The Princess Royal brought festive cheer to the heart of London this week, hosting a special Christmas tea party for military veterans at St James's Palace. Anne, beaming and laughing throughout the event, personally chatted with ex-servicemen and women and their families, offering a warm gesture of gratitude during the holiday season.
A Gathering of Heroes
The event was organised for The Not Forgotten Association, a charity of which the Princess is Patron. The organisation, which recently celebrated its 105th anniversary, was founded after the First World War and now supports 10,000 beneficiaries annually, aiding those veterans and service personnel suffering from injury or illness.
Among the approximately 200 guests were some remarkable centenarians with incredible stories of service. Ruth Barnwell, 101, who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service at just 17 after her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, noted this was her fourth meeting with the princess this year. "She always stops and chats," Mrs Barnwell remarked, offering her own advice to young people: "Join the forces, that's the best thing they can do."
Heartwarming Tributes and Memories
Another attendee, Dorothea Barron, 101, served with the Wrens between 1943 and 1945. She shared a touching compliment for her host, telling Anne she believed her to be "the absolute brick of the Royal family." She elaborated, "She's practical, she's down to earth and she's a damned hard worker." Reflecting on the profound difference between generations, Mrs Barron added that young people today "can't imagine what we went through" during the war.
The guest list also included stars from Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina Rihanoff and Pasha Kovalev. For Rihanoff, 48, the event was particularly poignant. She had been introduced to the charity by her late dance partner, Robin Windsor, who died in February 2024. "When I'm here in this room, it just reminds me of him," she said, "it's a nice memory." Kovalev, 45, attending for his second year, found the people and their stories "lovely" and "interesting."
A Celebration of Life and Service
The atmosphere was described as "fantastic" by Frank Oldham, 106, who is believed to be the UK's oldest veteran. Mr Oldham, from Romford, Essex, was particularly impressed by the "amazing" decorations adorning St James's Palace.
The Princess, dressed in a floral dress and black blazer, was joined by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Together, they moved among the guests, sharing laughter and conversation. The event served as a powerful reminder of the nation's enduring debt to its service community, perfectly blending festive spirit with profound respect for those who have served.
