, Alfie Boe, Katie Melua, Sigma and Morgan, and Malaki.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 01 | The Princess of Wales Joins ‘Dadvengers’
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 11 | Festival Of Remembrance

Week In Review: October 29, 2023 – November 04, 2023

The Princess of Wales had two public engagements this week. They are highlighted below.

On November 01, 2023, The Princess of Wales joined a meeting of ‘Dadvengers,’ a community for Dads and their children in Arnos Grove, London, to highlight the important role that Dads play in their children’s earliest years. Her Royal Highness joined the Arnos Grove Dadvengers group at the Arnos Arms where she met a group of dads and spoke to them about the important role they play in a child’s development, and then joined the group on a ‘Dad Walk’ to the local park and heard about the support they give to one another through the Dadvengers network, helping them to look after their own well-being as well as supporting their families.

On November 02, 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay had a series of engagements in Scotland, where they met with organizations that support rural communities and work with young people to improve their mental health through better access to the outdoors and practical learning opportunities. Their first stop was at Burghead Primary School, where they visited Outfit Moray. The charity is aimed at making a positive impact on the lives of young people aged between eight and eighteen who are vulnerable or disadvantaged by actively promoting their potential through accessible and affordable outdoor learning and adventure activities. Outfit Moray runs a wide range of activities that aim to build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, including mountain biking, paddle sports, and rock climbing, among others. The Duke and Duchess spent time with the team, learning about the outdoor activities and even participated in a mountain bike session.

The second engagement of the couple was at Brodieshill Farm, where they learned about efforts being made to support the mental health and well-being of young people. The farm is family-run and is home to the Lower Speyside Young Farmers and Farmstrong Scotland, both of which promote positive mental well-being in rural communities across Scotland and support local farmers. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess met families who attend regular sessions at the farm’s dedicated play area designed for children to explore and learn. The indoor and outdoor space is utilized by families and those based at the nearby RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth, where parents can regularly reconnect with their children.

The Duke and Duchess also went to DAY1, a charity based in the Highlands that provides mentoring, training, personal development, and employability services to vulnerable young people. The charity aims to equip the youth with the social and emotional skills needed to succeed through its mentoring and personal development programs. DAY1 owns Inverness Kart Raceway, which serves as the location for its apprenticeship scheme in Automotive Skills. The royal couple toured the site and met with young people involved in some programs. They also visited two automotive workshops where young people were being taught mechanical skills and watched a group of young people take part in a race on the track.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 01 | The Princess of Wales Joins ‘Dadvengers’
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > November 02 | The Duke And Duchess Of Rothesay Visit Scotland

Week In Review: October 15, 2023 – October 21, 2023

The Princess of Wales had one public engagements this week. It’s highlighted below.

On October 15, 2023, The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union attended the England vs Fiji match at the Stade de Marseille. England beat Fiji 30-24 at Stade de Marseille to secure their spot in a Rugby World Cup semi-final, where they will play the winner of France v South Africa. Prior to and during the match Catherine could be seen laughing with Rob Bryers, President of the RFU and Sir Bill Beaumont CBE, Chairperson of World Rugby. After the winning game, The Princess of Wales congratulated the England team on their victory in the changing room.

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > October 15 | Rugby World Cup – England v Fiji