This week saw the Royal Family take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with Prince Andrew making numerous appearances.
The Duke of York at CHOGM
Prince Andrew went to the Inaugural Meeting of Commonwealth Scientific Advisers and Equivalents at The Royal Society on Monday 16th April. The Duke is a Royal Fellow of the society, which is the world’s oldest independent scientific academy dedicated to promoting excellence in science.
The event focussed on how science could benefit the Commonwealth, and gave the opportunity for networking and sharing of ideas and solutions. The Commonwealth is home to 12% of the world’s researchers and accounts for around 10% of global research and development expenditure.
Andrew later hosted a Commonwealth special of Pitch@Palace at St. James’s Palace. The Duke of York encourages and supports entrepreneurialism and innovation, so this instalment of the event saw people from across the 53 nations pitch to an audience of investors and influencers.
the duke of york at the commonwealth pitch@palace event
prince andrew hosted a commonwealth special of pitch at the palace (Duke of york)
Some examples of what was pitched include a ‘NeuroNode’, the world’s first wearable, wireless, clinical-grade bionic system for controlling smartphones, computers and robotics with the electrical signals inside a muscle (Control Bionics); a meal delivery service in Trinidad to help with fitness goals (Slimdown 360); and affordable legal services in Africa (DIY Law).
It seems that Sarah, Duchess of York was also present at the event, from the Tweets she posted.
The Duke of York said: “There is one regret this evening that you do not have 3 hours to spare, you will be amazed by what you see and hear!”
On Wednesday, The Duke of York received a number of political leaders. He met with the Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago; Vanuatu; Papua New Guinea; Mozambique; Singapore; and Cameroon for Commonwealth Audiences at Buckingham Palace.
the Prime Minister of Vanuatu called upon The Duke of York at Buckingham Palace
Prince Andrew later attended a Malaria Lunch, as patron of Malaria No More UK, before going to the Malaria No More summit with Prince Charles.
Bill Gates spoke at this event, which aimed to get leaders to discuss how they can help reduce deaths caused by this preventable and treatable disease across the world. Every two minutes a child dies from malaria, with 90% of people living in Commonwealth countries at risk.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Thursday saw The Duke of York receive the Prime Minister of Samoa at Buckingham Palace, and attend the formal opening of the CHOGM, in which The Queen made it clear she wanted Prince Charles to succeed her as Commonwealth Head.
This was also attended by The Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Later that evening, Prince Andrew was present at the black tie dinner held for Commonwealth leaders. Daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie joined him.
The Duke of Kent attended a dinner for the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers.
Tuesday 17th April: Prince Edward, 82, is Colonel of the Scots Guards, and attended the dinner at The Queen’s Guard Officers’ Mess at St. James’s Palace in this capacity.
We do not have any further information on this event.
The Duchess of Gloucester at the National Crimebeat Annual Awards
The Duchess of Gloucester was in attendance at the National Crimebeat Annual Awards at the Royal National Hotel in London on Wednesday 18th.
Birgitte handed out awards at the event, which recognises young people’s inspirational crime prevention projects. They are judged on originality, impact and how many people are reached, with winners being given grants to help deliver further projects and talks to other young people.
The awards are now in their 20th year.
@AlsopHighSch students would like to thank HRH The Duchess of Gloucester for listening to the presentation delivered by our Year 8 students @NatCrimebeat Awards
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement@RoyalFamily @NatCrimebeat @EducateMag pic.twitter.com/RPWh4heNTf
— Alsop 2018 T4CG (@TOGETHER18T4CG) April 19, 2018
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester awarded one of the prizes and praised the young people at the heart of National Crimebeat pic.twitter.com/mIVxqb9N5J
— Playing Card Makers (@WCMPC) April 18, 2018
Gloucesters at CHOGM dinner and Queen’s birthday concert
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended the gala dinner at Buckingham Palace on Thursday night, as well as The Queen’s birthday concert yesterday evening.
the duke and duchess of gloucester at CHOGM dinner
Princess Alexandra at Lynwood Retirement Village
Wednesday saw Princess Alexandra head to Ascot. She opened Phase 2 at Lynwood Retirement Village, in her role as patron of Ben – Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, which is the charity that runs Lynwood.
The Princess spent time meeting and talking to residents and carers and being shown the care facilities, which includes a roof garden, physiotherapy centre and 93 beds. Lynwood has specialist staged dementia care and respite care, as well as tailored rehabilitation for people of all ages.
BEN and Lynwood Village Chief Executive, David Main, showed Princess Alexandra around the care centre: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to Lynwood today. Her Royal Highness spent a great deal of time talking to our residents, making it a truly special day for them. We are very grateful for Princess Alexandra’s continued support of BEN, she has been a wonderful patron for many years.”
Residents celebrated the royal visit with afternoon tea.
Princess Alexandra at CHOGM & birthday concert
Alexandra also attended the formal opening of CHOGM and the gala dinner on Thursday, and The Queen’s birthday concert yesterday.
princess alexandra at chogm dinner
Princess Beatrice at Scout parade
On Sunday morning, just after The Queen began the London Marathon, Princess Beatrice performed a rare official engagement.
She attended the National Scout Service and Parade at Windsor Castle with Chief Scout Bear Grylls; this was an event Beatrice went to this annual gathering on behalf of The Queen.
princess beatrice attended the annual scout parade at windsor castle (duke of york)
