The Royal Record

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Buckingham Palace

The King held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace this morning.

The following were received in audience by The King this afternoon and kissed hands upon their appointment as His Majesty’s Ambassadors: Mr Stephen Hitchen (the Republic of Iraq) and Mr Timothy Smart (the Republic of Uzbekistan).

Mrs Hitchen and Dr Veronika Smart were also received by His Majesty.

The following were received in audience by The King upon their appointment as British High Commissioners: Mr Gareth Hoar (the Independent State of Samoa), Mr Philip Malone (the Kingdom of Tonga) and Mr Paul Turner (Solomon Islands and non-resident British High Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru).

Mrs Sarah Yee Whey Tan and Mrs Turner were also received by His Majesty.

The King held a Council at 4.30pm.

There were present: the Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP (Lord President), the Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP (Secretary of State for Transport), the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) and the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP (Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and President of the Board of Trade).

The Rt Hon Sir Antony Zacaroli made affirmation as a member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council.

Mr Richard Tilbrook was in attendance as Clerk of the Council.

The Rt Hon Sir Clive Alderton (Principal Private Secretary to Their Majesties) was in attendance.

The Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP had an audience of His Majesty before the Council.

Later The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, accompanied by Prince Mateen of Brunei Darussalam, visited The King.

The Princess Royal, on behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon arrived at Heathrow Airport, London, from Kuwait.

Brigadier Alexander Potts was in attendance.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron, this morning visited the Lighthouse, 8-10 High Street, Woking, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey (Mr Michael More-Molyneux).

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal this evening attended the London International Horse Show at ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16, and was received by Mrs Sandra Cahill (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

Kensington Palace

The Duchess of Gloucester, Colonel-in-Chief, Royal Bermuda Regiment, this morning received Mr Andrew Murdoch (Governor designate of Bermuda and Commander-in-Chief designate of the Royal Bermuda Regiment).

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Buckingham Palace

The King this afternoon visited the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street, London W1, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa), the Apostolic Nuncio (His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía), the Archbishop of Westminster (His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols), the Reverend Dominic Robinson (Parish Priest) and Councillor Robert Rigby (Lord Mayor of Westminster).

His Majesty attended a short Service of Prayer and, escorted by Father Dominic, met representatives of organisations supporting and helping members of the local community, before meeting members of staff and volunteers.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this morning departed Bahrain International Airport and was received later upon arrival at the Amiri Airport, Kuwait, by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait (Her Excellency Ms Belinda Lewis).

His Royal Highness afterwards called upon The Amir of the State of Kuwait at Bayan Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh subsequently called upon The Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait at Bayan Palace.

His Royal Highness this afternoon called upon Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait) at Bayan Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh afterwards visited Dickson House, Arabian Gulf Road, Kuwait City.

His Royal Highness later attended a Reception given by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait at the residence in Kuwait City.

The Duke of Edinburgh this evening attended a Dinner given by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (Minister for the Amiri Diwan) at Kuwait Towers.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief, Intelligence Corps, this morning visited the Joint Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities Group Headquarters and Joint Service Signal Unit Digby at Royal Air Force Digby, Ashby de la Launde, Lincolnshire.

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Gloucester, Patron, British Association of Friends of Museums, today visited Lancaster City Museum, Market Street, Lancaster, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire (Mrs Amanda Parker).

His Royal Highness this afternoon attended a Memorial Service to mark the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Rededication of the Lancaster War Memorial at Lancaster Town Hall.

The Duke of Gloucester later visited Weeton Community Centre, Henderson Road, Weeton, Lancashire.

His Royal Highness afterwards visited BAE Systems, Warton Aerodrome, Warton, Lancashire.

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Kent, Patron, Blood Cancer UK, this evening attended a Carol Service in St Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4.

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Buckingham Palace

Mr Alastair Warwick was received by The King at Windsor Castle this afternoon when His Majesty invested him with the Insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

Mr Matthew Powers was received by The King when His Majesty invested him with the Insignia of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this morning arrived at Bahrain International Airport and was received by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain (His Excellency Mr Alastair Long).

His Royal Highness later attended a Reception for the British and Bahraini business community given by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain at the residence in Manama.

The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon called upon The King of Bahrain at Al Sakhir Palace.

His Royal Highness, on behalf of The King, afterwards attended celebrations for National Day and the Silver Jubilee of The King of Bahrain at Al Sakhir Palace.

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Kensington Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon departed Heathrow Airport, London, for Bahrain.

Brigadier Alexander Potts is in attendance.

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There is no Court Circular today.

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Buckingham Palace

The King, Royal Founding President, The King’s Foundation, this afternoon received Dame Susan Bruce upon relinquishing her appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees when His Majesty invested her with the Insignia of a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

The King, Royal Founding President, The King’s Foundation, afterwards toured the Annual “Crafts at Christmas” stands in Gloucestershire, was received by Mr Constantine Innemée (Executive Director) and met students, alumni and tutors.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief, The Royal Logistic Corps, this morning visited 29 Regiment at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

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Buckingham Palace

Her Excellency Mrs Diana Marcela Vanegas Hernández was received in audience by The King today and presented the Letters of Recall of her predecessor and her own Letters of Credence as Ambassador from the Republic of El Salvador to the Court of St James’s.

Her Excellency Mrs Iruthisham Adam was received in audience by His Majesty and presented the Letters of Recall of her predecessor and her own Letters of Commission as High Commissioner for the Republic of Maldives in London.

His Excellency Mr Dario Galassi was received in audience by The King and presented the Letters of Recall of his predecessor and his own Letters of Credence as Ambassador from the Republic of San Marino to the Court of St James’s.

Sir Philip Barton (Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) was present.

The King, Royal Founding President, The King’s Trust, this afternoon visited Battersea Power Station, 44 Electric Boulevard, London SW11, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa), the Chairman of Battersea Power Station (Mr Tan Sri Jagan Sabapathy) and Councillor Sana Jafri (Mayor of the London Borough of Wandsworth).

His Majesty visited Battersea Community Christmas Market, was received by Mr Jonathan Townsend (Chief Executive Officer, The King’s Trust) and met stallholders.

The King afterwards visited Apple Incorporated’s United Kingdom Headquarters, was received by Mr Timothy Cook (Chief Executive Officer, Apple Incorporated) and met Apple members of staff, local schoolchildren and young people who have participated in The King’s Trust programmes partnered by Apple.

The King and Queen gave a Reception at Windsor Castle this evening for recently retired and appointed Lords Lieutenant.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were present.

The Queen, Patron, Helen and Douglas House, and Royal Patron, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, today received children and young people from the charities and helped them to decorate the Christmas Tree at Clarence House.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this morning visited the Mission Christmas Warehouse, Belfast, and was received by Mrs Ann McGregor (Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast).

His Royal Highness, Patron, this afternoon attended the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Winter Fair at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Halftown Road, Lisburn, and was received by Mrs Catherine Champion (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Down).

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron, this morning visited Disability Initiative, Resource Centre, Knoll Road, Camberley, and was received by Mr Shahid Azeem (Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey).

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal this morning visited the Quadram Institute’s Science, Food and Health Research Facility, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk (the Lady Dannatt).

Her Royal Highness, President, Racing Welfare, this afternoon attended a Beneficiaries Christmas Luncheon at Newmarket Racecourse, Rowley Mile, Newmarket, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk (Clare, Countess of Euston).

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Buckingham Palace

The King and Queen this afternoon received members of the Military Wives Choirs.

His Majesty afterwards spoke to The President of Ireland via telephone.

Later the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury) had an audience of The King.

The Queen, Patron, Royal Voluntary Service, this morning visited a Festive Spread Christmas Lunch at the Amadeus, 50 Shirland Road, London W9, and was received by Mr Stuart Shilson (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

Her Majesty, Patron, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, this afternoon received Mr Montagu Don (Garden Designer).

St James’s Palace

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron, Wellbeing of Women, this evening attended a Reception for the Big Give Christmas Challenge at the Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, Patron, Shaftesbury, this morning visited Netteswell Rectory, Manston Road, Harlow, and was received by Mr Vincent Thompson (Deputy Lieutenant of Essex).

Her Royal Highness this afternoon visited Brightlingsea Museum, Dove House, Station Road, Brightlingsea, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex (Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst).

The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief, Intelligence Corps, later visited 1 Military Intelligence Battalion at Merville Barracks, Colchester, Essex.

Her Royal Highness, President, Racing Welfare, this evening attended a Carol Concert at Tattersalls, Terrace House, 125 High Street, Newmarket, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk (Clare, Countess of Euston).

The Princess Royal, President, Racing Welfare, afterwards attended a Dinner at the Jockey Club Rooms, 101 High Street, Newmarket, and was received by the Hon Peter Stanley (Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk).

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Gloucester, President, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, this afternoon received Mr John Stanley (Chairman of the Trustees) and Ms Alicia Chivers (Chief Executive).

The Duchess of Gloucester, Royal Patron, Missing People, this afternoon visited People’s Postcode Lottery, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, to mark Fifteen Years of partnership and was received by Mr Ian Robertson (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh).

Her Royal Highness, Patron, later visited Scottish Opera Production Studios, 40 Edington Street, Glasgow, and was received by Dr Nina Baker (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow).

The Duchess of Gloucester, Patron, later attended Cerebral Palsy Scotland’s Christmas Family Party at Bradbury House, 10 High Craighall Road, Glasgow.

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Kent this morning visited the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1, to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of His Royal Highness’s appointment as President of the Board of Trustees.

The Duke of Kent, Grand Master, United Grand Lodge of England, this evening attended the Meeting of the Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 at Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2.

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Buckingham Palace

The King held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning.

His Majesty afterwards presented Elizabeth Emblems.

The King, Founder, the King Charles III Charitable Fund, received Trustees of the Fund and representatives from Waitrose and Partners.

Kensington Palace

The Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief, this morning visited The Mercian Regiment at Picton Barracks, Bulford, Wiltshire.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh, President, Sport and Recreation Alliance, this evening attended the Pearl Anniversary Reception for the International Working Group on Women and Sport, at Guildhall, London EC2.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron, Association of Sail Training Organisations, this afternoon received Mr Mark Todd (Chairman) and Ms Kerry McMillan (Chief Executive Officer).

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Gloucester, Patron, Pestalozzi International, this afternoon received Mr Kenneth Greatbatch (Chairman), Mr Edmund West-Burnham (Chief Operating Officer) and Mr Aaron Eckhoff (Chairman, Pestalozzi International Foundation).

His Royal Highness, Vice Patron, National Churches Trust, this evening attended a Carol Concert at the Grosvenor Chapel, 24 South Audley Street, London W1.

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Kent this afternoon attended a Luncheon commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of His Royal Highness’s appointment as President of the Cavalry and Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly, London W1.

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Buckingham Palace

The King spoke to the Governor-General of New Zealand (the Rt Hon Dame Cynthia Kiro) this evening via telephone.

By command of His Majesty, Mr Alistair Harrison (Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps) called upon His Excellency Dr Emmanuel Mallia at Malta House, 36-39 Piccadilly, London W1, this morning in order to bid farewell to His Excellency upon relinquishing his appointment as High Commissioner for the Republic of Malta in London.

Kensington Palace

The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, this morning chaired a Meeting of The Prince’s Council at Windsor Castle.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Edinburgh this morning received the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia (His Excellency Dr Desra Percaya).

His Royal Highness, Chairman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, this afternoon held a Luncheon at St James’s Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Chairman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, this evening held a Dinner at St James’s Palace for the World Fellowship.