The Queen will visit Drapers’ Hall for Luncheon on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Admission to the Freedom of the Company
Wednesday 31st May, 2017
Her Majesty The Queen will visit Drapers’ Hall for a Luncheon on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Admission to the Freedom of the Company.
Upon arrival, The Queen will be met by Sir David Wootton (Lord Mayor, Locum Tenens) who will present Mr. William Charnley (Master) who will himself present Colonel Richard Winstanley (Clerk).
After the arrival, Her Majesty will meet members of the Court of Assistants (the governing body) and be photographed with the Master and Wardens from the Court.
After lunch, The Queen will be asked to sign the Instrument. This document, written on vellum, formally records Her Majesty’s attendance at the lunch to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her becoming a Freeman of the Company. The Instrument has been drafted by Tim Noad who is a professional calligrapher, illuminator and heraldic artist from Her Majesty’s College of Arms. He has produced similar instruments to record Her Majesty’s visits to the Hall on previous occasions as well as the Company’s 2008 Charter.
Founded over 650 years ago, the Drapers’ Company is incorporated by Royal Charter and is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies in the City of London. Whilst its original involvement in the woollen cloth trade, from which it took its name, has ceased, the essence of the medieval fraternity has remained constant in the traditions of good fellowship and charity. It has evolved into an organisation that addresses contemporary issues, gaining a new relevance through its philanthropic role.
Its main functions are the commercial management of its own substantial endowment and the trusteeship of the many charitable trusts that have been left in its care over the centuries. Much of the Company’s work concentrates on enabling young people to pursue educational qualifications, rise above social exclusion, and reach their full potential. The Company also focuses on helping those in need or experiencing hardship through support of organisations working with the homeless, older people, disabled people and prisoners. It provides support for textile conservation, heritage projects and projects in areas of County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
The members today comprise a wide cross-section of society. Some members’ families have been Drapers for centuries; other members with no links have been admitted following an interview. They fulfil a variety of corporate governance roles for the Company and certain external organisations, and direct its philanthropic initiatives.
On 20 May 1947, Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth was made Free of the Company (became a member) by Patrimony, following in her father’s (the then Duke of York) footsteps who had become a Draper in 1919.
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