Hello hello, dear readers,
We have several topics to chat about today (including news on the Jubilee),
but first, I know you'll all join me in wishing Archie a very happy third
birthday. Harry and Meghan's son is celebrating the day with his parents,
sister Lili, and I'm sure grandmother Doria and close friends, too.
As with previous birthdays, a number of supporters of the Sussexes have been
working behind the scenes to create a fundraiser marking both Archie's and
Lili's birthdays in support of World Central Kitchen. Archewell works closely
with the organization, and amid the ongoing devastation in Ukraine, their work
on the ground has never been more necessary or appreciated.
More from the fundraising page on
World Central Kitchen's fundraising site:
'We're celebrating! Join our month long party to mark Archie
Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's 3rd birthday on May 6 and Lili Diana
Mountbatten-Windsor's 1st birthday on June 4.
In honor of these special little ones, we're raising money in support of
World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization using the power of food to
nourish communities in crisis and strengthen economies around the world.
When disaster strikes, WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the front lines
with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in
need.
"I love them. I have been able to spend time with them, working with them
and they are very hands-on and highly knowledgeable of what's happening in
the world, what the issues are, and what the needs are. For me, it is a
pleasure to call them friends." - Chef José Andrés'
To give you a glimpse into the horrific scenes in Ukraine and the vital role
WCK are playing -- just yesterday morning a missile was fired in Kramatorsk
leaving a huge crater in its wake. The team were not only there with hot
meals, but also bandaged the wounded, helped get people to safety, and offered
support in any way they could.
The fundraiser began today, and quite incredibly (as of publishing) has
already surpassed $27,000 in donations.
Please click here
if you would like to offer your support.
I think it's very special indeed to see this legacy of supporting others most
in need continuing alongside Archie (and now Lili's) birthdays. To celebrate
the birthday of a child by helping another such as three-year-old Katya from
Mykolaiv, living with their families in unimaginable circumstances, is the
greatest and kindest gift one can give.
************
We are now less than a month away from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
celebrations. Today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they, along
with Archie and Lili, are "excited and honoured" to attend the celebrations
in June. I felt personally for some time that Harry and Meghan would want to
attend to mark the historic occasion in Her Majesty's reign. Equally, and
sadly, there's been a sharp decline in the Queen's health and mobility over
the past six months and it's another important opportunity to spend time
with her and of course for Her Majesty to see Archie and meet namesake
Lilibet. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a christening during the
week. Following a brief return to Windsor before the Invictus Games, a
conversation on the jubilee was obviously had, and it's long been said it's
the Queen's wish to have the entire family there. The security issue was at
the crux of obstacles, but I expect that has been remedied for the visit
next month. The visit will mark the first UK public appearances the Duke and
Duchess have made jointly since the Commonwealth Day service in March 2020.
The Jubilee weekend kicks off on Thursday, 2 June with Trooping the Colour. We
will not see the Sussexes attend this one as the Queen has decided only
"currently working royals" will appear. A Palace spokesperson said: "After
careful consideration, the Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping
the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday, 2nd June will be limited to Her
Majesty and those members of the Royal family who are currently undertaking
official public duties on behalf of the Queen."
When will we see the Duke and Duchess? Below, are a selection of events we're
going to see immediate and extended family, working and non-working royals,
attend, so I would pencil in the following as very likely:
Friday, 3 June - St Paul’s Cathedral will hold a historic Service
of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign on the morning of Friday, 3rd June. The
Service will include Bible readings, anthems, prayers and congregational
hymns, expressing thankfulness for the Queen’s reign, faith and service;
desire to foster unity and peace amongst all peoples; and commitment to care
for God’s creation. The Service will include a new anthem by Judith Weir,
Master of the Queen’s Music, that sets to music words from the third chapter
of the Book of Proverbs.
Saturday, 4 June - The Queen and members of the Royal family are due to
attend the Derby at Epsom Downs. It's important to say it's possible Her
Majesty may not be able to attend all of the events. I imagine contingencies
are ready if that's the case and a large gathering of family members will be
at each event.
That evening, the Platinum Party at the Palace: hosts Kirsty Young and
Roman Kemp will lead live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace and air
live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and across the BBC network from 8.00pm to
10.30pm. The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment
brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate the
Jubilee. Below, a first look at staging for the event.
Sunday, 5 June - The day will kick off with the Big Jubilee Lunches and
over 60K people registered to host street parties, BBQs and get togethers to
celebrate the occasion. Buckingham Palace said: "Over ten million people
across the UK are expected to be joining the celebrations to share friendship,
food and fun at Big Jubilee Lunches as part of this nationwide act of
community friendship. People across the world are also joining in with over
600 international Big Jubilee Lunches being planned throughout the
Commonwealth and beyond - from Canada to Brazil, New Zealand to Japan and
South Africa to Switzerland."
Finally, the weekend will culminate with the Platinum Jubilee
Pageant. The Gold State Carriage, led by the Sovereign’s Escort, will
lead the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, embracing the latest in digital technology
to evoke the excitement and majesty of her journey to be crowned 70 years ago.
The Pageant, which starts at 2.30pm and finishes with a finale at the Queen
Victoria Memorial ending at 5pm, will serve as an opportunity to gather and
pay tribute to Her Majesty. It will culminate with the singing of the national
anthem, ‘God Save the Queen’, by a gospel choir to the sounds of the Band of
Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. The Pageant will bring to life iconic moments
from the Queen’s reign as well as showcasing our changing society over the
past 70 years. 10,000 people are involved, including the military, over 6,000
volunteers, performers, key workers and 2,500 members of the general public. A
"fabulous surprise" has been promised for the event.
The Queen's health permitting, it has been widely rumoured for some time a
second balcony appearance or large family gathering with all members of the
family will take place after the pageant.
To visit the Queen's Platinum Jubilee website,
please click here. I can see visits to Smart Works and Well Child on the agenda too, and as I
said, potentially Lili's christening.
************
Finally, Prince Harry is back in the white trousers for the polo season in
Santa Barbara. Harry made his debut with his Los Padres teammates, including
Nacho Figueras, in aid of causes close to their hearts last weekend.
Meghan was on hand to cheer for Harry, surrounded by friends including Markus
Anderson.
Meghan wore
Everlane's Silky Cotton Relaxed shirt (with thanks to Meghan's Closet Chronicles). It's available in multiple
colours
on Everlane's website.
And Diana's Cartier Tank watch and Chanel flats.
