The Royal Review: The Royal Family’s other engagements 28th May – 3rd June

Last week, The Queen’s cousins took on the majority of engagements, with The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra and The Duke of Kent all on duty. The Princess Royal also had an engagement on Saturday.

The Princess Royal

Saturday

Princess Anne had one engagement last week, marking the 150th anniversary of the Royal Forth Yacht club. This is one of the world’s oldest yacht clubs and is based near Edinburgh. The Princess Royal was there in her capacity as Patron of the club, a position she has held since 2003. Her father, The Duke of Edinburgh, is an honorary member of the organisation, while Queen Victoria presented the organisation with the name ‘Royal Forth Yacht Club’ back in 1883.

During her visit, The Queen’s only daughter was aboard the Royal Navy Patrol Boat the HMS Archer, where she took the salute from yachts who were taking part in the Anniversary Parade. Anne also unveiled a plaque to mark the organisation’s 150th anniversary.

The Princess Royal aboard the HMS Archer (Royal Navy/@RNinScotland)

Princess Anne took the salute from yachts participating in the Anniversary Parade (Royal Navy/@RNinScotland)

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

Tuesday

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the Grocer’s Company Annual Feast, held at the Mansion House in London. The dinner was held to commemorate the formation of the Worshipful Company of Grocers, of which Prince Richard is an Honorary Freeman. The company is one of 110 Livery Companies that are based around London. The Worshipful Company of Grocers ranks second in order of precedence; the organisation subscribes to the motto “God Grants Grace”.  Today, they are known as a constitutional, ceremonial, and charitable establishment, playing an extremely important role when it comes to electing and supporting the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs of the City of London.

Worshipful Company of Grocers Arms. (Photo courtesy of Paul D. Jagger)

Wednesday

For their second engagement of the week, The Duke and Duchess were guests at a dinner held at Haseley Court in Oxford. The Duke attended in his capacity as Royal Patron of the Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film, and Music. The Blenheim Palace Festival is held every year during the month of October; the festival takes place over four days. It has become known as the ultimate boutique festival in Britain and kicks off the autumn music and literary season. A full programme of events is offered at the festival, which includes a wide variety of speakers and exhibits. Blenheim Palace itself is best known for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and now home to a world-class Festival

Thursday

The Duke of Gloucester, in his role as Grand Prior of the Most Venerable Order of Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, attended a service at the Priory Church of St. John, London. The service was held to commemorate the Centenary of the Bombing of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital at Etaples, France.

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

During WWI, the St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital in Etaples was the largest voluntary hospital to serve Britain’s Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France. On the evening of  19th May 1918, St. John’s was struck by a bomb that killed five members of its staff. Twelve days later, they were assailed by a second bomb which devastated the hospital; the tragic result was an additional 11 fatalities and 60 wounded. This dreadful event effectively caused the hospital to shutter its doors, as not one single department remained undamaged. The remnants of the hospital were transported to Trouville, France, where they remained until 1919.

The Duke and Duchess were also in attendance at a Garden Party, hosted by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen’s cousin, The Duke of Gloucester, was in attendance at the Party (Royal Family)

Also present was Prince Richard’s wife, The Duchess of Gloucester (royal Family)

Sunday

On Sunday, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the memorial service held to mark one year since the London Bridge/Borough Market terror attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 8 people. The Duke and Duchess took part in the minute’s silence, and laid flowers on London Bridge, the scene of the inital attack. Also in attendance were London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Prime Minister Theresa May and Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Princess Alexandra

Tuesday

The Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra visited the Queen Alexandra’s House Association in London in her capacity as President. Queen Alexandra’s House is a hall of residence for female students who are studying in the city; located nearby are the Royal College of Music, the Royal College of Art and Imperial College. As well as having basic amenitites, the residence also has practice rooms with pianos for music students.

Thursday

Alexandra was also in attendance at Her Majesty’s Garden Party, held at Buckingham Palace.

Princess Alexandra accompanied her cousin, The Queen, at a Garden Party (royal family)

The Duke of Kent

Wednesday

The Duke of Kent was also undertaking royal duties last week. On Wednesday, The Queen’s cousin attended the Chairman’s Dinner at the Cavalry and Guards Club in his capacity as President. We have no further details on this engagement.

Thursday

In addition the The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra, The Duke of Kent was also in attendance at the Garden Party held by The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Kent was also present at the second annual Garden Party (Royal Family)

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