Published on Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Invitation to Buckingham Palace
On Tuesday 28th April, Laura Redhead, President of SI London Chilterns and member of SI St Albans & District (pictured), was invited to represent Soroptimist International at the reception to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the British Commonwealth hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
The event was attended by about 250 people who undertake various roles across the Commonwealth, ranging from Government office to charitable foundations. In addition to drinks and canapés in the Picture Gallery, every attendee was presented to the Queen and then moved to the ballroom to form part of the audience for a special Cantata composed by Paul Carroll and played by the London Symphony Orchestra. The Commonwealth Secretary-General introduced the music and spoke a few words about the continuing importance of the Commonwealth.
After the performance, attendees moved back to the Picture Gallery where the Queen, the Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy joined us and spoke to a number of people. A number of opportunities were taken to promote our organisation and its work, including to Princess Michael of Kent, and leaflets discretely given.