Charles blings out the dream team
The new-look monarchy dazzles during the State Visit
It was the first State Visit for the new monarchy and King Charles III brought out his dream team for the event. Welcoming South African president Cyril Ramaphosa to Buckingham Palace this week, the King made an emotional speech, opening with hello in different languages used in South Africa. He referenced South Africa was where his mother, the Queen made her famous 21st birthday pledge to serve.
“It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first State Visit we have hosted,” he said. He also mentioned it’s important to embrace the wrongs of the past in order to move on. “As I said to Commonwealth leaders earlier this year, we must acknowledge the wrongs which have shaped our past if we are to unlock the power of our common future.”
It was a glittering occasion, with the new royal A-list in dazzling attendance – all paying tribute to the late Queen. Camilla, Queen Consort wore the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, which belonged to the late Queen, with matching necklace and bracelet and a blue Bruce Oldfield gown.
Catherine, Princess of Wales absolutely shone in her white Jenny Packham embellished caped gown, with a bracelet belonging to the Queen and Diana’s earrings. She also wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara, commissioned for Queen Mary in 1913 and worn by Diana.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex wore a green Suzannah gown, with the Wessex Aquamarine Tiara and a necklace and earrings belonging to the Queen. All three women wore their Family Orders, given to them by the Queen, pinned to their dresses.
It was a huge event – the 170 guests tucked into a banquet of brill, Windsor pheasant and iced vanilla parfait with caramelised apples, with the long tables set with 1,000 glasses, 100 candles, and 23 flower arrangements from the palace gardens.
Three Queens, one vital purpose
A long time before Camilla became the Queen, she was a dedicated champion of combatting violence against women. It’s a subject close to her heart and on Tuesday, Camilla is raising awareness by welcoming Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Rania of Jordan to Buckingham Palace and her first major reception regarding this vital work, held during the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The three Queens will be supported by other royal women, including Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Sophie, Countess of Wessex - all renowned for campaigning on women’s issues. They will join 300 guests from activists and politicians, to survivors and representatives from Camilla’s patronages, SafeLives, Women’s Aid and Refuge.
Sophie books in to the Queen’s favourite hotel
It’s the only hotel to have a royal warrant and Sophie, Countess of Wessex is carrying on a tradition from the late Queen. The Goring Hotel, next door to Buckingham Palace, has long been used as a Palace overflow for guests. The Queen Mother used to have her favourite lunch there, Eggs Drumkilbo – a lobster, egg and sherry salad – which is still on the menu. And Catherine, Princess of Wales spent the night there, before her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
The Queen gave it a Royal Warrant in 2013 and would host her staff Christmas party there and attend the hotel’s own event, leaving with a goody bag. This weekend, Sophie is also attending a dinner, but we hope it goes better than in 2016, when during the Queen’s staff Christmas lunch, a drunk gate-crasher was booted out, hitting the headlines. For more, click here.
Paddington’s special mission
We can’t get enough Paddington here at The Royal List, so we’re happy to update you on the duffle-coated hero’s latest exploits.
On Thursday, Camilla delivered hundreds of Paddingtons to Barnardo’s. The bears, which had been left at royal gates in honour of the Queen’s passing, took part in a special teddy bear’s picnic at Barnardo’s Nursery in Bow. Naturally, it included marmalade sandwiches. Hugh Bonneville - aka Mr Brown - also turned up and read a Paddington story. Let’s just hope nobody gave him a hard stare.
Windsor decks the halls
Charles and Camilla are hosting their first Christmas as King and Queen Consort at Sandringham. Most of the Royal Family (excluding Harry and Meghan who are believed to have declined the invitation) are expected to be there. The Norfolk estate will be full of memories of the late Queen’s family Christmasses, although her last two were spent at Windsor Castle, because of Covid restrictions.
Meanwhile, Windsor’s State Rooms have been transformed for the holidays, with a 20ft tree in St George’s Hall (taken from Windsor Great Park) as the centrepiece. The decorations are on display until January 2.
We’re feeling festive too, so don’t miss next week’s newsletter, which is dedicated to our annual The Royal List Gift Guide. That’s Christmas sorted!
