After the busyness of Christmas it can seem quiet in January, but the royal family have been working hard. Here is an update of some of the things they have been up to this past month. For a full list, take a look online at the court circular, which is the official news released by the court of the engagements they have undertaken. If we included all their engagements, this would be a very long blog indeed!
The first investiture ceremony was undertaken by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace. 60 people were recognised for their outstanding achievements, personal bravery and services to the UK. Twice a year the Cabinet Office announce the honours list, at New Year and the Queen’s official birthday in June. The receiving of these awards and their accompanying insignia or medals are spread out over 25 ceremonies throughout the year, and presided over by different members of the royal family, at different royal residences.
The Princess Royal undertook a visit to a charity shop for Save the Children, of which she is patron, and opened a school in Bristol in her role as president of the Society of Merchant Venturers, and visited a watersports facility. She also attended a farming conference in Oxford. She undertook visits to Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as well. In Derbyshire she marked three anniversaries; the Derbyshire Carer’s Association, Riding for the Disabled Association and a sailing club. In Cumbria she visited a New Balance factory, Barrow Foodbank, Save the Children and youth housing charity Project John. Towards the end on the month the Princess Royal celebrated 150 years of women entering higher education in the UK in her role as Chancellor of the University of London.
The Queen has been residing at Sandringham, her private home in Norfolk, where she spent Christmas. Her Majesty has completed local engagements, presenting prizes at a local school, attending her local Women’s Institute, of which she is president, and attending church services at St Mary Magdalene. She also sent a message of sympathy to the President and people of Brazil following disasters caused by a ruptured dam.
The Prince of Wales visited Scotland to support women working in rural initiatives. With the Duchess of Cornwall he also visited a pub in Aberdeenshire that reopened in the village where the Braemar Games are held. The inn brings together Scottish heritage, craftsmanship and culture. The Duchess has served as Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen since 2013, and presided over the installation of Principal Professor George Boyne as Vice-Chancellor. The Duchess visited community centres in Stepney and Malmesbury, East London. She also visited Swindon to support the National Literacy Trust. To finish off the month the Duchess visited Frome’s Men’s Shed which brings together men in the community, Frome’s Medical Centre, and a Hauser & Wirth Gallery where children were taking part in art activities in Somerset. The next day, 31st January, the Duchess visited the Royal Academy of Art as patron of the Royal Academy Friends since 2016, taking over from The Duke of Edinburgh who took up the Patronage in 1977.
The Duke of Cambridge became president of London Air Ambulance in January, and undertook engagements as part of his new role. He also had an open discussion about conservation with Sir David Attenborough as part of the World Economic Forum; they talked about the environmental problems facing the next generation of world leaders. The Duke of Cambridge joined New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for a ‘Mental Health Matters’ panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where The Duke spoke about his own experiences as an Air Ambulance Pilot. With his wife he opened V&A Dundee in Scotland.
The Duchess of Sussex visited Smart Works, a charity that helps vulnerable women gain new skills, in London. The Duchess became patron of the charity. With the Duke of Sussex, she visited Birkenhead, Merseyside, to support community projects. The Duchess became patron of Mayhew, an animal rescue charity, and made a visit to the Mayhew. As the new patron of the National Theatre, she made a visit and met performer’s from the first NT public art’s performance. As the new patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Duchess met with international academics and students at City, University of London. HRH took over the patronage from the Queen. Prince Harry started off the year with a visit to Reprezent Radio Station in Brixton, London. The Duke also attended the Commonwealth Youth Roundtable discussion.
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the volunteer-led King Henry’s Walk Garden, where locals can have their own plots. It was announced the Duchess will be helping design and build the 2019 RHS Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. HRH also visited the costume department of the Royal Opera House learning more about their use of textiles as well as the commissioning of fabrics, design and craftsmanship involved. The Duchess of Cambridge visited Family Action's Lewisham base, a charity which works to tackle some of the most complex and difficult issues facing families today.
The Duke of York presented Operational Medals to 90 officers and soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. The Queen is their Colonel-in-Chief, but the Duke has been Royal Colonel of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland since its amalgamation into the The Scots in 2006.
The Countess of Wessex visited Otterbourne Mews, Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill’s new apartments for couples or individuals living with dementia.