#clarence house reception

[clarencehouseaus]

HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR WEDDING IN SYDNEY

An outdoor wedding has an indescribable quality and a romantic yet adventurous vibe, whether you choose a serene garden, a rocky ocean shore, an adventurous woodsy forest, or your own family home backyard as the outdoor wedding venue. However, as poetic as an outdoor wedding sounds, it is important to understand that many things can go wrong if proper preparations are not made.

Outdoor weddings with ideal weather is one of the most stunning, remarkable, and romantic events we can imagine, despite the fact that Mother Nature can be unpredictable and may potentially ruin your picturesque wedding plans. There are various factors to consider and plan for before proceeding with your outdoor wedding preparations, ranging from weather disruptions and compromised privacy to unwanted noise.

Everyone desires a wedding that is unique and reflects their perfect wedding vision. This is why we have created a guide to assist you in planning an outdoor wedding that will transcend all complications and make your special day romantic and memorable for you and your guests. 

Choose an ideal venue

Whether you choose a romantic garden, a farm, a picturesque beach, or your own backyard for your outdoor wedding, the venue you select will have a significant impact on how your event turns out. It is important to consider factors like security, accessibility, licensing, safety, and size when selecting the ideal venue for your wedding. 

What you will be looking for in an outdoor wedding venue is a visually stunning space that is also accessible and safe for you and your guests. Another thing to look for is a location that can accommodate tents and other forms of shelter in the event of the rainy season, high winds, or other weather events.

Consider getting a wedding planner

Hiring a wedding planner can truly alleviate the burden of brainstorming and indecision by assisting you with decisions such as venue, catering, decoration, and schedule. They have the necessary wedding planning experience, so you can rely on them to provide insightful advice and knowledge on various wedding elements, including how to execute the perfect outdoor wedding.

Wedding planners can have opinions on even the most minor details that you may not have considered. They will advise you on whether to choose a luxurious wedding event center or a wild garden, the type of catering and refreshments to serve, outdoor wedding ideas, and whether you should plan for an emergency indoor setup such as tents or marquees. Read more

[world-of-wales]

ＴＨＥ ＲＯＹＡＬ ＣＨＲＯＮＩＣＬＥＳ : The Royal Wedding of Prince William & Catherine Middleton .* :☆ﾟ｡ ･

HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis and Miss. Catherine Elizabeth Middleton married in a religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey on what is my favourite day ever aka 29 April, 2011.

For the day, William was in the red tunic of the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform with a forage cap bearing the Irish Guards insignia. He wore the Order of the Garter Star and Blue Riband to which his RAF Wings & Golden Jubilee Medal were fastened.

Meanwhile Catherine was a fairytale disney princess in a dress by Surah Burton of Alexander McQueen with the Cartier Scroll Tiara and a pair of diamond acorn earrings from Robinson Pelham. Her bridal bouquet featured myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, ivy, and hyacinth.

Catherine was walked down the aisle by her father, Michael with whom she had travelled from Goring Hotel. Her sister Pippa was the maid of honour.

Will & Cat vowed to love, honour and cherish each other during the ceremony performed by the Archbishop of Cantebury.

He gave Catalina a ring made from Welsh Gold keeping with the tradition within the Royal Family.

Following the ceremony in true fairytale fashion, the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled in a horse-drawn carriage procession to Buckingham Palace.

They appeared on the Palace Balcony and shared TWO KISSES to the delight of the crowd gathered below and to my Disney obsessed self who'd been glued to the TV the entire time.

A Reception was held by the Queen in their honour at Bucking Palace, after which William drove his babykins to Clarence House in an Aston Martin DB6 Volante. Another private dinner was hosted by The Prince of Wales for his son and new daughter-in-law.

This was quite literally THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY! Aaaahhh all those feels of the day, everything was just perfect. Honestly for me nothing is ever topping twenty-ninth of april of 2011. And I don't think there was anyone who wasn't enveloped by the happiness radiating off of these two that day.

Nobody can talk about the day without talking about the goddess that our homegirl looked like that day, KateEffect had always been a thing but THIS DRESS like >>>>

[theroyalsandi]

British Royal Family - The Queen, Colonel, The Grenadier Guards, and Patron, The Colonel’s Fund, hosted a reception for members and beneficiaries at Clarence House. The fund supports Grenadiers who have suffered serious physical or mental injury while on operational service, and their families. (Photo by John Stillwell) | February 21, 2024

[camillasgirl]

Queen Camilla, President of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, hosts a reception to present the inaugural Queen's Award for Osteoporosis (formerly the Duchess of Cornwall's Award), Clarence House, London, 03.10.2024

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: June

June 1st - The Prince and Princess of Wales were present at the Marriage of The Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif which took place at the Zahran Palace. They then attended the wedding reception June 6th - The Princess of Wales visited Windsor Family Hub. That afternoon, she received Mrs. Alice Webb (Trustee of The Royal Foundation) at Windsor Castle June 7th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation and Patron of the Rugby Football Union, visited Maidenhead Rugby Football Club June 8th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 14th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 15th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, visited Riversley Park Children's Centre. Later, she received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle June 16th - A film was released highlighting the vital role that health visitors play in the community, which includes footage of The Princess of Wales shadowing health visiting teams at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. That evening, the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, and The Princess of Wales, Colonel of the Irish Guards, attended the Senior Colonels' Conference and Dinner at Clarence House June 17th - The Wales family joined the extended members of the British Royal Family at The King's Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour June 19th - The Princess of Wales was present when the King, accompanied by The Queen, The Prince of Wales, and others, held a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room, Windsor Castle. The King later gave a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at which The Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and others were present June 20th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, officially reopened the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery June 22nd - Prince George was spotted touring Eton alongside his parents June 23rd - The Prince and Princess of Wales honoured Royal Ascot with their presence June 24th - The Princess of Wales joined Roger Federer in a video for Wimbledon, focusing on the ball boys and girls June 27th - The Princess of Wales officially opened Hope Street June 28th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum, officially reopened the newly renovated Young Victoria and Albert Museum June 29th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting. Afterwards, she held further meetings. The Country Life cover photographed by the then-Duchess of Cambridge won the Cover of the Year title at the PPA Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the magazine world June 30th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle

[andydrysdalerogers]

Undercover ~ Epilogue

Pairings: Jake Jensen and OFC Samantha Matthews

The Losers have made it back to their families and are out. Well, almost. A threat against the British crown needs to be handled and the CIA has tapped the Losers for one final mission. And they are sending in Jensen.

Jake Jensen hasn't been a civilian in years but now he's undercover to find out why his target is where he is and who he's after.

Enter Sam, someone who Jake doesn't expect and well, he didn't know he was looking for.

Can Jake handle his mission and falling in love? Especially when the truth leads to a bigger mission than expected?

*~* A Jake Jensen Story *~*

Author's note: I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to Jake and Sam.

The playlist is available on Spotify.

cover photo by me! Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Warnings: angst, death, smut, and a bunch of stuff a can’t say because it gives away the plot!

Previous: Chapter Sixteen - Royally Screwed

Story Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Please note that I do not give permission for my work to be translated, reposted, or published anywhere other than my Tumblr. Reblogs are most welcome though!

Five Years Later... 

“Your Royal Highness, your guests have arrived.”  

“Cool thank.” Prince Jake had finally gotten used to the formal address with the staff. It was still a trip that he was a prince. Everyone called him “Your Royal Highness” or “Sir”.  His in-laws call him Jacob, much to his annoyance. He was only called that by his own family when he was in trouble.  But Sam, Sam still calls him Jakey.  

“Jakey, are they here?” 

“Yeah Princess. I’m gonna go get them.” Jake stood up and pressed a kiss to her nose. “Stay here, relax.” He walked over to the front foyer of Clarence House, the home that Anthony had gifted them when they got married almost four and a half years ago.  

Jake didn’t want to wait for another year after his invocation ceremony.  Sam’s parents, along with Anthony’s wife, Queen Elizabeth, planned everything out with Sam. They had a small church ceremony in Manchester, followed by a modest reception.  Jake’s family, including his cousin Savannah and her family made it out for the wedding.  Sam had forgotten to warn her brother that Jake’s cousin in law was famous.  

“You are now related to Chris Evans?” Anthony asked as he watched his wife fangirl a little.  

“Did I not mention that?” Sam smiled.  She had her moment when they had met ages ago.  Since that time, she and Savannah had become close, and she had asked her to be her bridesmaid, along with Aisha.  The Evans children served as flower girls and ring bearer.  Jake had been sweet and asked Clay and Chris to be his groomsmen after Pooch and Cougar especially, refused to participate.  

As Jake approached the door, he could hear arguing.  “He’s so important he has to have a guard.” Jake smiled as he heard Pooch complain. 

“I don’t think its about Jake, more Samantha,” Clay replied.  “Be respectful.” 

“I am respectful.” Jake heard a snort that could only come from Cougar. “Shut up Cougar.” 

“Y’all know its rude to argue in the home of a prince, right?” He called out as he leaned on the door frame.  

Pooch grinned, “not when you’ve know the prince for 15 years.”  

“Hey Poochy, nice to see you.”  He gave Pooch’s wife and son a kiss and a hug in greeting. He bro-hugged Cougar before he turned to his former commanding officer.  “Colonel,” he said to Clay, with a cheeky smile.  

“Don’t call me that,” Clay replied and pulled Jake into a hug. “Sorry Aisha couldn’t make it.”  

“You have a newborn at home, I get it.”  Jake shrugged, “I mean, I don’t get it, not yet anyways, but I get it.” He smiled.  “She’s excited to see you all.  Follow me.”  

Jake walked them through their home. “Nice digs Jake,” Pooch says as he carries his son through the home.  

“Thanks, I guess Harold’s father built it for his wife when he was Duke of York.” Jake shrugged. “I just like we got a pool.”  

They enter the great room where the room is decorated in Avengers characters.  A little boy runs to Jake and jumps into his arms. Jake scoops him up.  “Uncle JJ, where you be?” The little boy asks.  

“Been, dude, been.  And I went to get some friends.” The little boy looked over. “Uncle Clay!” He squirmed until Jake put him down and he ran into Clay’s arms.  

“Hello, Your Royal Highness,” Clay said as he cooed at the boy.  “How’s my Charlie doing?” 

“Good, it's my birthday!” 

Anthony and Elizabeth had Charles Jacob William Clayton about two months after Jake’s invocation. The new Prince of Wales was beloved by everyone.  The only one who didn’t seem to care was his younger sister, one year old Charlotte, who was more interested in her teething ring than her brother at the moment.  

“Hi guys!” Sam carefully stood up, her nine month belly covered in a baby blue maternity dress.  

“Look at you mamacita,” Cougar said with a kiss on the cheek.  “Beautiful.”  

“Hey mama,” Pooch said.  

“Your Royal Highness,” Clay said with a wink. “How are you, Sam?” 

“Good, ready to get this kid out.” She placed a hand on top. “Three more weeks.”  

“Got the maternity bag and snacks ready,” Jake said, an arm around his wife’s waist.  

“Yes,” Sam rolled her eyes, “heaven forbid we forget the snacks.”  

“I would argue with you about the sarcasm, but I would also like to live,” Jake said.  He pressed a kiss to her temple.  “We’re ready to go if this little one makes an appearance early.”  

“Do you know what you are having?” 

“Nope.” Jake grinned as Sam sighed. “We couldn’t come to an agreement. Played rock, paper, scissors to decide and I won,” he said proudly.  

“And now I had to do the nursey up in neutral colors,” Sam grumbled. She sighed and smiled.  “Any way, drinks are along the back wall. If you need something stronger, ask Lawrence in the back.” She pointed to a butler.  

“Clay!” Anthony came up to the group greeting as they moved around the room.  Sam kept walking around, being a good hostess for her nephew/godson’s birthday.  The relationship between her and her brother had improved. Anthony drew Sam in on matters of state, wanting her to be ready to lead if needed. He made an effort with Jake and Sam was in the room when Charlie was born.  

As she got ready to bring the cake out, she felt a twinge in her back.  She stood up straight for a second, but the pain didn’t return.  She shook it off and kept moving about the room.  About twenty minutes later, another pain seared across her belly, causing her to gasp. “Jake,” she said shakily.  

“Yeah baby, what's...” he stopped dead as Sam curled over a bit, grimacing in pain.  “Uhh...” 

“Jake, I think I’m having contractions.” She reached out for her husband and grasped his arms.  

“But, its three weeks away.” Jake was stunned. “We still have time and...” 

“Jake!” Clay stepped in. “Snap out of it. Sam, look at me.” She turned her head.  “It’s gonna be ok.  Where is your bag?” 

“Its upstairs by the door of our room,” she said with huffs of pain.  

“Cougar, Pooch, get him to snap out of it.”  

“Sweetheart,” Harold came in as the team moved. “What is going on?”   

“Papa, I think I’m in labor and my husband is standing in front of me like an idiot.”  Jake still hadn’t moved, his jaw moving like a fish. 

“I’ve got it,” Clay said, running down the stairs with her suitcase. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”  He turned to see Pooch and Cougar playing rock, paper, scissors.  “What the fuck?” 

“What?” Pooch said. “We think he needs a slap in the head to make him conscious again. Trying to decide who gets the honor.”  

“For fuck’s sake.”  Clay went up to Jake and snapped his fingers.  Jake jumped and looked at Clay.  “Jensen, your wife is in labor, you need to move.”  

Jake looked from Clay to Sam and back before he said, “oh shit. I need the bag and the snacks and...” 

“Ok Jake, relax I’ve got the bags and the RPS is going to take you to St. Mary’s.  We’ll be right behind you.”  

“Ok, alright. Let’s go Princess. Time to have a baby!” 

“Really Jacob, I didn’t notice.”  

Jake looked at Clay.  “I’ll explain later.”  

Twelve hours later, Harold, Jake’s parents and the Losers were sitting in the waiting room, when they heard a door open.  Everyone looked up and saw Jake walk out wearing scrubs and holding a little bundle.  

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet David Harold Clay Jensen-Davenport. My son.”  

Everyone gave their congratulations as they looked on to the newest member of their family.  “How is my daughter?” Harold asked.  

“Tired but in love.  They are helping her take a quick shower and then everyone can visit.”  He looked down at his baby boy and kissed his forehead.  “I love you son,” he whispered.  

Later on, after everyone had left and it was just the new family of three, Jake laid next to Sam on the bed as she fed Davy. “He’s perfect,” she said.  

“Of course, he is,” Jake said.  “He was baked by you.” He kissed her temple.  “Thank you, Princess.”  

“For what?” 

“For taking on a Loser and making him the happiest guy in the world. I love you Sam.”  

“I love you Jake. Always.”  

The End 

Taglist:

@patzammit @texmexdarling @slutforchrisjamalevans @firephotogrl74 @tinkerbelle67 @before-we-get-started @bunnyforhim @alexakeyloveloki @sunnyhummingbee @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @peaceinourtime82 @saucy-sassy-sparkly @kmc1989 @kandis-mom @lokislady82

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in June 2023

01/06 As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Logistic Corps, Princess Anne attended the Freedom of the City of Winchester Parade at the Guildhall to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Corps, followed by a Service of Thanksgiving in Winchester Cathedral. 🫡

03/06 Princess Anne departed from Heathrow Airport for Canada and was received at Calgary International Airport by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 🇨🇦

As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, HRH met with delegates and later attended a Dinner at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. 🌍

04/06 As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, HRH attended the Opening Plenary of the Commonwealth Study Conference. She departed Calgary Airport for the United Kingdom and arrived back on 05/06 🇨🇦

06/06 As Royal Patron of Motor Neurone Disease Association, attended a Care Forum at Boughton House, Kettering. 🦠

As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, HRH attended a Younger Brethrens’ Dinner at Trinity House, Tower Hill, London EC3. 🍽️

07/06 As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, HRH attended the Trinitytide Anniversary Annual Court Meeting, Church Service and Luncheon at Trinity House. 🥗

The Princess Royal attended the Canadian Armed Forces Day Reception at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, Canada House, Trafalgar Square. 🇨🇦

08/06 The Princess Royal, as Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Brize Norton, attended a Parade to mark the retirement of C-130J Hercules and the disbandment of 47 Squadron at Royal Air Force Brize Norton. ✈️

Her Royal Highness, As Royal Patron of the Security Institute, HRH attended a Careers Fair at the Victory Services Club 💼

As Patron, International Students House, attended a Reception. 👨‍🎓

12/06 As Patron, of the British Nutrition Foundation, Princess Anne visited Washingborough Academy in Lincoln, to mark the 11th Healthy Eating Week for Schools. 🍎

As President of Carers Trust, HRH visited the new Facilities for Carers at the Carers’ Support Service at the Old Waterworks Office in Grimsby. 🩺

As Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Members Election Commission, HRH held a Dinner at St James’s Palace. 🍽️

13/06 Held an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

The Princess Royal, As Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Members Election Commission, held a Members Election Commission Meeting. 🤸‍♀️

14/06 Held two Investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

Received His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams (Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda) and Lady Williams. 🇦🇬

15/06 The Princess Royal as Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) carried out the following engagements;

Attended the parading of the new Sovereign’s Standard to the Regiment followed by a Reception at Hyde Park Barracks.💂‍♂️

Attended a Household Cavalry Council Meeting at Hyde Park Barracks. 🐴

The new Sovereign’s Standard to The Blues and Royals was presented by HRH to HM in the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace and was received with a Royal Salute. After the new Standard was consecrated, The Parade subsequently ranked past HM and HRH. 🚩

As President of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, attended the Fellows’ Reception at the Royal Geographical Society. 🌍

16/06 The Princess Royal, as Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), presided over a Conference attended by the Colonels of the Regiments of the Household Division. HRH subsequently attended the Senior Colonels’ Dinner at Clarence House. 🫡

17/06 In her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Blues and Royals and Gold Stick in Waiting, the Princess Royal along with Sir Tim and other members of the royal family attended King Charles first Trooping the Colour Parade as monarch. 💂‍♂️

His Majesty was followed by The Prince of Wales (Colonel, Welsh Guards), The Princess Royal (Colonel, The Blues and Royals, Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) and The Duke of Edinburgh (Royal Honorary Colonel, 1st Battalion London Guards) on horseback down the Mall towards Horse Guards Parade. Duchess Sophie, Sir Tim and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester travelled in carriages and the Duke of Kent (Colonel, Scots Guards) followed by car. 🐎

The troops on Parade, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Livesey, Welsh Guards (Field Officer in Brigade Waiting), received The King with a Royal Salute. 🫡

After the Parade, the RF rode back to Buckingham Palace on horseback, in carriages and by car. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery ranked past The King on arrival at Buckingham Palace. 🐴

The royal family stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and witnessed a fly-past by aircraft of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. ✈️

19/06 The Princess Royal and Sir Tim with other members of the royal family and other members of the Garter attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room, Windsor Castle.

They all later attended a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. 🥪

An Installation Service was held in St George’s Chapel at which two new members were installed in the order. 🪶

20/06 As Colonel, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), attended a Dinner at Drapers’ Hall. 🍽️

Unofficial Attended day one of Royal Ascot with Zara and Mike Tindall, Peter Phillips and Lindsay Wallace 🐎

21/06 Unofficial Princess Anne, Sir Tim, Zara & Mike Tindall and other members of the RF attended day two of Royal Ascot. 🐴

22/06 Unofficial Princess Anne, Sir Tim, Zara & Mike Tindall and other members of the RF attended Ladies Day, day three of Royal Ascot. 🐴

23/06 Visited the Royal Highland Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh where she met exhibitors, farmers, animals and sampled local food and drink. 🐮🐑🧀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

24/06 Attended the Icelandic Horse Society British Championships and Summer Festival at Washbrook Farm, Aston le Walls. 🇮🇸🐎

27/06 Attended the opening ceremony of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, Germany. 🇩🇪🐎

28/06 Toured behind the scenes and met team GB at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, Germany. 🇩🇪🇬🇧

29/06 The Princess Royal, as President of Carers Trust, accompanied by Sir Tim, attended a Reception in London SW1. 🦽

Princess Anne as Patron of United Kingdom Sailing Academy, accompanied by Sir Tim, attended a Founders’ Club Dinner at the Corporation of Trinity House. ⛵️

30/06 The Princess Royal presented Prize Day awards at the Royal School Haslemere. 🏆

Total official engagements for Anne in June: 40

2023 total so far: 262

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in June : 6

2023 total so far: 56

[charlotte-of-wales]

Queen Camilla hosts a reception as the newly appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Lancers, during which Camilla awards World War II Veteran, Lieutenant Michael de Burgh with the Buchan Medal and citation and then toasts Mr de Burgh's 100th birthday (11th June) at Clarence House | June 8th, 2023

[monsterintheballroom]

Interview under the cut :-)

Penelope Wilton: ‘The Queen Mother was an extremely clever woman’

The actress, set to take up the royal role in Backstairs Billy, reveals the sadness behind the corgis, hats and handbags

By Elizabeth Grice 29 October 2023 • 11:00am

Penelope Wilton can still travel incognito. It’s curious that half a century of exposure on stage and screen, packed with glorious parts, awards and a damehood, has not spoiled her secret satisfaction in being able to merge with the crowd. Yet the moment she opens her mouth her cover is blown. That voice! Classy, correct, crystalline and absolutely unmistakable. It could launch a thousand ships.

It gives emotional heft to the graveyard-bench confidences of Anne, the empathetic widow in Ricky Gervais’s comedy-drama After Life. It’s integral to the brittle dignity of Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey and it vibrates with controlled passion in the 2014 play Taken at Midnight for which she won an Olivier as Irmgard, the Jewish mother confronting the Gestapo over the incarceration of her son.

Soon it will be trained on Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother, and in case you might imagine that she’ll be wafting gently along on a wave of public adoration she issues a prompt corrective. 

“There’s nothing sentimental about this. The Queen Mother was an extremely clever woman – very, very quick. She could be acerbic.” 

When she refused to leave London during the Second World War, “Hitler said she was the most dangerous woman in Europe. I think she was marvellous and I hope this play makes her more Technicolor and sharp so she’s not just a pale lady in chiffon. There was nothing she didn’t find interesting.”

Backstairs Billy, by the British-Brazilian-Australian playwright Marcelo Dos Santos, is about the unconventional relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal but wayward servant, William Tallon, who more or less ran her life for 50 years until she died in 2002 at the age of 101.

“Although we are attempting to make me look like her physically,” says Wilton, “I’m not going to be doing an impersonation of her. It’s fiction. A made-up fantasy about what their lives were like at Clarence House. We don’t know how they talk. Biographers who put thoughts into words [spoken by their subjects] are rather annoying, actually, because how would they know?”

Still, by way of research she has immersed herself in the biographies so that no detail of the Queen Mother’s dress, mannerisms, heel-height, handbag size, salmon-fishing expertise or courtly extravagance escapes her. And, being Wilton, she absorbs the central truth that the party-loving ex-queen was probably, deep down, a lonely woman, widowed at 51 and needing to find a new way of living. There are poignant scenes as well as funny ones.

“She was of her time,” says Wilton, “an Edwardian lady. She was politically incorrect. She had served her country well and went on living the life that she wanted to live.”

More than anyone else (except perhaps Queen Elizabeth II, who bailed her mother out when she overspent) “Backstairs Billy” made that possible. Tallon was the ultimate devotee, anticipating her every need, getting her breakfast, ordering the flowers, looking after the corgis, organising guests at luncheons and receptions and always over-diligently topping up the champagne. 

Above all, he was amusing. She enjoyed his gentle mockery of some of the people she met and overlooked his sexual forays. “He made her life much more entertaining,” says Wilton. “She trusted him. She enjoyed his company. He didn’t have a family because he was gay and she adored him.”

The year is 1979. Britain is crippled by strikes and riots. The action takes place in her apartment at Clarence House which has caught some of the febrile atmosphere outside the palace gates. “The country was having a sort of nervous breakdown, as indeed it is now,” says Wilton.

The play’s comic potential lies in the Queen Mother’s relationships with her friends and the behaviour of people in her presence. “People about to meet the Royal family say, ‘Oh, I don’t care,’ but actually they do,” says Wilton. “They find themselves tongue-tied. They forget to curtsy. The Queen Mother was very good at putting them at ease.”

The play was commissioned by its director Michael Grandage, whose friend the late Una Stubbs had often told him, from first-hand stories of the Clarence House court, that Tallon would be a brilliant subject for a play.

The part lured the Welsh actor Luke Evans, 44, back to the stage after 16 years in film and television (including Beauty and the Beast and the Fast & Furious films) and Wilton, 77, is coquettishly pleased to be his Queen. “In fact, I’m thinking of taking him home,” she told the BBC’s The One Show. “We all need a Billy.”

Side by side on the television sofa, they presented a delightful, teasing twosome. Wilton’s fine hair is silver these days, swept up in a large comb at the back. She has a lovely smile and a slightly challenging air of expectation.

She is still fondly remembered for the 1980s BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles. She was Regan to Michael Hordern’s Lear.

Theatre is her first love. “It is the last place where language is really, really important,” she said.

“I like doing new plays because that’s the future. I like the difficulty of it. I like solving the problems. 

“My job is to put onto the stage what the writer has written, not what the director feels on Monday about the play. Somebody has bothered to write this play, use this language.”

She’s fascinated by where a character will take her. “In the theatre you go on a journey every night.” In one of her favourite Shakespeare plays, Much Ado About Nothing (in which she was an award-winning Beatrice to Michael Gambon’s Benedick in 1981), “Beatrice starts the play very scornful of Benedick and he of her. By the end they are madly in love; they have gone on a journey of self-discovery. And you take the audience with you.”

This is certainly true of Wilton and Gervais, whose characters are both bereaved, in After Life. The series had such an immediate and grateful response from the public that she was asked to become patron of The Good Grief Trust, a charity for those who have suffered loss. Wilton’s eldest sister Rosemary died of a Covid-related illness in 2021. She has much to draw on.

Wilton was born in Scarborough, the middle of three girls. Her mother Alice Travers was an actress, as was her uncle the late Bill Travers. She married two actors – first Daniel Massey who died in 1998 and then, in 1991, Ian Holm with whom she starred in Harold Pinter’s Moonlight. Holm died in 2020. Though both marriages ended in divorce, a warm connection was never broken.

With Massey, after the loss of a premature son, she had a daughter, Alice, a theatre producer. Alice, 46, and her family live close by in west London and Wilton enjoys being a big part of the lives of her grandchildren, Daniel, 11, and Ella, seven. 

She likes the freedom of living by herself in a house ever-open to family and friends. “I can do what I like. I can go to bed at half-past eight if I want and I can eat what I want, when I want.” 

After a well-paid film, such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or Downton, she will buy herself a painting.

Wilton’s trend-averse way of thinking as well as of being is refreshing.

She’s vehement about social media. “I’m not interested in people knowing where I am and what I’m doing. It’s terrible that people are chosen to be in plays or films because they have a following. If you’re a wonderful actor but a rather shy person you might not have a following.

“I wouldn’t say I was shy but I’m not a great extrovert either. I’m just sort of middling.”

Predictably, the pursuit of celebrity is not on her radar either. “It’s not a world I’m interested in so I don’t know much about it. I have absolutely nothing against people doing whatever they want to do but I don’t have to be part of it.” She cherishes her privacy in the same measured way. “I don’t make a great thing of it. I just go along, you know.”

Wilton tries not to think of roles she’d like to play. “Because it’s always a disappointment. It’s a bit like wallpaper. If you try and find that something in your mind you’re never going to find it.

“So it’s best to have a look and see what’s out there. This came as a tremendous surprise: to do a new play by a new writer who is really clever. I hope we do him service.”

Grandage has no doubt. “In everything Penelope Wilton does,” he says, “she avoids sentimentality. You know you’ll get something many layers deeper than that. With the Queen Mother, she offers an insight into someone we thought we knew

[royal-hair]

Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom at a reception for the Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House - 23.11.23

[jerseydeanne]

Rebecca English: The Queen Consort is joined by her husband, The King, as she hosts a reception at Clarence House for authors, the literary community and representatives of literacy charities to celebrate the second anniversary of The Queen’s Reading Room

[world-of-wales]

HAPPY 12TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES!

HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis and Miss. Catherine Elizabeth Middleton married in a religious ceremony on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.

Will and Cat were married by the Archbishop of Canterbury, while the Dean of Windsor conducted the ceremony and the Bishop of London gave the address.

Catherine wore a dress by Surah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The Royal School of Needlework's hand-made lace applique for the bodice and skirt incorporated the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. She was lent the Cartier Scroll Tiara by her grandmother-in-law and gifted a pair of diamond earrings featuring acorns from Robinson Pelham by her parents for the special day. The bridal bouquet featured myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, ivy, and hyacinth.

William doned on the red tunic of the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform with a forage cap bearing the Irish Guards insignia and motto, "Quis Separabit?. He wore the Order of the Garter Star and Blue Riband to which his RAF Wings & Golden Jubilee Medal were fastened.

Upon their wedding they were conferred upon the titles of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl & Countess of Strathearn and Baron and Lady Carrickfergus by Queen Elizabeth II.

Following the ceremony in true fairytale fashion, the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled in the 1902 State Landau in a horse-drawn carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. They appeared on the Palace Balcony for a RAF Flypast and shared TWO KISSES to the delight of the crowd gathered below and my 11 year old self's.

The official wedding photos of the couple with their families and wedding party were taken by Hugo Burnand in the throne room of Buckingham Palace.

A Reception for the couple and their guests was hosted at Buckingham Palace by The Queen while the then Prince of Wales hosted a further private dinner. The couple'a guests had two wedding cakes to choose from - a multi-tiered traditional fruit cake crafted by Fiona Cairns & William's favourite chocolate biscuit cake.

William and Catherine drove to Clarence House following the lunchtime reception in a blue, two seat Aston Martin DB6 Volante which was originally a 21st birthday gift to the then Prince of Wales by the Queen.

William and Catherine have three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The family of five they divide time between their official residence at Kensington Palace in London and their two private residences Amner Hall in Norfolk & Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

They became The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay after King Charles III's accession to the throne and were made The Prince and Princess of Wales by him on 9 September 2022.

As well as undertaking royal duties in support of The King, both in the UK and overseas, The Prince and Princess devote their time to supporting a number of charitable causes and organisations with some of their key areas of interest being Early Childhood Development, Mental Health, Conservation, Arts, Sports etc.

[theroyalsandi]

British Royal Family - Queen Camilla meets Detection Dogs Storm during a reception to mark the 15th anniversary of the Medical Detection Dogs charity, at Clarence House in London. (Photo by Arthur Edwards) | February 20, 2024

[camillasgirl]

Queen Camilla hosts a reception for the Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House, London, 12.11.2024

[grandmaster-anne]

Court Circular | 23rd February 2023

Buckingham Palace

The King and The Queen Consort this afternoon held a Reception at Clarence House to celebrate Literature and the Second Anniversary of Her Majesty’s “Reading Room”. The Queen Consort later re-opened Boston Manor, Boston Manor Road, Brentford, marking its Four Hundredth Anniversary, and was received by Ms. Rosemary Prescott (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London). Her Majesty afterwards visited the Jimmy Choo Academy, Boston Manor Road, Brentford. The Prince of Wales, on behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace this morning.

Kensington Palace

The Prince of Wales, Patron, the Passage, this afternoon opened Bentley House and Passage House, King’s Scholars Passage, London SW1. The Princess of Wales, Patron, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, this morning received Mr Ian Hewitt (Chairman) at Windsor Castle. Her Royal Highness, Colonel, Irish Guards, this afternoon received Major General Christopher Ghika (Regimental Lieutenant Colonel) and Lieutenant Colonel James Aldridge (Commanding Officer).

St James’s Palace

The Earl of Wessex this morning visited Ed Gartland Youth Centre, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The Earl and Countess of Wessex this afternoon attended a Luncheon at the Palm Hotel, Grace Bay Beach, Princess Drive, Providenciales. The Countess of Wessex this morning visited Blue Haven Marina, Leeward Settlement, Providenciales. Her Royal Highness afterwards attended the Turks and Caicos Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Meeting at the Palm Hotel, Grace Bay Beach. The Earl and Countess of Wessex later departed Providenciales International Airport for Nassau, Bahamas. His Royal Highness, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, and Her Royal Highness, Global Ambassador, this evening attended a Reception at the Breezes Hotel, West Bay Street, Nassau, for young people who have achieved the Gold Standard in the Award. The Earl of Wessex, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, and The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador, afterwards attended a Dinner at Lyford Cay Club, 1 Lyford Cay Drive, New Providence.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, President, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, this morning attended a Global Leadership Seminar at Coutts and Company, 440 Strand, London WC2. Her Royal Highness, Patron, Voluntary Service Overseas, this afternoon received Mr. Samuel Younger upon relinquishing his appointment as Chairman and Ms. Julia Lalla-Maharajh upon assuming the appointment. The Princess Royal, President, British Olympic Association, later attended an Executive Board Meeting at 101 New Cavendish Street, London W1.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Kent, Fellow, the Royal Society, this evening presented the Royal Medals at the Society’s Premier Awards Reception at 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, and was received by Mr Gareth Neame (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

[shippingdragons]

Toby Stephens and Anna Louise Plowman at today’s reception of authors at Clarence House for Camilla’s Reading Room, (a charity that will hold its first literary festival at Hampton Court Palace this year)