PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRINCE LOUIS TO MARK HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share three new photographs of Prince Louis to celebrate his first birthday.
The photographs were taken earlier this month by The Duchess at their home in Norfolk.
THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE TO ATTEND ANZAC DAY SERVICE
Westminster Abbey, London
Thursday 25th April, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge will attend the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 25th April.
Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1916, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey and more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. Since then, Anzac Day has become an important moment to recognise the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who died during the landings, and to honour the sacrifices of men and women in all wars. Anzac Day is commemorated as a public holiday in both countries with memorial ceremonies held at various locations.
The Duchess of Cambridge will join guests, including the Australian High Commissioner, at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving. This will be a traditional church service, incorporating an ‘Act of Remembrance’, the Last Post and Kemal Ataturk’s words from Anzac Cove read by the Turkish Ambassador to the UK.
The Duke of Gloucester will also attend the service.
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The Duke of Cambridge to visit New Zealand
As previously announced, His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge will visit New Zealand on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. The visit, which is at the request of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, will take place between Thursday 25th April and Friday 26th April.
During the visit, The Duke will pay tribute to those affected by the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack, and will recognise the incredible empathy and unity displayed by the people of New Zealand in the weeks that followed.
His Royal Highness’s official programme will begin on Thursday 25th April in Auckland. The remainder of The Duke’s programme will take place in Christchurch, where His Royal Highness will spend time meeting survivors of the attack and their families, first responders, and Muslim community leaders.
To learn more about The Duke of Cambridge’s previous visit to New Zealand, in the company of The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, be sure to read Royal Life issue 10.
Her Majesty The Queen has sent the following message to the President of France
“Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral.
I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.
Elizabeth R.”
A message from HRH The Prince of Wales to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral
Cher Monsieur le Président,
My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral this evening and wanted to let you know immediately how much we are thinking of yourself and the French people at this most agonizing of times, and of the emergency services who are so bravely tackling the blaze.
I realize only too well what a truly special significance the Cathedral holds at the heart of your nation; but also for us all outside France it represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western Civilization. It is a treasure for all mankind and, as such, to witness its destruction in this most dreadful conflagration is a shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share.
Cher Monsieur le Président, our hearts go out to you and the people of France more than you can ever know, especially in view of our experience with the devastating fire at Windsor Castle twenty-seven years ago. We send you our most profound sympathy, however inadequate that may be.
Très cordialement à vous
Charles
The Prince of Wales
The Birth of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s First Child
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby. Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private. The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.
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The Duke of Sussex to Partner with Oprah Winfrey on a Mental Health Series
The Duke of Sussex has today announced a partnership with Oprah Winfrey, as co-creators and executive producers of a forthcoming mental health documentary series for Apple. The multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to thrive, rather than to simply survive. This commitment builds on The Duke’s long-standing work on issues and initiatives regarding mental health, that has seen him share his personal experience and advocate for those who silently suffer, to empower them to get the help and support they deserve. In 2017, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Their Royal Highnesses launched Heads Together, a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation.
The Duke of Sussex has spent many years working with veterans across the world with the Invictus Games Foundation and the Endeavour Fund, and convened the top UK military service charities to work together and ensure the best possible mental health services are provided for our men and women of the Armed Forces. His Royal Highness continues to work with communities throughout the UK and young people across the Commonwealth, to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and broaden the conversation of mental wellness to accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society. The Duke of Sussex said: “I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series which we have been developing together for several months.”
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Unseen Pics of Queen and Royal Family For Sale
Previously unseen photographs of the Queen and Prince Philip relaxing at a picnic have emerged for sale in an astonishing archive from the estate of author Daphne du Maurier.
One of the images show a youthful Elizabeth sitting on a blanket eating sandwiches next to Prince Philip.
She is wearing a tartan skirt and the prince is resplendent in country attire, including plus fours.
Other snaps show the smiling Queen Mother sitting on a picnic blanket with du Maurier.
The writer’s husband, Lieutenant General Sir Frederick ‘Boy’ Browning, was a close colleague of Lord Mountbatten during World War II and was asked to work for the Royal family on his return home.
The photos are not dated but auctioneers Rowley’s in Ely, Cambridgeshire, believe they are post-war though it is uncertain if they were taken before or after Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953.
The location in the amateur snaps has a Scottish feel and might be on the Balmoral estate.
As the photographs were amongst Du Maurier’s archives it is likely that they were taken by her husband, ‘Boy’ Browning.
He served both Princess Elizabeth’s household and then Prince Philip’s when Elizabeth became Queen.
The photos were discovered in an archive spanning more than 40 years of correspondence between du Maurier, who is famous for her haunting novels Rebecca and Jamaica Inn, and her close friend Maureen Baker-Munton.
Baker-Munton became ‘Boy’ Browning’s PA in the 1940s when they met in India.
After the war Browning was invited to work for Princess Elizabeth’s household as comptroller and Maureen joined him as his assistant.
Sometime after this Maureen and Daphne became friends and corresponded regularly, with Maureen often asked to act as Daphne’s eyes and ears in London.
Other photographs include one of the Queen and Prince Philip on board ‘Boy’ Browning’s yacht Fanny Rosa.
Amongst the archive material is a letter written by du Maurier shortly after the Queen visited her and her husband in Cornwall in 1962.
She wrote about the monarch’s arrival: “The Queen inside, radiant, all in white. I don’t know what was talked about, I heard sounds coming from my mouth I didn’t recognise! She was very nice though…”
Other photos show a very young Prince Charles and Princess Anne playing in toy boats on the deck of a yacht, possibly the Royal yacht.
Baker-Munton’s son Kristen – who was ‘Boy’ Browning’s godson – is selling the archive, and remembers holidaying with du Maurier in Cornwall at her homes Menabilly and Kilmarth.
The photographs are being sold at Rowley’s auction house on April 27 along with a large collection of other personal memorabilia relating to Daphne Du Maurier and her husband.
Auctioneer and saleroom managing director Roddy Lloyd said: “This is a huge archive and we are still going through letters and photographs and making discoveries.
“These particular images, which show the Royal family in an off-guard, relaxed mood highlight the circles in which du Maurier and Boy moved.
“The black and white photographs record the Queen and Prince Philip in a rarely seen informal setting.
“I particularly love the photograph of the Queen Mother standing in a tartan skirt with a corgi behind her; her character shines through – it’s enchanting.
“We know that the Queen also visited du Maurier and her husband at their home in Cornwall and have a photo of Elizabeth and Philip on Boy’s boat.
Will Axon, Rowley’s senior auctioneer and valuer, said: “The archive is a fascinating record of Du Maurier’s life as well as her husband’s.
“Daphne’s wit of course weaves its way through the collection but her letters to Maureen also throw light on du Maurier’s sometimes strained relationship with her husband, who she nicknamed ‘Moper’ because of his depression and drink problems.
“We have seen a lot of references in the Du Maurier letters to her rather complicated relationships with friends, family and children as well as references to her writing.”
Du Maurier, whose husband died in 1965, is said to have had affairs with both men and women.
The couple had three children and Daphne died in 1989 in Cornwall.
The sale coincides with the 30th anniversary of Du Maurier’s death.
Hundreds of lots will be included in the auction on April 27 collection is expected to attract interest from buyers around the world.
The Queen will attend the Royal Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor
Thursday 18th April 2019
Her Majesty The Queen will attend the Royal Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on Thursday 18th April.
The Queen will arrive at the North Door of the Chapel and be met by the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO and the Lord High Almoner, the Right Reverend Dr. John Inge. The Queen will be presented with a nosegay at the start of the service, during which Her Majesty will distribute the Maundy money.
Following the service, The Queen will proceed to Galilee Porch where an official photograph will be taken of Her Majesty and the Royal Maundy party.
Maundy
Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The Queen commemorates Maundy by offering ‘alms’ to senior citizens – retired pensioners recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations – in recognition of their service to the church and to the local community.
The Queen is presented with a nosegay at the start of the Royal Maundy Service. During the service The Queen will distribute the Maundy money to 93 men and 93 women – one for each of The Queen’s 93 years. Each recipient receives two purses, one red and one white.
This year the Red Purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria and a 50p coin portraying Sherlock Holmes. Both coins have been newly minted this year. Historically, this sum of £5.50 in the Red Purse is made up of £3 for clothing, £1.50 in lieu of provisions and £1 which represents a piece of the Sovereign’s gown which, before Tudor times, used to be divided between the Recipients.
The White Purse contains uniquely minted Maundy Money. This takes the form of one, two, three and four silver penny pieces, the sum of which equals the number of years of the Monarch’s age. This year ninety-three Maundy coins, which are legal tender, will be distributed.
Royal Maundy is one of the most ancient ceremonies retained in the Church of England.
On duty during the service is the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard in their full uniform. This is the oldest military body in the UK whose record dates back to 1485 and who still wear the Tudor crown ornament, which commemorates their original appointment. Also on duty will be the Military Knights of Windsor who are the oldest military establishment in the Army List, having been founded in 1348 by King Edward III.
St George’s Chapel
A tower in the Castle wall near the Chapel was formerly known as Almonry Tower, marking the historic link between the Royal Almonry and Windsor. From the 12th century the King’s Almoner and his staff were allocated quarters in this tower, and in adjacent buildings that were demolished to make way for the building of the present Chapel in the 15th century.
The Chapel of St George is part of the College of St George, which was founded in 1348, the same time as the Order of the Garter. Although the College is located within Windsor Castle, the buildings are owned and occupied by the College itself.
The Chapel is a Royal Peculiar, which means it is not subject to a Bishop or Archbishop but owes its allegiance directly to the Sovereign. The Chapel, together with the remainder of the College of St George, is governed by the Dean and Canons of Windsor, who, with their officers and staff, are independent of the Royal Household. St George’s Chapel remains an active centre for worship, with daily services open to all.
The Chapel has strong links with the Royal Family. Each year on Garter Day, The Queen presides over the service of thanksgiving for the Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel. The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family also attend matins in the Chapel on Easter Sunday.
Many Royal Weddings have been celebrated in St George’s Chapel, such as the marriage of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank last year.
To learn more about St George’s Chapel and the Royal Weddings that have been celebrated there, be sure to read our Royal Wedding Exclusive Collectors’ Edition Part 1.
THE DUKE OF SUSSEX TO OPEN BARKING AND DAGENHAM ‘FUTURE’ YOUTH ZONE
Dagenham, London
Thursday 11th April, 2019
The Duke of Sussex will open ‘Future’, a new Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham, on Thursday 11th April.
The purpose built facility for the borough’s young people has been created by the charity OnSide Youth Zones, which is developing 21st century youth facilities across the UK. ‘Future’ Youth Zone provides a safe environment where young people can come and enjoy themselves, build key skills and raise their aspirations and confidence to create a happier and healthier generation. It is the first of three OnSide Youth Zones in London expected to open this year.
The Duke will meet young people who have been involved in the development of the new Youth Zone as they take part in a number of activities and workshops showcasing the facilities, before unveiling a plaque to mark the visit.
During his visit, The Duke will also join members of Barking and Dagenham (BAD) Youth Forum and Youth Zone members as they share their perspectives and experiences of knife crime, amidst a national rise in incidents, and go on to discuss potential solutions. The forum has already worked with councillors and police to voice their concerns about youth crime and violence in the area.
Barking and Dagenham Youth Zone, named by local young people as ‘Future’, will be open 7 days a week for those aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. The Youth Zone will offer sports, music and arts activities as well as access to qualified youth workers offering support and advice on issues affecting the community the most such as mental health and employability.
BAD Youth Forum was created in 2001, to give young people a formal and recognised platform to express their views on issues affecting their lives and communities, and a way to make a positive impact on their community. Today the forum, comprising of 13 to 19 year olds elected by peers in schools and youth groups, continues to have a say and influence on policy makers.
The Duke believes that every child should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or situation, and regularly supports projects that enable children and young people to build their skills and confidence. This will be third time that His Royal Highness has visited an OnSide Youth Zone, having previously visited Wigan Youth Zone in July 2016 and the Hive Wirral Youth Zone in January 2019 with The Duchess.
This visit also furthers the ongoing work The Duke of Sussex is doing with The Royal Foundation to explore the solutions to youth violence that young people themselves wish to see.
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THE DUKE OF SUSSEX TO ATTEND THE LORD MAYOR’S BIG CURRY LUNCH
The Guildhall, London
Thursday 4th April, 2019
The Duke of Sussex will attend the twelfth annual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch in aid of the three National Service Charities: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
The lunch, which is hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, has raised over £1.9m since 2008 and is expected to reach the £2m milestone this year, with the money being used to support soldiers and veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each year, former and current serving soldiers and officers sit down to a buffet curry lunch in the Guildhall’s Great Hall with the charities’ beneficiaries and supporters. They are joined by members of both Houses of Parliament; the Ministry of Defence ministerial team and a wide cross-section of City professionals and business leaders.
A proportion of proceeds from this year’s lunch will fund veterans to take part in a programme designed to help them manage their pain and subsequently find meaningful work. One of the biggest inhibitors to veterans getting into the world of work can be chronic pain. Edward VII Hospital’s Centre for Veterans’ Health has developed – and tested – the six-month long programme specifically for veterans. The Duke will meet two veterans during the engagement that have already completed the programme and are now in employment.
In addition, His Royal Highness will meet beneficiaries and their families, as well as key supporters of the three national service charities, the curry lunch Head Chef and musicians playing in the Hall. On departure, The Duke will view a commemorative garden that has been designed to mark the partnership with KEVII Hospital’s Centre for Veterans’ Health pain management programme.
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