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Royal Report: September 2020

September marked back to school time, with many of the working royals who have been home with children returning to more consistent public appearances. This month, I am going to break it down highlighting our two busiest couples, the Cambridge’s and the Prince of Wales/Duchess of Cornwall and then the rest of the gang!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

  • Kate and the National Portrait Gallery unveiled the final 100 winners of the Hold Still competition and exhibition. The images highlighted frontline workers, families stuck at home, protestors, babies being born and more moving moments from around the country. 

  • The Duchess of Cambridge joined the Duke of Kent as Joint Presidents of the Scouts (The UK Version of Boy Scouts, which now includes both genders). She has been volunteering for them since 2012, and as the Duke is getting older, this establishes continuity and a royal legacy for an organization that is close the royal family’s heart. 

  • William announced several upcoming engagements and projects around his conservation and climate change work, kicking off this period of focus by inviting Sir David Attenborough to Kensington Palace to screen his upcoming Netflix documentary! Seeing photos of Sir David interacting with the Cambridge kids was one of the highlights of the month. 

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall

  • Prince Charles launched an entire platform RE:TV dedicated to highlighting creative and innovative solutions to climate change issues. I’m very excited to see what he does in this space with his role as Editor-in-Chief - climate change is truly his legacy. 

  • Prince Charles and Camilla made a visit to Northern Ireland that included seeing the Florence Nightingale exhibit at the Ulster Museum (and a replica Iron Throne from the Game of Thrones wrap party!), and meeting nursing and midwifery students that graduated early to help with Covid. Camilla also met with victims of domestic abuse during the pandemic and heard incredibly moving stories.

  • Camilla wrote an op-ed for The Guardian around her work with victims and survivors of domestic violence and as patron of Safe Lives. 

  • Camilla had her first visit with the Rifles Regiment since Prince Phillip handed over the position of Colonel-in-Chief. She met riflemen who were training and other deployed throughout Wales and they played a piece of music written especially for her called “The Duchess”

  • Camilla launched the National Literacy Trust’s Virtual School Library 

Our Other Favorites

  • Sophie and Edward were joined by their children to pick up trash on the beach in celebration of the Great British Beach Clean

  • Princess Eugenie is expecting her first child! There have been rumors for a few weeks now, and it was so cheerful to see this confirmed and see the royal family celebrate the news online. 

  • Princess Beatrice’s wedding dress, a vintage gown that had been previously worn by the Queen went on display at Windsor Castle and she was able to visit it. 

  • Princess Anne marked Hidden Heroes Day by visiting Bullingdon Prison to meet with those working in prisons and within the justice system.

  • The Countess of Wessex posed for a sculpture portrait for blind and partially sighted people as part of her role as Patron of the Vision Foundation.

Key Celebrations in September

  • September 15th - Prince Harry’s 36th Birthday, which the family marked with social media posts

What I’m Looking Forward to in October

  • Prince William has a whole climate campaign launching this month that includes a documentary, a TED Talk, and the official launch of the Earthshot Prize which has very high profile supporters like Hillary Clinton!

  • September 9th - The Duke of Kent turns 85!

  • September 15th - Sarah, Duchess of York turns 61