Buckingham Palace was filled with grace and applause as the Queen and Camilla celebrated the English National Ballet’s 75th anniversary.
The event brought together principal dancers, choreographers, and supporters for an intimate performance in one of the palace’s state rooms in the Chinese-themed East Wing.
At the heart of the evening, Sangeun Lee, 39, performed the hauntingly beautiful The Dying Swan, captivating the audience and moving Camilla, who watched with evident admiration.
From the room overlooking the Queen Victoria monument on the Mall, the palace glittered with tradition and artistry.
Camilla’s Ballet Connection
Camilla, who became patron of the English National Ballet last year, has long maintained her own love of dance.
She continues to take classes with the Silver Swans, a program for older dancers, and is known to practice diligently to keep fit.
During the event, she mingled with guests while enjoying a glass of cola, showing her usual warmth and ease.
Her presence highlighted the joy and vitality that dance brings, both to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Gifts, Jokes, and Royal Charm
The Queen received a signed pair of pointe shoes from the dancers, prompting a playful comment: “I’ll be putting them to practice and making the rest of them all jealous.
Thank you.” Her lighthearted humor and genuine interest in the performance set a relaxed, celebratory tone for the evening.
Camilla, in a blue Anna Valentine dress accessorized with a Van Cleef & Arpels ballerina brooch, told Lee that her performance was “wonderful,” sharing in the delight of the moment with the performers and attendees.
Notable Guests and Special Connections
Among the 50 guests were choreographer Arlene Phillips, 82, and TV presenter Angela Rippon, 81. Both watched the performance in awe.
Afterward, the Queen greeted Rippon, recalling that it was she who first encouraged Her Majesty to join the Silver Swans.
Rippon shared her thoughts with reporters: “I persuaded her to become a Silver Swan, and she takes the classes very seriously.
Dancing is a brilliant way to stay fit, and I’m working with the NHS to get more people involved nationwide. She was genuinely interested.”
Phillips also shared a personal connection with the Queen, reflecting on past collaborations and the support she received during her career.
A Performer’s Perspective
For Sangeun Lee, dancing in Buckingham Palace was an unforgettable experience.
“I was quite nervous, but I’ve never performed in a palace before.
It’s so unique,” she said. Lee first met Camilla when the Duchess visited the ENB headquarters in East London last year, and this royal engagement marked a full-circle moment.
The evening also saw Sir Rupert Gavin, chair of the English National Ballet, and Aaron Watkin, artistic director, welcome the Queen and outline the company’s achievements, including outreach programs like Dance for Parkinson’s and ENBYouthCo.
Camilla and the Arts Beyond Ballet
The celebration of ballet came shortly after Camilla hosted actress Sarah Jessica Parker at Royal Lodge for a reception honoring the shortlisted authors, judges, and supporters of the prestigious Children’s Booker Prize.
The Queen also praised Parker’s flair for fashion, engaging in light-hearted conversation about her outfit and persona.
Parker described the experience as “thrilling,” highlighting the extraordinary group of authors, judges, and supporters she met, as well as the inspiring discussions on children’s literature.
Dance, Legacy, and Inspiration
The evening at Buckingham Palace reminded all present of the enduring power of the arts.
From the elegance of The Dying Swan to the royal engagement in dance, the event showcased how tradition, performance, and mentorship can intertwine.
For Camilla, the Queen, and all the attendees, it was a celebration of movement, culture, and the joy of sharing artistry with others.