A statement from Buckingham Palace regarding The Duke of York:
Duke of York Stripped of Military Titles and Royal Patronages
PORTRAITS TO MARK THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE’S 40TH BIRTHDAY
PORTRAITS TO MARK THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE’S 40TH BIRTHDAY
Kensington Palace has released three new photographic portraits of the Duchess of Cambridge, ahead of Her Royal Highness’ 40th birthday tomorrow.
Taken at Kew Gardens in November 2021 by photographer Paolo Roversi, the portraits will enter the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, of which the Duchess is patron.
Ahead of the gallery’s re-opening in 2023, the photographs will feature as part of its ‘Coming Home’ project, a nationwide initiative which sees portraits of well-known individuals being sent to locations which they are closely associated with. The project has enabled works from the National Portrait Gallery’s national collection to travel to towns and cities across the UK, providing communities with the opportunity to see famous works locally.
The new images of the Duchess will be displayed over the course of 2022 in three places which have a special meaning to Her Royal Highness: Berkshire, St Andrews and Anglesey. Details on where and when each portrait will be shown as part of the ‘Coming Home’ project will be announced by the National Portrait Gallery in due course.
Duchess of Cambridge Celebrates 40th Birthday
Duchess of Cambridge Celebrates 40th Birthday
9th January 2022
- Catherine was born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on the 9th January 1982.
- Her full name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton.
- Catherine’s parents are Michael and Carole Middleton. Her father was a pilot and her mother worked as an airline stewardess.
- The Duchess is the eldest of three children. Her siblings are Pippa and James.
- Catherine was christened at the parish church of St. Andrew’s Bradfield in Berkshire on 20 June 1982.
- In May 1984, at the age of two, The Duchess moved with her family to Amman in Jordan, where her father worked for two and a half years.
- The Duchess went on to Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she studied Chemistry, Biology and Art at A-level.
- During her school years, Catherine played tennis, hockey and netball and participated in athletics, particularly high jump.
- The Duchess took a gap year following college, studying at the British Institute in Florence, undertaking a Raleigh International programme in Chile, and crewing on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent.
- In 2001, The Duchess enrolled at the University of St. Andrews, from where she graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in History of Art.
- Prince William and Catherine lived in the same dormitory at University. They also shared several classes which eventually led to them becoming friends.
- Catherine is almost six months older than Prince William. His birthday is in June.
- In 2002, the couple started dating although they did not go public with their relationship.
- Catherine worked as a part-time buyer for the clothing company Jigsaw Junior.
- Catherine is 5 feet and 9 inches tall and has the U.S. shoe size of 8.5.
- In 2007 media sources reported that Prince William and Catherine had split up.
- In 2010, Prince William and Catherine got back together in Kenya where they also were engaged.
- Catherine’s engagement ring is the same ring that the late Princess Diana had chosen from a catalogue in 1981 for her own engagement. It was made by Garrard & Co. who were the crown jewellers at the time and boasts a 12-carat sapphire stone surrounded by 14 diamonds set in white gold.
- Following their engagement, they attended their first official event, the launch of the new RNLI lifeboat “Hereford Endeavour” at Trearddur Bay, Wales.
- On her wedding day in 2011, she wore Queen Elizabeth II’s tiara. The jewelled crown is called the Halo Scroll Tiara and was made by Cartier in 1936.
- On marrying into the Royal Family, Catherine gained the title of Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn when in Scotland, and Lady Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.
- The Middleton family crest features acorns and oak leaves, and Catherine wore diamond earrings with dangling acorns on her wedding day – a gift from her parents.
- One of the most unique gifts the royal couple received on their wedding day was a tandem bike. The bike was a gift from London Mayor Boris Johnson.
- Announced in January 2012, Catherine’s first patronages were East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, the National Portrait Gallery, The Art Room, and Action on Addiction.
- The first time she agreed to do a magazine shoot was in June 2016. She appeared in a 10-page spread in Vogue’s centenary issue.
- The Cambridges’ have three children together. Their first, Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born on July 22, 2013.
- Two years later, on May 2, 2015, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born. Then on April 23, 2018, the couple’s third child, Prince Louis Arthur Charles.
- The Duchess enjoys testing out Mary Berry recipes. During an event in 2013, she told Mary Berry: “I’m a big fan of your cook books and your cakes.”
- Catherine’s favourite TV shows include “Downton Abbey,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Homeland.”
- In 2012, reality TV star Kim Kardashian released a limited edition shoe, named “The Duchess.” Kardashian claimed the shoe was designed for the Duchess’ 30th birthday.
- The Duchess loves the arts and became the first Royal Patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2018. She has also been a patron of the National Portrait Gallery since 2012.
- A keen photographer, The Duchess often takes the photos of her children released by the palace, and she serves as patron of the Royal Photographic Society.
- Richard Ward, a London hairdresser, is responsible for her signature locks.
- Catherine wasn’t officially introduced to the Queen for five years and first met Her Majesty at the wedding of Peter and Autumn Phillips.
- The Duchess is one of the only Royals to have never been seen on horseback. This is because she never learned to ride growing up and more importantly, she is allergic to horses.
- Catherine’s old school nickname was “Squeak,” as inspired by the school guinea pig. “There was one called Pip and one called Squeak, so my sister was called Pip and I was Squeak.”
- The Duchess was a member of her local Brownie troop as a girl and today works as a volunteer with The Scout Association.
- Catherine’s brother, James, breeds cocker spaniels and gave her and Prince William a dog called Lupo as a wedding gift. Sadly, Lupo passed away in 2020.
- The Duchess is a big fan of tennis and patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, which hosts the Wimbledon championships.
- The Duchess can play the piano. At a 2021 Christmas Eve concert HRH played the piano accompaniment in a performance at Westminster Abbey, alongside singer Tom Walker.
Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness!
Prince Harry and Meghan Release Happy Holidays Card
Prince Harry and Meghan Release Happy Holidays Card
Thursday 23rd December 2021
This afternoon The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a personal holiday card featuring a new photo taken by Alex Lubomirski.
The image features Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet at their home in Santa Barbara, California and is the first publicly-released image of Lilibet.
Alongside the card, the couple have made donations to a number of organisations ‘working tirelessly to uplift families around the world’.
The card is titled ‘Happy Holidays’ with the message reading as follows…
This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.
Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family.
As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your
behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families –
from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American
families in need of paid parental leave:
Team Rubicon
Welcome.us
Human First Coalition
Humanity Crew
&
Paid Leave For All
PL+US
Marshall Plan For Moms
Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous
New Year, from our family to yours!
As ever,
Harry, Meghan,
Archie & Lili
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas – The Duchess of Cambridge’s Introduction
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas – The Duchess of Cambridge’s Introduction
I’m so excited to be hosting Together at Christmas here at Westminster Abbey, a place that’s really special to William and me.
We wanted to say a huge thank you to all those amazing people out there who have supported their communities. We also wanted to recognise those whose struggles perhaps have been less visible too.
We’ve been through such a bleak time. We’ve seen so many challenges. We’ve lost our loved ones. We’ve seen frontline workers under immense pressure. And we’ve also been more emotionally and socially distanced and isolated from each other.
But I suppose through that separation, we’ve also realised how much we need each other and how acts of kindness and love can really bring us comfort and relief in times of distress.
In the congregation tonight we’ve got many inspirational individuals. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for all they’ve done in bringing people together and supporting their communities.
Tonight, we’re going to hear so many wonderful carols. Music was so important for me during the pandemic as I think it was to so many people, too. But above all it’s about celebrating the goodwill, the acts of kindness, love, empathy, and compassion to help people come through these difficult times.
I hope everyone can enjoy this evening with their family and friends. And I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The Prince of Wales Will Carry Out Engagements in Wales
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL CARRY OUT ENGAGEMENTS IN WALES
Friday 10th December 2021
Engagement 1
The Prince of Wales will officially open Aberystwyth University’s new School of Veterinary Science. Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3FD
On arrival, The Prince of Wales will be met by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards, the University’s Chancellor, Lord Thomas of Cwmgïedd, and Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure, along with other local dignitaries.
The Prince will tour the new Veterinary Education Centre on the University’s Penglais campus and speak to the first cohort of students who began their studies in September this year.
After touring the centre, His Royal Highness will sign the same visitors’ book that he signed back in 1969 while studying at Aberystwyth University, and then unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the School.
Established in 1872, Aberystwyth is a leading teaching and research university.
The new Veterinary Education Centre has opened as part of Wales’ first and only School of Veterinary Science. The centre represents more than £2 million of investment in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus, which includes brand new anatomy and study facilities. The facilities were funded from a combination of alumni donations and the University’s own funds.
The first students began their five-year degree in September this year. They will spend the first two years at Aberystwyth University followed by three years’ study at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire.
The programme covers the full range of animals, from domestic pets to farm animals, in common with all other veterinary programmes. The course also provides opportunities for students to study specific areas of veterinary science through the medium of Welsh, which is partly funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
The new School builds on over 100 years of animal health teaching and research at Aberystwyth University, and more recently, the successful introduction of a BSc Veterinary Biosciences degree in September 2015.
As well as the new Veterinary School facilities on the University’s Penglais campus, the students also study in the excellent existing laboratory facilities enjoyed by students at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences and gain valuable experience on its dairy and sheep farms, and at the Lluest Equine Centre.
Engagement 2
The Prince of Wales will open the new Exhibition of the Strata Florida Trust. Mynachlog Fawr, Abbey Rd, Ystrad Fflur, Ystrad Meurig, SY25 6ES
The Prince of Wales will be received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards who will present council members, Mr Andrew Green, Chairman of the Strata Florida Trust and Miss Carys Aldous-Hughes, Operational Director of the Strata Florida Trust.
The Prince of Wales will visit the converted outbuildings including the Arddangosfa Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition and Beudy, before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the Official Opening of the Exhibition.
Trustees, donors, tradesmen, volunteers and staff will attend the opening.
The Prince of Wales last visited the site in 2017.
The Strata Florida Trust has been active, with the help of The Prince’s Foundation and the World Monument Fund, in acquiring the medieval farmhouse adjacent to the Abbey ruins and in renovating its outbuildings.
The Strata Florida Trust is a charity with two aims: to preserve the historical and architectural heritage of Mynachlog Fawr and its farm buildings, and to advance the education of the public about Strata Florida and its landscape and heritage. The Trust aims to do this by restoring all of the buildings to create The Strata Florida Centre, a place to celebrate Welsh history, culture and landscape.
Today Strata Florida is made up of a variety of different elements: prehistoric cairns, wells and forts, the Cistercian abbey ruins; the early 19th century St Mary’s church, built on the site of original abbey chapel, and the nearby farm of Mynachlog Fawr.
Strata Florida Abbey, now in the guardianship of Cadw, was once an important centre of culture, religion and trade, with connections spreading far across the Welsh landscape. Two of the most important surviving Welsh manuscripts, Brut y Tywysogion and the Hendregadredd Manuscript, were probably written at Strata Florida. Dafydd ap Gwilym, Wales’s most famous medieval poet, is reputedly buried here, as are several medieval Princes of Wales.
So far, the Trust has restored two of its listed buildings, the Beudy in 2019 for use as the Trust offices and community space, and the Tŷ Pair and cartshed in 2021 to create the Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition. In the coming years the Trust aims to convert and restore all the other buildings.
The Trust’s exhibition, which is being opened, tells the story of the farm through the ‘Mynachlog Fawr in 30 objects’ exhibition. Featuring a variety of objects and documents from the farmhouse and farm buildings, it provides the opportunity for visitors of all ages to discover and engage with the social and agricultural history of the house and local area. In addition, the exhibition contains a Virtual Histories interactive and educational experience that allows users to travel back to see a day in the life of Mynachlog Fawr Farm in the 1940s and the abbey in 1238. The building is also a place for visitors to relax and enjoy the historic building, with chairs next to the magnificent fireplace, a coffee machine, and a selection of second hand and local history books available to read.
The Strata Florida Trust currently runs a variety of community events and workshops, including a community textile project created collaboratively by local people during the pandemic and co-ordinated by artist Catrin Williams into a banner depicting life in the area 100 years ago, which is now displayed in the exhibition. The Trust also runs both university training digs and a public dig open to all.
Engagement 3
The Prince of Wales will visit Hafod Hardware store to celebrate independent businesses and show support for the local high street. East St, Rhayader, LD6 5DS
The Prince of Wales will be received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys Tia Jones and introduced to store manager, Tom Jones.
His Royal Highness will look around the store and meet staff of the independent, family-run business, including Tom’s grandparents Alan and Pauline Lewis, Tom’s wife, Laura Jones and his 4-year-old son, Arthur Jones – star of the shop’s viral advert (2019.)
Hafod Hardware is one of the oldest businesses in Rhayader, dating back to 1895. The business has passed through the hands of three separate families and for the last 22 years has been owned by Alan and Pauline, with Tom joining the team 12 years ago.
The shop is now one of the ‘must-see’ attractions of the town as these types of old ironmonger’s stores are becoming increasingly rare.
The shop champions itself as a large supporter of the community. Hafod Hardware sponsors various sports teams, shows and events and makes annual donations to a variety of volunteer led organisations. These groups are big assets to the community, and the store values the community spirit they bring to rural villages.
Over the last 4 years the shop has produced a series of festive videos with the purpose of raising the profile of independent businesses across the country, and to encourage people to shop local when they can. The videos have been extremely successful, with millions of views worldwide.
Engagement 4
The Prince of Wales will visit the late 12th Century Cistercian Abbey, Abbey Cwmhir. Home Farm, Abbeycwmhir, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6PH.
On arrival at Home Farm, Abbeycwmhir, The Prince of Wales will be received by Lord-Lieutenant of Powys Mrs Tia Jones and greeted by local historian and Trustee of Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust, Julian Lovell, who will then introduce landowners Melvin and Anita Hamer of Home Farm, their niece and husband, Julie and David Evans. His Royal Highness will be accompanied to the Cwmhir Abbey ruins by Mr Lovell and community heritage project lead and Trustee of Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust, Dr Mel Walters and Chair of the Abbeycwmhir and Bwlchysarnau Community Council, David Jones After inspecting the Abbey ruins, Mr Lovell will accompany The Prince of Wales to the adjacent Cadw Exhibition Room, to show him further exhibits about the Abbey.
Cwmhir Abbey was a Cistercian Abbey founded in the 12th Century. Its location was in a heavily contested part of Wales, between the Marcher Lords and the Welsh Princes. Many believe that the body of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was brought to be buried here after his ambush near Cilmeri on 11th December 1282.
The Abbey was despoiled by Owain Glyndwr in 1401 during his uprising and it was also the site of a Civil War battle. These knock-backs meant that by the time of Henry VIII’s dissolution there were thought to be only three monks living there. In the centuries that followed, the Abbey church was plundered for its valuable building stone and the Abbey grounds were gentrified by its Victorian owners. Now, the site is an ancient monument, owned by Home Farm, with a small Exhibition Centre run by Cadw. For the last 35 years, a local heritage trust (Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust) has taken an active interest in the promotion of the Abbey and its history. Over the last two years the Trust has linked with the landscape archaeology research team at Strata Florida Abbey (a sister Cistercian Abbey on the opposite site of the Cambrian Mountains). Stimulated by this link, the Trust has conducted a wide range of community-based heritage activities including local heritage walks, an interpretation pamphlet for children, excavations and field schools open to the public. Through this, the Trust has developed an enthusiastic group of volunteers, who come from all walks of life and are finding ways in which to come together to promote the enjoyment of the heritage of the Abbey in this wonderful mid-Wales location.
Engagement 5
The Prince of Wales will attend a reception to celebrate PRIME Cymru’s 20th year and the expansion of its volunteer mentoring programme. The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5DY.
The Prince of Wales will be received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys Tia Jones and introduced to the Chief Executive of PRIME Cymru David Pugh.
His Royal Highness will proceed to meet with mentors and businesses supported by the scheme who will demonstrate their work with table-top displays.
To conclude, Chief Executive of National Mentoring Day, Chelsey Baker will present The Prince of Wales with a national award, to acknowledge PRIME Cymru’s outstanding contribution to mentoring in Wales.
This year marks 20 years since The Prince of Wales founded PRIME Cymru, in response to the many letters he was receiving from those aged over 50, who were facing overwhelming problems securing work because of their age.
The charity is being honoured for its hugely successful mentoring programme, which has contributed to supporting over 15,000 over-50s into employment, self-employment, volunteering or training. The award is being presented by the National Mentoring Day initiative which recognises mentoring programmes making a difference.
PRIME Cymru is expanding its mentoring programme to recruit and train an additional 200 new mentors. Mentors will be given free, accredited training, recognised by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs.
PRIME Cymru runs an extensive mentoring programme, providing expert guidance and free business support to help the over-50s in Wales to secure work, set up a business or upskill through training or volunteering.
The charity celebrated its 20th anniversary year by revisiting clients from the last two decades, who are thriving thanks to the support they have received. The anniversary year was made extra special as they were awarded the Trusted Charity mark – the UK’s only quality standard recognising excellence within the third sector.
The Duchess of Cornwall Invites Children to Decorate Christmas Tree
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL INVITES CHILDREN TO DECORATE THE CLARENCE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE
WEDNESDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2021
The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, will invite children supported by both charities to decorate the Christmas tree, and receive a few festive surprises, at Clarence House, London SW1A 1BA.
Each year, The Duchess of Cornwall invites children to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. This December, the event will be attended by children and families supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. As an extra special surprise this year, the children will receive a performance by the Band of the Welsh Guards – as well as a festive video message from Mr. Tumble!
Last year, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Her Royal Highness was keen to continue her annual tradition in some form. Therefore, the event took place virtually with children and families supported by Helen & Douglas House joining via video link. A video of the virtual event can be watched here.
Helen & Douglas House
Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice when it opened in 1982. Helen & Douglas House cares for local terminally ill children and their families from Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. They provide medical, emotional and practical support, helping families deal with the implications of living with a child who will die prematurely, so they can make the most of their time together.
Her Royal Highness became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007 and this will be the fifteenth time that families supported by the charity, along with hospice staff, have been invited to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree.
www.helenanddouglas.org.uk
Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity
Roald Dahl believed in kindness. When faced by serious illness and tragedy, he always took practical steps to help those who were suffering. Founded 30 years ago and inspired by his memory, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children. It’s network of 82 Roald Dahl Nurses operate across the UK and they provide expert help and support to over 24,000 children and their families every year. The focus is on long term and underfunded conditions such as Epilepsy, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Acquired Brain Injury and Rare Diseases. The charity also supports practical and innovative approaches to improving children’s healthcare.
The Duchess of Cornwall has been Patron of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity since 2017, and this will be the fifth time that families supported by the charity have been invited to Clarence House to decorate the tree.
www.roalddahlcharity.org
The Prince of Wales Attends Advent Service
THE PRINCE OF WALES ATTENDS AN ADVENT SERVICE AT HOLY TRINITY BROMPTON (HTB)
THURSDAY 9th DECEMBER 2021
The Prince of Wales will visit Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) and attend an advent service.
The Prince of Wales typically attends an advent service each year and this year has chosen to visit Holy Trinity Brompton in order to meet those who are helping their local communities in times of need.
His Royal Highness will be greeted on arrival by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa, who will present the Vicar of HTB, The Rev. Nicky Gumbel.
The Prince will then meet representatives of groups including Aid to the Church in Need, Open Doors, Love Your Neighbour & Love Christmas, Church Planting Group, Refugee Response and St Mellitus College & Peter Stream.
At this year’s advent service, The Prince of Wales will donate a “Bags of Kindness” as part of the Love Christmas programme to help Holy Trinity Brompton achieve 1,000,000 gifts for those who have less this Christmas. The programme, which launched last year in the midst of the pandemic, aims to strengthen personal connections in communities across the UK and let people know that they are not alone.
His Royal Highness will then join a short service for persecuted Christians and sign the visitors’ book before departing.
Love Your Neighbour & Love Christmas
HTB’s Love Your Neighbour and Love Christmas programmes, support the disadvantaged across the community. Since, March 2020 the food hub has delivered over 20 million meals and 700,000 Christmas ‘Bags of Kindness’ in 2020. His Royal Highness will be invited to see a display of them packing goods for distribution. The Love Your Neighbour campaign is a grassroots UK-wide emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis in collaboration under the Church Revitalisation Trust and in partnership with the HTB Network and other charities and organisation.
HTB’s Refugee Response
The Prince will meet representatives of HTB’s refugee response. HTB have been leading the response across London and have been providing essential items including clothing and toys; connecting individuals to local authorities; providing translation services; medical and dental support etc.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
His Royal Highness will also meet representatives of the group, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), who each year fund over 5,000 projects in more than 140 countries around the world, helping to support the Church in its mission. ACN supports projects which are undertaken by the local Church – bishops, priests, Sisters and lay people – in the 140+ countries where they provide aid. By working with Church leaders in these countries, they reach millions of struggling Christians, many of whom are suffering the most outrageous and egregious abuse, such as rape, murder, torture and discrimination. ACN’s help includes emergency aid, psychological support and trauma counselling, training of seminarians, and more. The UK office alone supported 394 projects in 82 countries. In 2020 they supported 4,758 projects, including:
- 744 construction projects, one third of which were in Africa. These include churches, presbyteries, convents, pastoral centres and seminaries
- 401 coronavirus-related projects, mainly in Latin America and Asia
- 1,243 vehicles for pastoral work, including 783 bicycles, 280 cars, 166 motorcycles, 11 boats, two buses and one lorry
- 1,782,097 Mass stipends, meaning every 18 seconds one Mass, somewhere in the world, was being said for the intentions of a benefactor of ACN.
Open Doors
His Royal Highness will meet representatives of Open Doors, a Christian organisation established in 1955 when a young Dutchman started smuggling Bibles to the persecuted church in Community Europe and today they work in over sixty countries to supply bibles provide emergency relief and help persecuted believers. In the UK and Ireland, they help the church to pray, give and speak out for those that do not have the freedom to share their faith.
The Prince of Wales Advent Services
In previous years His Royal Highness has attended different advent services:
- In December 2019, The Prince of Wales attended an advent service to remember those affected by the Easter Attacks in Sri Lanka. His Royal Highness met families of those directly affected and local community groups at Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Church in London.
- In December 2017, The Prince of Wales visited the Melkite Greek-Catholic community who worship at St. Barnabas Church in Pimlico. The Prince met families who have escaped persecution in the Middle-East and joined a short service of prayers for persecuted Christians around the world.
- In December 2016, The Prince of Wales met members of the Iraqi Chaldean Catholic and Syriac Catholic community at an Advent reception hosted by Cardinal Vincent Nichols at Archbishop’s House in London.
- In December 2014, The Prince visited the Iraqi Chaldean Christian community at the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Acton, London. During that visit, he met members of the congregation who have first-hand experience of the persecution of Christians in Iraq.
Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB)
HTB Church in west London has a large, young and diverse congregation of around 4,000 people each week. Eleven services take place each Sunday across six sites in South Kensington, Earl’s Court and on the Dalgarno estate in west London. During the pandemic, special ‘HTB at Home’ online services were relayed.
It is home to the Alpha course, which was founded at HTB and is now running in over 30,000 churches of all denominations – including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Salvation Army and Pentecostal – in 130 countries around the world.
HTB has also pioneered a ministry of ‘church planting’ in partnership with dioceses across the Church of England and the Church in Wales. Scores of churches have been ‘planted’ across London and into other cities such as Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Gateshead, Lincoln, Liverpool, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Rochdale, and Southampton. The first Resource Churches in Wales were planted in Cardiff and Wrexham earlier this year.
It was a joint partner with the Bishops of London and Chelmsford in the founding of St Mellitus theological college in 2007.
The Prince of Wales last visited the HTB site during a visit to St. Mellitus College in 2010.
Royals to Attend ‘Together At Christmas’ Community Carol Service
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY WILL ATTEND THE ‘TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS’ COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
Wednesday 8th December 2021
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by other Members of the Royal Family, will attend the ‘Together At Christmas’ community carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th December.
Hosted and spearheaded by the Duchess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the event will pay tribute to the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the UK who have supported their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmed for broadcast, the service will provide a moment for the nation to come together and reflect, to think not only of the extraordinary challenges that we have faced, but also to celebrate the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across our nation, the communities pulling together to protect and care for those in need, and those who have stepped up to help others.
Combining traditional elements with a modern and inclusive feel to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will feature carols sung by the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir alongside musical performances by Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding. It will also incorporate a performance of To The Day, a poignant composition created for the service by poet and writer Lemn Sissay, and readings delivered by speakers including The Duke of Cambridge, British Paralympian and junior doctor Kim Daybell and Kate Garraway.
The event will be broadcast as part of ‘Royal Carols: Together At Christmas’, a special programme which will be aired by ITV at 7:30pm on Christmas Eve. The broadcast will feature additional content including an introduction from the Duchess of Cambridge, videos highlighting the efforts of inspirational organisations, and a special performance by Tom Walker of his new Christmas single For Those Who Can’t Be Here.
Unsung heroes from across the length and breadth of the nation have been invited to attend the service in recognition of their tireless efforts and selfless acts of kindness despite incredibly difficult circumstances. Nominations have been drawn from Lieutenancies across the UK, alongside community networks, charitable organisations and patronages of Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Individuals who the Duke and Duchess have met and spent time with during their recent engagements and project work will also be present, alongside those working in some of the key areas that Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation continue to focus on. The congregation will also include armed forces personnel who were involved in Operation Pitting, young carers, faith leaders, and guests who may be more vulnerable or isolated within our society.
The service has been developed and delivered in partnership with Westminster Abbey and BBC Studios Events Productions.
The Duchess of Cornwall Celebrates the 70th Anniversary of The Archers
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WILL HOST CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARCHERS AT CLARENCE HOUSE
Tuesday 7th December 2021
The Duchess of Cornwall will host a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Archers with members of the current cast, writers, and the production team.
During the reception, Her Royal Highness will meet cast and crew before watching some of the cast perform a new scene, which has been specially written for the reception. Following this, The Duchess will join the cast to cut an Archers-themed 70th birthday cake and will say a few words to mark the anniversary.
The Duchess of Cornwall
The Duchess is a long-standing listener to the popular BBC Radio 4 programme, The Archers. In 2011, Her Royal Highness made a cameo appearance as herself in a special episode to mark the 60th anniversary of the show, during a visit to BBC Birmingham. Listen here.
In 2016, during a reception for survivors of domestic abuse held at Clarence House, The Duchess hailed The Archers for their powerful storyline related to the issue:
“A new conversation has been starting in a place where many might not have expected it. Thanks to The Archers, millions of people now have some understanding of what living with relentless coercive behaviour is really like and I’m delighted that Louiza Patikas, who plays the unfortunate Helen is here today.”
In 2001, The Archers celebrated their 50th anniversary at a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales at St James’s Palace. In 1984, Princess Margaret became the first member of the Royal Family to take part in the show, whilst marking the centenary of the NSPCC, of which she was President.
The Archers
On 1st January 2021, episode number 19,343 of The Archers on BBC Radio 4 marked 70 years of the world’s longest running serial drama and the start of an anniversary year for the programme. A reflection of life in rural England, The Archers has grown from its original purpose of educating farmers on modern agricultural methods, to reflecting present-day rural life – all whilst entertaining listeners with the ebb and flow of the village of Ambridge.
A SPEECH BY THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AT A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE ‘THE ARCHERS’ 70TH ANNIVERSARY
CLARENCE HOUSE, TUESDAY 7TH DECEMBER
Ladies and Gentlemen of Ambridge, it is a huge pleasure to welcome you here today to celebrate The Archers’ 70th birthday (just a few years after mine!). MBEs, of course, are particularly welcome – ferrets rather less so… For as long as I can remember, I have loved this programme. It has been my faithful companion for a large part of my life. Like many other Archers addicts, I have been known to become quite ratty if disturbed between 7:00pm and 7:15pm – and, like thousands of others, had severe withdrawal symptoms when you all-but-disappeared during lockdown! But I’m very glad you’re back, let’s keep it that way. I was thrilled to be asked to appear in an episode ten years ago – although, not being a noted thespian, I was only entrusted to play myself, with the help of Ian, who is here, and the late, lamented Caroline.
The broadcasting legend that is “The Archers” was born on 1st January 1951. It was Dan who uttered the immortal opening line, “And a happy new year to you all”. The first Archers baby arrived the following month, on 16th February, when Peggy gave birth to Tony. We must, therefore, also wish Tony a belated happy 70th birthday – unsurprisingly, he found something to be grumpy about even on his special day… I know we are all sorry that David is unable to be here and send our warmest good wishes to him and his wife.
The Archers has gone on to become the world’s longest-running drama. It is famous, of course, for its gentle wit, accurate description of rural life and wonderful characterisation. But you have never shied away from more challenging topics. Over the decades, you have tackled homophobia, racism, discrimination, modern slavery, alcohol addiction, domestic violence and coercive control. Thanks to the light that you have shone on these, and other painful subjects, millions of people now have a better understanding of them – and have been equipped with the tools to respond effectively when they encounter such issues in their own lives. For 70 years of raising awareness of others’ hidden struggles, we are deeply grateful.
Now let us look forward to the next 70 years in Ambridge. Please don’t let anything to hinder your broadcasts. Remember that, in 1962, which some of us remember quite well, Harold Macmillan was forced to sack members of his Cabinet. As he did so, he was heard to remark, “Interfering with the Cabinet is as serious as interfering with The Archers”.
So thank you all very much for coming today, it’s a real pleasure to meet you and to put the names to the faces! Some I would recognise; others don’t quite link up as I imagined. Before anything else, I would like to ask Peggy, the wonderful Peggy, to come and cut a very special Archers cake that we have had made for the occasion.
