What Is The Royals’ Connection With Wimbledon?

Henry VIII was the first recorded royal to show an interest in tennis, often playing at Hampton Court. The first ever Wimbledon Championships took place in 1877, but the first royal visit wasn’t until 1907, when King George V and Queen Mary, then the Prince and Princess of Wales, attended. That same year, the Prince of Wales became the president of the All England Club – and ever since, a member of the royal family has been involved, either as president or as a patron. The Queen was patron from 1952 until 2016, although she has only attended the tournament four times. On her 90th birthday she retired from the role, handing the baton on to Kate.

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The Royal Box was opened in 1922, and since then it has been used to host members of the royal family, alongside A-listers and heads of government. Invitations come from the Chairman of the All England Club, and guests are invited to the clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day. It’s always a star-studded affair, with high-profile guests from all walks of life: last year, for instance, the Royal Box saw David Beckham and Tim Peake rubbing shoulders with Prince Michael of Kent and Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

While many of the royals are big fans of the game, just one has competed in the Championships. In 1926, Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI (the then-Duke of York) played in the doubles tournament with his long-time friend Sir Louis Greig. Sadly, they were eliminated in the first round by former champions Herbert Roper Barrett and Arthur Gore.

In 1969, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, became president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – but last year he stepped down from the role, passing his duties on to Kate. She’ll no doubt be there this year cheering on the players. Not only does she have a personal interest in the sport, it’s part of Kate’s official role to represent the royal family at sporting events. Speaking about Wimbledon in a BBC documentary, she said: ‘It’s such… a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters. It inspired me, when I was younger, to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.’

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Wimbledon 2023: The Key Moments You Might Have Missed So Far

 

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Football Royalty Spotted

5 July 2023: The big celeb spotting on day three of the tournament was David Beckham, who was seen in the Royal Box with his mother Sandra. Beckham has been a regular at Wimbledon for many years, and yesterday he was seen watching Britain’s Jodie Burrage take on Russian player Daria Kasatkina. He wore a beige suit jacket and cream chinos.

Just Stop Oil Protestors Interrupt Play

5 July 2023: Wimbledon has seen disruption today from Just Stop Oil protestors. This afternoon, two protestors ran onto the court during a match between Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Japan’s Sho Shimabukuro, throwing orange confetti. ‘Following an incident on Court 18, two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage and these individuals have now been removed from the grounds,’ the All England Club (AELTC) said in a statement. 

Later, there was further disruption when a protestor ran onto the court halfway through British player Katie Boulter’s match.

Kate Middleton Made Her First Appearance

4 July 2023: The Princess of Wales is an avid tennis fan, and is currently a patron of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, so Wimbledon is an unmissable event in her calendar. She made her first appearance at the tournament on day two to watch the Court 18 match between British No. 1 Katie Boulter against Australia’s Daria Saville, which was later suspended due to rain. 

 

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Outfit-wise, Kate channelled tenniscore with a pleated white skirt, which she paired with a mint green Balmain blazer. She was joined in the royal box by close friend and tennis royalty Roger Federer, and the pair were seen chatting away. It’s expected that the Princess will be attending Wimbledon a number of times during the championships, potentially with some family members – in 2022, she delighted fans by bringing Prince George along, and she has previously visited alongside her sister Pippa Middleton.

Andy Murray Secured A First-Round Victory

4 July 2023: Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray maintained his record of never losing in the Wimbledon first round on 4 July, winning in a match against Ryan Peniston. He spoke about the pre-Wimbledon nerves, saying: ‘I always get nervous at the beginning of Wimbledon. I like to feel that way. If I was going on the court and felt flat, didn’t have any emotion when I’m walking out there, that’s something that would probably be a bit wrong.’ 

Murray also commented on the star-studded audience. ‘It was amazing to have some royalty here, but also some tennis royalty as well,’ he said, as Federer smiled and laughed. ‘It’s amazing to have Roger here supporting the event. Last time I was on this court and he was watching was during the [2012] Olympics and he sat in Stan Wawrinka’s box supporting against me!’ Andy Murray is currently ranked 40th in the world.

Cameron Norrie Won Against Tomas Machac

4 July 2023: British number one Cameron Norrie secured his place in the second round of Wimbledon on Tuesday (4 July), beating Czech player Tomas Machac in four sets. Reflecting on his victory, he said: ‘I played, I reckon, a really good match with some normal drops in there but a lot to learn from and take from that match. But [it was a] good day and nice to get the win.’

‘I would say I have been hitting the ball as well as I can coming in. Going out there today there was a lot of good feelings, sensations right from the beginning. I was just trying to enjoy it as much as I can. It’s such a special tournament to play here every year.’

Norrie reached the last four at Wimbledon last year.

 

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Numerous Celebrity Spottings

4 July 2023: Wimbledon is always a honeypot for celebrity sightings, and this year has got off to a star-studded start. On the opening day, actors such as Idina Menzel and Leslie Mann arrived at Centre Court to watch Novak Djokovic take on Pedro Cachin.

Then, on day two, One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush was in attendance, alongside sports presenter Alex Scott and Doctor Who’s David Tennant. Emma Raducanu, who isn’t taking part in the tournament this year due to an injury, was also spotted with actors Andrew Scott and Sebastian Croft. Stanley Tucci and Elle Fanning were pictured too, plus Bear Grylls, who attended today (5 July) with his wife Shara.

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The Princess Of Wales Channels Tenniscore At Wimbledon

Kate Middleton made her first appearance at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships yesterday, as she watched British No. 1 Katie Boulter play against Australia’s Daria Saville on Court 18 (which was unfortunately interrupted by the rain). She later made her way to the royal box, where she was joined by close friend and tennis legend Roger Federer, who received a standing ovation from spectators (as well as the princess herself) on his arrival.

 

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What Did Kate Middleton Wear To Wimbledon?

During her first appearance at the championships this year, Kate Middleton wore a double-breasted mint green Balmain blazer with a white lapel and buttons; this is the first time she has been spotted in the French brand. She paired this with a long white pleated skirt – a tenniscore nod to the traditional women’s tennis skirt – and a pair of white Gianvito Rossi pumps. Her outfit was finished off with a white leather Mulberry bag and jewellery from Shyla London and Sezane.

On her blazer, Kate wore her go-to Wimbledon accessory: a green and purple bow symbolising her royal patronage of the Wimbledon Championships. The bow itself was gifted to her by the late Queen. The princess took over the role as patron to the All England Croquet Club in 2016; the patron bow is worn by members of the Committee of Management (the Main Board of the AELTC and representatives of the LTA) during the championship, in recognition of their role and responsibilities.

 

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The princess’s decision to wear green to the tournament is also thought to be a subtle reference to the official Wimbledon colours, green and purple. Fun fact – the current colours were introduced in 1909 following the discovery that the previous Club colours of blue, yellow, red and green were almost identical to those of the Royal Marines.

This comes not long after Kate wore full tennis gear during an afternoon of training with Roger Federer back in June. The princess was spotted at the All England Club playing a doubles rally with the tennis legend, before taking part in training sessions with all 250 of this year’s contingent of Ball Boys and Ball Girls. Embodying the spirit of the occasion, Kate – an avid tennis player herself – opted for a Wimbledon branded white vest and Stella McCartney x Adidas tennis skirt on the court.

HRH The Princess of Wales and Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer playing tennis on No.3 Court. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon (c) AELTC/Thomas Lovelock

Can You Shop Kate’s Wimbledon Look?

Unfortunately, Kate’s green blazer is now sold out in stores and online. The Balmain jacket was released in 2021, and is no longer available to purchase directly from the brand.

However, you can still find the pair of Shyla knot earrings worn by the princess on the jeweller’s website, priced at £72, as well as the Gianvito Rossi 105 white pumps for £650 and a similar version of her bag, Mulberry’s Amberley Crossbody, for £795.

Featured image: HRH The Princess of Wales playing tennis on No.3 Court. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon (c) AELTC, Thomas Lovelock

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What Are The Wimbledon Traditions?

Why Do Players Wear White At Wimbledon?

From the very beginning, all competitors have played in head-to-toe white. The rule was introduced in Victorian times to hide perspiration – sweating was considered improper back then. To this day, players must be dressed almost entirely in white, with just a single trim of colour around the neckline and the cuff of the sleeves considered acceptable. Indeed, the clothing rules stipulate that ‘white does not include off white or cream,’ and this applies to practice as well as matches.

That said, at the end of 2022, the tournament’s organisers announced that women would be allowed to wear dark shorts in the 2023 season in a Wimbledon first, in a nod to players’ period concerns. Appended with an asterisk, the rules state: ‘Exception provided for female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.’

Strawberries & Cream

The staple Wimbledon dessert, strawberries and cream, has been served at the Championships ever since the first tournament in 1877. Historians believe the tradition was started by Thomas Wolsey, the King’s right-hand man, who allegedly first served the combination at a banquet in 1509. It went down well and was served to spectators at Hampton Court Palace tennis court while games were taking place.

Pimm’s

A similar tradition, though nowhere near as long-running, is drinking Pimm’s at Wimbledon. The classic British cocktail – made with lemonade, plenty of cucumber, strawberries and orange slices, mint springs and a healthy dose of the titular gin-based liqueur, Pimm’s – first appeared at the tournament in 1971, and has been a stalwart sip ever since.

Murray Mound

Murray Mound or Henman Hill? There’s ongoing debate about what the grassy bank at Wimbledon should be called. It’s official name, though, is Aorangi Terrace. Every year, thousands of tennis fans turn up to watch the tournament on a huge television screen. To gain access, you need a Ground Admission pass, which can be bought on the day by joining the Queue (more on that below).

The Queue

People have been joining the famed Wimbledon Queue since as far back as 1927. As a sport, tennis is steeped in manners – and, of course, we’re British, so it’s only natural we queue. The Queue was temporarily scrapped in 2021 due to Covid, but it was back and better than ever in 2022, and we expect the same this year. Wimbledon allocates a set amount of tickets for each court, and at 9.30am each day, queueing tickets become available on a first-come-first-served basis. The really committed fans camp out overnight, while others head there in the early hours of the morning – or you can head on down post-5pm to catch some of the later matches, when tickets are slightly cheaper and the queue will move more quickly.

Royal Attendance

There has been a Royal presence at Wimbledon for over a century now, with the Windsors typically frequently the Royal Box. But the Royals’ interest in tennis stretches much further back than that, with King Henry VIII often playing tennis at Hampton Court Palace. The Royal Box is home to 74 prestigious seats, with the best view of centre court – but isn’t restricted to royal use. In fact, each year, invitations come from the Chairman of the All England Club, and guests are invited to the clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day. Learn more about the Royals’ connection to Wimbledon here.

Rufus The Hawk

Ever wondered how they keep the luscious grass courts at Wimbledon free from pigeons? You have Rufus the hawk to thank. The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s official ‘bird scarer’, Rufus is charged with, well, scaring other birds away from the courts. He’s somewhat of a minor celeb in the tennis world, with over 3,000 followers on Instagram.

 

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Well, the ‘pay rise’ is actually due to the Crown Estate’s newly revealed record profits of nearly £443 million. The £16 billion portfolio of assets ranges from the lofty, Monopoly heights of property on Regent Street down to the depths of the UK’s seabed. Interestingly, the latter has more to do with profit than you might expect: the Crown Estate announced earlier this year that it had secured a £1 billion deal to sell six licences for new wind energy projects off the UK coast, specifically off the coasts of North Wales, Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

This is great news for the UK’s climate targets, but even better news for the estate’s economic margins it seems. In a report published this morning (29 June 2023), the Crown Estate confirms that the £129.9 million increase in profit (compared to last year) ‘primarily reflects option fee income from the signing of Agreements for Lease for six offshore wind farms through the Round 4 leasing programme and revenue resilience in its other lines of business’. In layman’s terms, selling those windfarm licences has led to a large windfall for the Crown Estate.

So, what does the King have to do with this? Under the Sovereign Grant System, Charles is entitled to 25 percent of the Crown Estate’s annual surplus profits, which are paid to the Treasury and otherwise fund the public. But when the sale of the offshore windfarms was announced at the start of the year, Charles rejected benefiting from that surplus, and requested the profits ‘be directed for wider public good’. This means that Charles said ‘no thank you’ to a major pay rise, before knowing how much he was in line to receive. This figure is now being reported in excess of £30 million.

5 Things King Charles Has Done For the Environment

Back in 1969, the young Prince of Wales wrote a letter to Prime Minister Harold Wilson about the decline of salmon stocks in the Scottish rivers. ‘People are notoriously short-sighted when it comes to questions of wildlife,’ he wrote. This set the precedent for many decades of environmental campaigning. During his time as a Prince, King Charles used his position to champion positive change, spearheading numerous initiatives for the planet – and most recently standing as a key figure during COP26. 

As our monarch, the King is subject to different rules when it comes to showing a political stance – and in his first address to the nation as King, he said: ‘it will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply’. Friends say, however, that he won’t slow down on climate action, according to the BBC.

While recent reports that Charles is a ‘stickler for turning the lights off’ and has turned the heating down in his swimming pool might seem like minimal interventions, the King has done a significant amount of work towards raising awareness of the climate crisis and bettering the state of our planet. Here, we look back on five things the King has done for the environment throughout his life so far.

1. Launching The Sustainable Markets Initiative

In 2020, Prince Charles established the Sustainable Markets Initiative, aiming to kickstart action towards a greener future, encouraging the private sector to accelerate their efforts. Now, more than 500 CEOs are part of the initiative, including the heads of some of the world’s biggest financial institutions. This means they have signed up to the SMI’s ‘Terra Carta’ pledges. This August, the SMI announced The Terra Carta Action Forum, a two-day event which will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, tying in with the World Leaders Summit.

Robert Smith Photography

2. Creating An Organic Garden At Highgrove

Back in the 1980s, Charles began transforming Highgrove, his Gloucestershire estate, into an organic haven. Some neighbouring farmers were initially sceptical, but it was a success, gradually becoming a business called Duchy Organic, which sells its produce in Waitrose. All profits go towards charitable causes via the King’s own foundation. 

3. Being A Key Figurehead Of COP26

Last year, Charles was heavily involved in COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He spoke in front of world leaders at the opening ceremony, issuing an urgent call for action: ‘I can only urge you, as the world’s decision-makers, to find practical ways of overcoming differences so we can all get down to work, together, to rescue this precious planet and save the threatened future of our young people.’

4. Reducing His Personal Carbon Footprint

As well as launching large-scale initiatives, Charles has made personal changes to reduce his environmental impact – and not just by turning down the heating in his swimming pool. At COP26, he outlined some recent swaps he had made, including switching the heating of Birkhall to biomass boilers and installing solar panels at Clarence House. He also revealed, interestingly, that he had his Aston Martin converted to run on bioethanol made from cheese and wine. 

(c) Anastasia Zhenina, Unsplash

5. Being Patron Of The Campaign For Wool

As the Prince of Wales, Charles also helped launch the Campaign for Wool initiative, of which he is the patron. Its mission is to educate consumers about the benefits of wool, a material which biodegrades naturally, meaning it doesn’t accumulate in landfill and oceans. Events culminate in the annual Wool Week, which engages customers in all things wool through a mix of activities spanning interiors, fashion and design. 

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Princess Diana’s Sheep Sweater Is Heading To Auction

For the first time, Princess Diana’s iconic red sheep sweater is heading to auction. Sotheby’s, which currently holds the record for the most valuable Princess Diana dress ever sold ($604,800 at auction in January 2023), are set to host the sale as part of its Fashion Icons event later this year.

(c) Tim Graham/Getty Images

Whether it was attending royal events in elegant evening gowns and sleek suits or walking around London in jeans and workout gear, Princess Diana made every occasion a moment for her vivid personal style to shine. Easily one of the most style-savvy members of the royal family, Diana was known for igniting trends – inviting the world to draw on her image for fashion inspiration.

‘From her early years as a shy and reserved royal to her later years as a confident and independent woman, Princess Diana’s fashion choices broke the mould by reflecting the changing social climate and embracing evolving perceptions of femininity,’ said Cynthia Houlton, Sotheby’s Global Head of Fashion & Accessories. ‘By combining high-end designer pieces with more attainable everyday apparel, Diana’s style led to a wave of imitation and admiration – which remains steadfast to this day – leaving an indelible mark on the fashion world and solidifying the Princess as an icon in fashion history.

‘This exceptional garment, meticulously preserved, carries the whispers of Princess Diana’s grace, charm, and her keen eye for fashion. It’s an honour to offer this historic sweater in our inaugural Fashion Icons auction, placing it in dialogue with other memorable and culturally important items of clothing.’

About The Sweater

History

The iconic sweater was one of the first pieces created by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne and their knitwear label Warm & Wonderful, and its distinct design features a herd of white sheep laid out on red wool – with a lone black sat slightly off-centre in the middle. It was first seen worn by Princess Diana in June 1981, shortly after the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles. Attending one of the prince’s summer polo matches, Diana was quickly spotted in the red sweater and it soon became the object of trend chatter while propelling Warm & Wonderful into mainstream popularity.

‘Much to our amazement, the first we knew of Lady Diana Spencer wearing the sweater was when we saw her on the front page of one of the Sunday newspapers,’ said Warm & Wonderful founders Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. ‘Her influence was impactful almost immediately thereafter, leading to a surge in sales and public awareness of our small label, for which we will be forever grateful.’

A few weeks after Diana was seen in the sweater, an official letter from Buckingham Palace was sent to Muir and Osborne politely explaining that Diana had damaged her much-loved sheep sweater and requested either a repair or replacement. The two sent back a newly knitted sweater (which you can see in the permanent collection in London’s V&A), while the original remained with Muir and Osborne – remaining forgotten, until now.

A tear in the sleeve of the sweater

‘This past March, as we were rummaging through the attic searching for an old pattern, we spotted a small box. Inside, tucked away beside a cotton bedspread was Diana’s original red sheep sweater from 1981. Now, almost four decades later, this one-of-a-kind sheep sweater is ready to make its way into the hands of a fortunate collector.’

Warm & Wonderful stopped producing the black sheep knit in 1994, before reissuing the design in 2020 in collaboration with American designer Jack Carlson and his brand Rowing Blazers. A replica of the sweater also appeared in the fourth season of Netflix’s The Crown, worn by actress Emma Corrin.

Symbolism

Due to its intriguing design, the black sheep sweater remains a topic of conversation when it comes to Diana’s relationship with the royal family. Historical speculation in the media has suggested that Diana felt a connection to the lone black sheep, while others have interpreted the sheep pattern as a nod to British agricultural history and a celebration of the countryside. Nevertheless, many were taken with the symbolism of the sheep itself – innocent, gentle and pure – and how it mirrored Diana’s own compassionate and kind demeanour.

About The Auction

When Will The Sweater Go To Auction?

Princess Diana’s iconic sheep sweater will be headlining Sotheby’s inaugural Fashion Icons sale this September in New York.

Can We Place Bids?

Online bidding will be open from 31 August until 14 September, coinciding with New York Fashion Week. The sweater will also be displayed in New York from 7 September 2023. It’s estimated value is between £40,000 and £70,000. sothebys.com

Images courtesy of Sotheby’s and Tim Graham/Getty Images

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Brands The Royals Love

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Featured image: Samuel Regan-Asante, Unsplash

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Stephen Jones On New British Hat Guild Exhibition Crowning Glory

Hi Stephen, thanks for joining us today! Can you please kick us off by telling us a bit about Crowning Glory: A Milliners’ Celebration of All the King’s Colours?

This collection of hats is part of a collaborative yearly effort by Brain Tumour Research, The Jockey Club in Epsom Downs and the British Hat Guild to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. We pick a Royal Theme for the Epsom Derby and create hats in tribute to this theme. This year happened to coincide with the coronation, and so our theme was all about King Charles’s racing colours for 2023. There was a significant change this year as it was the first time the purple, red and gold silks were worn in his honour as his inherited horses from the late Queen Elizabeth II were brought to the fore.

We as a Guild feel intrinsically entwined with the culture of the Royal Family as they are such supporters of millinery. The theme is a nod to this and the creations a reflection of the Royal Racing Events in Britain and a representation of modern millinery. It all culminates in an auction for the hats to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Leonna Mayor and milliner Lisa Tan

All of this is in aid of Brain Tumour Research. What kind of work does it do, and why partner with this charity in particular?

Brain Tumour Research is close to the heart of every milliner, as we are aware that so often when people undertake chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, they often lose their hair. Hats can play a huge role with helping restore their confidence.

Can you talk us through the design process for the hats in Crowning Glory pieces – and how they differ from previous hats you’ve made?

We were honoured to be a part of this auction for 2023 and the first design ideas sprouted from colour and obviously a new era for the Royal Family and Great Britain. I based my piece on one from our current collection, ‘Why? Why Not?’ It felt apt to have a piece from my most current collection, and was interesting to see how, in my opinion, one of my most forward-thinking collections contrasted with the archaic purples of the Royal Racing Colours.

I wanted to have a modern hat to represent a step forward into the future of royalty but also have a wearable hat for the modern race goer. I approach my design process as I would any other. It needs to be perfect for the occasion and of course a delight for the wearer!

Stephen Jones worn by Leonna Mayor

What role has the royal family played in defining British millinery?

Royalty and millinery go back centuries, because of course the ultimate hat is the Crown. From Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, all believed in millinery as something that would identify them as visible and apart from the general public. British and global formal events continue to use this as statement dressing.

You’ve been in the industry for over 40 years. Any major highlights from your career you can share with us?

Obviously making hats for the Royal Family is an honour and is very memorable, both for racing and for other events they attend throughout the year.

And what about memorable challenges?

Every hat is a challenge, that’s what makes it exciting.

Judy Bentinck worn by Rosie Tapner

What motivates you to push your creative boundaries?

The fact that I am always dissatisfied with what I’ve done, and my clients are so often an inspiration for me.

Is there anyone you haven’t designed a hat for that you’d really like to?

So many people! Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor – but sadly those clients are long gone. What I really look forward to is meeting clients of the future, because every young person occasionally would like to look like a princess.

The fashion industry is becoming increasingly conscious of its impact on the planet. How do you think millinery and sustainability will come together over the next few years, if they haven’t already?

I think hats by their very nature are sustainable. People never throw hats away; they always pass them onto somebody else.

Jenny Roberts worn by Rosie Tapner

Do you have anything else exciting (that you can tell us about) in the pipeline for 2023?

Seeing my celebrity clients wearing the hats I’ve worked on for months for top secret projects… shhhhhhhhh!

How do you think we can live a life in balance?

Through happiness and respect. And making sure that your hat has a comb in it.

Any parting words for our readers?

You need many hats in your life: one for the country, one for town and one for home.

Laura Wright wearing Ellie Vallerini and Rosie Tapner wearing Giulia Mio

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Crowning Glory: A Milliners’ Celebration of All the King’s Colours will exhibited at The Derby at Epsom Downs on 2 and 3 June 2023. All hats in Crowning Glory are available to purchase via auction at galabid.com, which runs until midnight on 11 June 2023. All proceeds will go to Brain Tumour Research.

Featured image: Stephen Jones worn by Leonna Mayor (c) The British Hat Guild

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Kate Middleton Embraces Barbiecore Visiting The Foundling Museum

Earlier this week, the Princess of Wales visited Chelsea Flower Show sporting a pretty pink dress from British luxury label ME+EM, along with a pair of summery espadrille wedges from Castañer and Catherine Zoraida earrings. Today, she’s taken her love of pink one step further, donning a pastel pink three-piece Alexander McQueen pantsuit, a statement white Camilla Elphick belt with pearl detailing, and white pointed toe pumps.

 

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The Princess was photographed inside and outside The Foundling Museum on Brunswick Square, of which she has been a patron since 2019. The Museum chronicles the history of the Foundling Hospital – the UK’s first children’s charity – which cared for abandoned children in the 18th century. Kate visited to see its ‘Finding Family’ exhibition, which displays the creative work of people who have lived in the care system; the Museum offers mentoring programmes as well as therapeutic art and writing classes to support young people who have been (or are in) the care system. The visit adds to Kate’s recent work highlighting early childhood development. 

During her visit, the Princess was joined by Professor Green to talk to the creatives about how creative writing helps them express their emotions and experiences, as well as with adoptive and foster parents about the positive impact of nurturing and being nurtured. She also spoke about the importance of having loving relationships as children. 

Every day @FoundlingMuseum‘s ground-breaking work supports care-experienced young people to fundamentally change the future direction of their lives.

All the support and care we can offer those who have faced real difficulties early in life has such a positive impact on… pic.twitter.com/49VxuyTND8

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2023

‘Every day @FoundlingMuseum’s ground-breaking work supports care-experienced young people to fundamentally change the future direction of their lives,’ Kate wrote on Twitter. ‘All the support and care we can offer those who have faced real difficulties early in life has such a positive impact on #ShapingUs’.

Kate later visited a peer support group led by Kinship, a charity partnering carers with people in need of care, supporting both. While there, she heard about the experiences of raising the child of a relative or friend after they could no longer live with their parents from kinship families.

The brilliant @kinshipcharity helps families across the UK where grandparents, relatives or friends raise someone else’s child.

Spending quality time with these families today has been wonderful. pic.twitter.com/0btALGJlxe

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2023

Naturally, we can’t help but think of Barbiecore – the hot pink trend taking over the fashion, interiors and even the travel world – especially after Margot Robbie’s iconic Vogue cover promoting Greta Gerwig’s Barbie made headlines this morning.

 

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Featured image: The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton visits RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. She is pictured with school children for the first RHS Chelsea Children’s Picnic. (© RHS/Oliver Dixon)

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The King Presents The New Elizabeth Medal Of Honour At Chelsea Flower Show

King Charles III and Queen Camilla with RHS President Keith Weed (left) at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. (© RHS/Oliver Dixon)

The new Elizabeth Medal of Honour recognises ‘those of any nationality that have significantly impacted the advancement of the science, art or practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment’, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Established in 2023 and first awarded at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, the Medal is awarded ‘in perpetual remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s glorious reign’ and ‘in recognition of the duration of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, only 70 medals will be held at any one time’.

‘The Royal Horticultural Society was exceptionally fortunate to have Her Majesty as our patron throughout her reign,’ said RHS President Keith Weed on the new medal. ‘This award celebrates both Her Majesty’s glorious reign and the work she did to raise the profile of UK horticulture both nationally and internationally through her visits to RHS Chelsea Flower Show and wider work.’

King Charles III presents The Elizabeth Medal of Honour at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. L-R: Baroness Janet Fookes DBE, King Charles III, Judy Ling Wong CBE, Piet Oudolf, Queen Camilla & Keith Weed. (© RHS/Oliver Dixon)

Who Won The Elizabeth Medal Of Honour?

The 2023 recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour are:

• Baroness Janet Fookes DBE
• Judy Ling Wong CBE
• Piet Oudolf

‘It is a great honour that Their Majesties The King and Queen have presented the first Elizabeth Medal of Honour to the three recipients today,’ said Weed. ‘Piet Oudolf, the Right Honourable tho Baronoss Janet Fookes DBE and Judy Ling Wong CBE are all extremely worthy of the award and we thank them for all they have done and continue to do to promote the power of gardening and plants.’

The medals were presented by King Charles in the Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration, a Feature Garden designed by Dave Green, brimming with some of the late Queen’s favourite plants, including roses, foxgloves and camassias in soft pink and blue hues, overlooked by a sculpture of King Charles. Enclosed by hedges on three sides, the circular lawn with curved bench is intended to instil a sense of calm and seclusion for contemplation and reflection on the monarchy.

RHS Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration. Designed by Dave Green. Feature Garden. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. Stand no 111. (© RHS/Tim Sandall)

Baroness Janet Fookes DBE

Baroness Fookes, 87, is a Tory peer who served as an MP from 1970 to 1997 for Merton and Morden and Plymouth Drake. Since 2002, she has served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords. The Baroness has ‘long been a leading voice in Parliament on the importance of horticulture’, according to the Royal Family, highlighting ‘its role in supporting healthy lives and communities, sustainable landscapes, and protecting the environment against pollution and climate change alongside its significance for the economy’.

Judy Ling Wong CBE

Environmental activist Judy Ling Wong also received the Elizabeth Medal of Honour. She established the Black Environment Network (BEN) in 1987, building relationships between people from ethnic minorities and the built environment, and encouraging more people from minority ethnic backgrounds to visit the countryside; she is internationally recognised as a pioneer in this field, touching the lives of countless people who would not ordinarily have access to nature, and stimulating a desire to participate in and protect the natural world around them. She received her CBE in the late Queen’s 2007 Birthday Honours. 

Piet Oudolf

One of the world’s most renowned garden designers – he is the man behind the New York High Line and the Serpentine Gallery’s interior garden, among many other projects – Piet Oudolf’s life has been dedicated to creating sustainable and naturalistic designs, ‘focusing on the seasonal life cycle of plants which are chosen for their shape and texture rather than just their blooms,’ says the Royal Family. ‘He encourages gardeners to embrace the beauty of all seasons and has inspired millions away from the traditional and prescribed design of western gardens.’

Featured image: King Charles III at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. (© RHS/Oliver Dixon; cropped). All images courtesy of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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