THE KING AND QUEEN WILL HOST A HUMANITARIAN RECEPTION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Wednesday 8th November 2023
Their Majesties The King and Queen will host a reception at Buckingham Palace to recognise and reflect on the United Kingdom’s contribution to humanitarian efforts across the world.
The King and Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Gloucester, will be joined by guests to thank those who have worked towards the United Kingdom’s contribution to humanitarianism, including in recognition of 60 years of the Disasters Emergency Committee.
The reception will showcase the human stories of those involved in the sector, from fundraisers to frontline workers, and those who have been impacted by crises, including communities seeking to protect their cultural heritage, and refugees building new lives in the U.K.
Among those to be introduced to Their Majesties are the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Chief Executive Mr Saleh Saeed, and high-profile supporters such as Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Michael Palin and Mr Adrian Lester, who have launched appeals for the charity, as they mark their 60th anniversary year.
The King and Queen will meet refugees who have left difficult situations around the world and have since made the UK their home. Their Majesties will also be introduced to a selection of broadcast journalists to hear about their work in covering global emergencies, including in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace, Their Majesties will have an opportunity to view displays from the Disasters Emergency Committee, Turquoise Mountain and ShelterBox and meet some of those who have supported the significant work of these organisations.
The Disasters Emergency Committee will showcase a selection of aid items they provide in a crisis or emergency. The items include easy to put up hand-washing stations, Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), solar powered lights, a dignity kit to help women and girls manage their personal hygiene and supermarket/ cash vouchers to allow people to prioritise their own needs.
A display table from Turquoise Mountain will showcase examples of craftsmanship including handwoven carpets, woodwork and jewellery made by master artisans (some of whom are refugees) who have faced humanitarian disasters. Artisans from Afghanistan and Syria who made these pieces will be attending the reception.
From ShelterBox, Their Majesties will hear how the charity provides emergency shelter to communities after disaster, and view lifesaving aid items including items such as solar lights and water filters.
Afterwards, Their Majesties will join the reception to meet fundraisers, volunteers and supporters of a range of organisations, including; ActionAid UK, Action Against Hunger, British Red Cross, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Christian Aid, David Nott Foundation, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam, Refugee Action, The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, UNICEF, Welsh Refugee Council and World Jewish Relief.
