The royals show their support for Ukraine
The family is united in its response to the nation under siege
The Royal Family continues to show its support for the people of Ukraine – even if Prince William suffered a case of his own “fake news” this week.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London on Wednesday, wearing blue and bringing home-made brownies. William was filmed saying, “For our generation, it’s very alien to see this happening in Europe. But we’re all right behind you. We’re thinking about you. We feel so useless.”
However, a social media storm blew up when it was mistakenly reported William had compared the Ukrainian conflict to those in Africa and Asia. Subsequent TV footage showed this was not the case and the royal correspondent who had summarised William’s speech in error, apologised, while other royal reporters traded insults.
Here at The Royal List, we think the constant need to find issues to be outraged about detracts from the real cause – in this case, providing support to the people of Ukraine. “The Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London has become one of many hubs organising donations, material aid and supporting Ukrainians living locally,” Kensington Palace said on Instagram. “The work volunteers here are doing to ensure that help gets to where it is most needed is inspiring.
“Find out more via Disasters Emergency Committee or check with your local charity about what they are most in need of.”
Meanwhile, other members of the Royal Family continued to show their support for Ukraine. Prince Charles met refugees at St Luke’s Church in London on Wednesday where he told them they could help fix Britain’s “enormous skills shortage”.
“We have enormous skill shortages in this country, where so much of what you can do could be of enormous benefit,” he said. “We are very lucky in many ways to have you and your skills and all you can bring. I keep praying for you. There are so many people wanting to help you and, as I say, I hope you feel welcome.”
Finally, the Queen held her first face to face meeting since contracting Covid, greeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Windsor Castle on Monday.
She showed her support for Ukraine during the meeting, photographed with a prominent display of blue and yellow flowers. The Canadian PM is in Britain for talks on Ukraine with Boris Johnson. Last week we reported the Queen made a “generous” private donation to help Ukrainian refugees. Later, Mr Trudeau said, “I was able to talk about the situations we are facing and draw on her long experience from having seen so much over these past decades.”
Camilla meets… Camilla
There was another meeting of royalty this week when Camilla met, well, Camilla. In a moment we’ve been longing for, Camilla came face to face with Emerald Fennell who played her in The Crown.
She was attending an International Women’s Day event at Clarence House hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall in her role as President of the Women of the World Festival.
Emerald is a multi-talented actor, writer and director, winning an Oscar for writing Promising Young Woman. “It is reassuring to know that, if I should fall off my perch at any moment, my fictional alter ego is here to take over,” Camilla told the crowd. “So, Emerald, be prepared!”
“She is such an impressive person. I was nervous I might be thrown in the Tower, but so far so good,” Emerald told The Telegraph. “She’s been in the spotlight for a long time and has always weathered it with a lot of grace and good humour.”
And Sophie meets Edna
As if The Royal List needed another reason to adore Sophie, Countess of Wessex, but here’s one that made us choke up. Sophie showed what a wonderful woman she is when she finally met her lockdown friend, Edna Farley.
Since April 2020, during the UK’s first pandemic lockdown, Sophie began speaking to Edna on the phone while volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Service Check-In and Chat - a service seeking to help combat loneliness. They obviously struck up a strong bond as Sophie stayed in regular contact with Edna, talking to her every two weeks.
Then, during a visit to Liverpool on Thursday, Sophie was able to met Edna in person for the first time and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. They were both clearly very moved by the meeting, hugging and crying tears of joy. And guess what made the day even more special? It was Edna’s 90th birthday. Sophie’s husband, Prince Edward turned 58 on the same day. Happy birthday Edna and Edward!
Heartfelt tribute to the Queen
In a sweet joint gesture to mark International Women’s Day, Princes Charles and William, along with Camilla and Catherine honoured Her Majesty and her 70 years on the throne. The royal couples teamed up on Tuesday for the Instagram tribute posting seven photos, one for each decade of her reign.
Their special IWD message read: “In this very special #PlatinumJubilee year, we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen and her historic 70 years of service on #IWD2022. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Head of State, The Queen’s extraordinary reign has been longer than any other monarch in British history - inspiring a nation and dedicating her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people.”
Sadly, it was announced on Friday she will not attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this Monday, an event very close to her heart. The decision is understood to be based on mobility issues and for her own comfort.
Although she still plans to be at Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving on March 29, one royal who will not be there is Prince Harry. His statement, also released on Friday, said: “The Duke will not be returning to the UK in late March, but hopes to visit his grandmother as soon as possible.”
Anyone for platinum tea?
It’s a Royal List favourite and now The Goring Hotel – right next to Buckingham Palace – has announced another reason to visit.
From next month, they are hosting The Jubilee Afternoon Tea – a delicious menu of cakes and sandwiches inspired by royal milestones, with a glass of Champagne. You can finish off with The Jubilee Fizz and Coronation Cup cocktails.
And if you have any room left, try the winning dessert in Fortnum & Mason’s Jubilee Platinum Pudding competition, when it is introduced on the dinner menu. Cheers!