Category: Annual Royal Events

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: July 09, 2023 – July 15, 2023

This week the Princess of Wales had two public engagements. They are highlighted below.

On July 14, 2023, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) with their three children at RAF Fairford. Prince William served with the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force for over three years, based at RAF Valley in Anglesey. He is currently the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby. Princess Catherine also holds an honorary position as Air Commodore of the Air Cadets. In 2015, Catherine took over as Patron of The Air Cadet Organization from The Duke of Edinburgh, marking her first royal role with an official link to the armed forces.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s largest military air show. The event benefits The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which supports the air force and engages young people in aviation. During the visit, the Princess met with cadets in the Techno Zone, which aims to inspire young people to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math and consider careers in engineering, aviation, and aerospace. She also met with the winners of the Road to RIAT competition, which challenged students from 300 schools across the U.K. to design a sustainable aircraft for the future of the RAF.

The family also toured the C-17 Globemaster III, the aircraft that flew Queen Elizabeth’s body back to London following her death in Scotland in September 2022.

On July 15, 2023, The Princess of Wales attended Wimbledon for the Women’s Singles Final, where Czech Marketa Vondrousova took on Tunisian Ons Jabeur. Before taking her seat in the Royal Box, Catherine met with individuals who had various roles throughout Wimbledon. The princess also met representatives from the British Army, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police. Following the match, she presented the trophy to Markéta Vondroušová. Catherine also met with Ons Jabeur, and a sweet moment occurred when they shared a hug. Jabeur talked about the moment during her press conference. “She didn’t know if she wants to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me. That was a very nice moment and she’s always nice to me.”

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > JJuly 14 | The Wales Family Visits Air Tattoo At RAF Fairford
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > July 15 | Wimbledon – Day 13

Week In Review: July 02, 2023 – July 08, 2023

This week the Princess of Wales had three public engagements. They are highlighted below.

On July 04, 2023, the Princess of Wales attended Day 2 of Wimbledon. It was a joyous occasion as Catherine has been the Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2016. As soon as she arrived, she immediately spoke with the ball boys, girls, and volunteers, showing her appreciation for their hard work. Catherine then visited Court 18 to watch Katie Boulter take on Australia’s Daria Saville. Afterward, Catherine moved to the Royal Box, where she was joined by the recently retired tennis great Roger Federer and his wife to watch Elena Rybakina take on Shelby Rogers. Lastly, Catherine enjoyed watching Andy Murray and Ryan Peniston play. It was truly an unforgettable day for all the tennis fans in attendance.

On July 04, 2023, some amazing photos were released to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS staff and patients from across the UK with a very special NHS Big Tea party. They even arrived early to help lay the tables and put the finishing touches on a beautiful birthday cake. The event actually took place in May, and it was truly wonderful. It’s heartwarming to see how much care and support the royal couple has for the NHS. They have been Patrons of the NHS since 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the event, The Prince and Princess had the chance to meet with guests, discuss current challenges, and personally thank staff for the amazing work they continue to do. It’s fantastic to see such a powerful and influential couple showing their support for the NHS and recognizing the invaluable contributions of the staff. You can view our page highlighting Catherine’s work with the charity here.

On July 05, 2023, The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, joined The King and Queen in Scotland for the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication To The Coronation Of King Charles III And Queen Camilla at St Giles’ Cathedral. It was a grand event filled with pomp and circumstance, including gun salutes, processions, and a flypast by the Red Arrows. King Charles was presented with the Honours of Scotland, considered the Scottish Crown Jewels: the Crown, the Sceptre, and the new Elizabeth Sword.

On July 06, 2023, The Princess of Wales was in attendance to cheer on Prince William during the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup. The event supported eleven of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s charities, including SHOUT, Wales Air Ambulance, Centrepoint, The Passage, Mountain Rescue England & Wales, Foundling Museum, Forward Trust, East Anglia Children’s Hospices, Baby Basics, Little Village, and AberNecessities. It was reported that over £1 million was raised for the charities. The competition was fierce, but Prince William’s team ultimately emerged victorious, and The Princess was there to present the trophies. It was truly a remarkable day for a great cause!

IN OTHER NEWS:

01. Catherine’s brother James and his wife Alizée are expecting their first child at the end of this year. They shared the news on Instagram, James Middleton wrote: “It was a very difficult start to the year after losing my beloved Ella however we will end the year with the most precious little addition to our growing family.” Congratulations!

GALLERY LINKS:

– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > July 04 | Wimbledon – Day 2
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > July 05 | NHS Big Tea Party
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > July 05 | National Service Of Thanksgiving And Dedication
– Engagements & Tour Photos > 2023 > July 06 | Royal Charity Polo Cup

December 25 – Christmas Day Church Service At Sandringham

On December 25, 2019 The Cambridge Family joined Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family for Christmas Day Church Service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

This year Prince George and Princess Charlotte were with The Duke and Duchess as they made the walk to and from the church.

The Royal Children were definitely the center of attention and handled themselves perfectly.

GALLERY LINK

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > December 25 | Christmas Day Church Service At Sandringham

December 18 – Queens’s Christmas Lunch At Buckingham Palace

On December 18, 2019 The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted driving Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to the Queens’s Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Prince George arrived before The Duchess of Cambridge to attend an engagement with The Queen and Prince Charles. The Royal trio made Christmas puddings for the Royal British Legions’ Together at Christmas initiative.

Photos were later released from the private event as well as an official portrait of The Queen with her heirs to mark the start of a new decade. The photo was taken by Ranald Mackechnie in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > December 18 | Queens’s Christmas Lunch At Buckingham Palace

December 11 – Annual Diplomatic Reception

On December 11, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended The Annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.

The reception is attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps based in London, which supports the work of the Royal Family in representing the United Kingdom at home and abroad. This includes hosting State Visits and The Queen’s regular audiences with Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

Her Majesty was joined by Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in welcoming the world’s ambassadors to Buckingham Palace.

This was a white tie event so The Duchess was wearing a tiara and her royal orders.

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > December 11 | Annual Diplomatic Reception

November 18 – The Royal Variety Performance

On November 18, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended The Royal Variety Performance.

The Royal Variety Performance takes place every year and is held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity. The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who are in need of help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times. In particular, the charity assists former members of the entertainment industry living in Brinsworth House, a residential home in Twickenham, which is owned and run by the charity.

Hosted by Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, the evening included performances from the cast of Mary Poppins, Lewis Capaldi, Mabel, Robbie Williams, the cast of Come From Away, and a special collaboration by Emeli Sandé and Manchester’s Bee Vocal choir.

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > November 18 | The Royal Variety Performance

November 10 – Remembrance Sunday

On November 10, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen, The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, other members of the Royal Family, faith leaders, political leaders, veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces at Cenotaph on Whitehall to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict.

Remembrance Sunday is held in the United Kingdom as a day “to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts”.[1] It is held at 11am on the second Sunday in November (the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War in 1918).

During the event The Duchess of Cambridge joined Her Majesty and the Duchess of Cornwall on the balcony of the Foreign Office in Whitehall.

Prince Charles, William, Harry, The Duke of York and other dignitaries laid wreaths of remembrance poppies on the memorials.

Following the Remembrance Day Service, more than 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph to remember the fallen.

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > November 10 | Remembrance Sunday

November 09 – Festival of Remembrance

On November 09, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The event brings together military and civilian performers, veterans, servicemen and women and those wishing to pay their respects to members of the Armed Forces who have died in service of their country.

This year’s Festival of Remembrance marked the 75th anniversaries of the great battles of 1944 and the collaboration and friendship of the British, Commonwealth and Allied armies who fought them.

GALLERY LINK
Engagements & Tour Photos > 2019 > November 09 | Festival of Remembrance