By George, he’s got it!
How Prince George stepped up for VE Day 80, just like Princess Elizabeth before him
The Royal Family was out in force this week celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, but all eyes were on Prince George, who stepped up for the occasion. Pictured alongside his mum, dad, sister Charlotte and brother Louis, George took part in the military parade and flypast on Monday.
He then undertook his first engagement, by meeting and greeting veterans at a Buckingham Palace tea party and was snapped shaking hands, laughing and joining in the chat. Turning 12 in July, it’s clear William and Catherine are gently introducing George to his future role and giving him a chance to appear solo. And he did a fabulous job.
“Remembering all those who served during the Second World War,” the Wales’ wrote on Instagram. “A pleasure also to meet with veterans at this afternoon’s tea party. Thank you to everybody who came, and to all those members of the military who took part in today’s incredibly special parade. It has been a day to remember.”
George is following in his great-grandmother’s steps, of course, as it was during World War II, that 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth made her first solo broadcast to evacuees in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, from Windsor Castle. With Princess Margaret beside her, the future Queen said, “My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much for you, as we know from experience what it means to be away from those we love most of all.”
VE Day events have been taking place all week, including the unveiling of 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, by Camilla. The Princess Royal also delivered a message, on behalf of the King, during a visit to Guernsey to mark the 80thanniversary of its liberation. The two-day trip to the Channel Islands also saw her being the first royal to visit Little Sark.
On VE Day on Thursday, the Royal Family attended a service at Westminster Abbey and a concert, at which the King delivered a speech at 9pm, the exact same time that his grandfather, King George VI, made a radio broadcast on VE day in 1945. “Now, as then, we are united in giving utmost thanks to all those who served in the Armed Forces, the uniformed services, the Home Front, indeed all the people of this country, the Commonwealth and beyond whose firm resolve and fortitude helped destroy Nazism and carry our allied nations through to V.E. Day. That debt can never truly be repaid; but we can, and we will, remember them,” he said.
Vote for the Queen’s memorial
Five shortlisted designs for a memorial for the late Queen have been revealed by the government and the public is being asked to have their say. To be built in St James’s Park near the Palace, three of the designs feature the late Queen on a horse, one includes what’s being dubbed ‘Lilibet’s lily pad’ and another, an oak tree to represent her strength. You can see all the designs here and leave feedback. The winner will be announced this summer.
Charles & Camilla’s coronation portraits
What are your thoughts on the King and Queen’s official coronation portraits? We think they’re terrific, and especially love Camilla’s photorealist image. And, more importantly, Their Majesties looked delighted as they unveiled them at the National Gallery on the second anniversary of their coronation.
The portraits, which will form part of the Royal Collection, were painted by two different artists, personally selected by Charles and Camilla. The King was painted by Peter Kuhfeld and the Queen by Paul S. Benney.
Look for yourself, they’re on display until 5 June, before moving to their permanent home in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. You be able to see them as part of a visit during the Summer Opening of the State Rooms, from 10 July to 28 September. Tickets available here.
Kate’s new rose
The Princess of Wales has taken great solace in the restorative power of nature since her cancer diagnosis last year. Now in remission, Catherine has described feeling a “very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection” to nature. Which is why it’s perfect to see that a beautiful coral pink rose has been named after her, raising vital funds for cancer care.
Catherine’s Rose has a rich scent with hints of Turkish Delight and mango, and for every plant sold, £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden, where the Princess underwent chemotherapy treatment. Available to preorder at roses.co.uk or rhsplants.co.uk.
Happy Birthday, Zara!
She’s one of our favourite royals and this Thursday Zara’s celebrating hitting 44. We hope the equestrian has a top day planned with husband, Mike, and their three adorable kids, Mina, Lena and Lucas at their Aston Farm home, next door to her mum’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.
VE DAY 1945: the night Elizabeth & Margaret partied with the crowds
At Thursday’s VE Day 80 concert Charles read an extract from his late mother’s personal diary about how she and her 14-year-old sister famously celebrated and danced incognito among the crowds in London during the VE celebrations as a teenage princess, he said: “Out in the crowd again. Embankment, Piccadilly. Rained, so fewer people. Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2am. Bed at 3am!”
In 1985 Queen Elizabeth recounted her memories of that night for a unique BBC broadcast. Listen to it here.
“I think we went on balcony nearly every hour, six times,” said the Queen. “And then when the excitement of the floodlights being switched on got through to us, my sister and I realised that we couldn’t see what the crowds were enjoying so we asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves… We walked miles through the street. I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”
Among their group of 16 that night was Margaret Rhodes, a first cousin of the princesses. Rhodes said, “It was like a wonderful escape for the girls. It was just freedom – to be an ordinary person.” She recalled their group ended up at the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly, and, “for some reason, we decided to go in the front door of the Ritz and do the conga. The Ritz has always been so stuffy and formal - we rather electrified the stuffy individuals inside.” She added, “I don’t think people realised who was among the party – I think they thought it was just a group of drunk young people.”
Of that historic night, the late Queen said: “After crossing Green Park we stood outside and shouted, ‘We want the King’ and were successful in seeing my parents on the balcony, having cheated slightly because we sent a message into the house to say we were waiting outside. I think it was one of the most memorable nights of my life.”