Following a weekend of Remembrance events and a commemorative dinner in support of African Parks last night, Harry and Meghan have been very much getting back into the swing of engagements in the UK following a packed sixteen-day tour of Oceania. When the tour itinerary was released, I suspected it was planned to ensure the Sussexes would be back in the UK with plenty of time for Charles' birthday. The night saw immediate and extended family members come together to celebrate the future king.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departing Kensington Palace.
Mark Stewart photographed a selection of arrivals including Lady Helen Taylor, the Earl of Snowdon and the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg.
A host of European royals were in attendance. The Norwegian Palace shared a photo of King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit before the party. Both the Queen and the Crown Princess look terrific. Last month, Mette-Marit revealed she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Mette-Marit said: "For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are, although such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I'm glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible." It was wonderful to see her there tonight looking so well.
Clarence House shared this lovely photo of Charles and Camilla leaving their residence.
Her Majesty paid tribute to her son and heir in an incredibly heartfelt and touching speech: “It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like - to use an analogy I am certain will find favour - planting a tree and being able to watch it grow. My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out.
"Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader - a dedicated and respected heir to the throne, to stand comparison with any in history - and a wonderful father.
"Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a Happy Birthday to my son, in every respect a Duchy original.
"To you, Charles. To the Prince of Wales."
Duchy Originals is a company which the Prince of Wales set up in 1990, principally to sell organic food products. Since then, it has become established as a leading organic and natural food brand. In 2010 the brand went into partnership with Waitrose. The Duchy Originals biscuits are a particular favourite; a splendid joke from Her Majesty.
Royal photographer Mark Stewart tweeted images of Zara Tindall, Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, The King and Queen of Norway and Prince Albert of Monaco leaving the event.
Clarence House released this photo of Charles to mark the day.
A previously unseen photo of Charles with William and Harry was released as part of a set of six commemorative stamps. This image was taken during the RAF celebrations in July.
Earlier today, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun Royal Salute to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday in Green Park, central London.
A very nice video with highlights from the future king's 70th year.
Now, time for the bad news. We had hoped to see an official family portrait (and a proper look at Meghan's gown) for Charles' birthday. According to royal reporter Rebecca English the Palace confirmed no photos will be released from inside. For the time being Meghan's look remains a mystery. From what we can see, she wore a strapless gown for the evening.
Meghan accessorised with a dazzling pair of statement earrings.
Meghan accessorised with a dazzling pair of statement earrings.
Readers will recognise the sparkling earrings as the pair Meghan wore for the Fiji State dinner. At the time, Emily Andrews reported: "The mystery of Meghan’s earrings...all KP will say is that they’re “borrowed”. From whom, they will not say. Most likely the Queen." The fact Meghan is wearing them again suggests they are a long-term loan. Several of you suggested it's possible they are Camilla's as the shape of the stones bears similarities to pieces from her Saudi suite. The Palace has been open in revealing the provenance of jewels from the Queen and pieces from Diana's personal collection. For the moment, my guess is they do indeed belong to another royal lady.
Many happy returns to the Prince of Wales!
A reminder, we'll see Harry and Meghan at the Royal Variety Performance on Monday night.
Many happy returns to the Prince of Wales!
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As noted above, the Duke and Duchess attended a private commemorative dinner at Kensington Palace for African Parks, of which Harry is president. As the event was private, photos were not officially released, however a guest shared a couple of snaps on Instagram.
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. They currently manage 15 national parks and protected areas in nine countries covering 10.5 million hectares: Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Zambia. The organisation was founded in 2000 in response to the dramatic decline of protected areas due to poor management and lack of funding. African Parks utilises a clear business approach to conserving Africa’s wildlife and remaining wild areas, securing vast landscapes and carrying out the necessary activities needed to protect the parks and their wildlife.
In October, the African Parks team met with Harry in London, coinciding with their participation in the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference.
The Duke and Duchess with other guests.
The Duchess wore a black dress for the black-tie affair with the Pippa Small Peepal Leaf earrings she wore in Fiji. They are from the brand's 2015 collection.
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