King Charles and Queen Camilla joined by Princess Beatrice at emotional Elephant Family event
The couple paid tribute to a close family memberKing Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Princess Beatrice last night (May 14) as they attended the Elephant Family’s “Wonders of the Wild” event at Kew Gardens.
As joint Presidents of the wildlife charity, the king and queen led the event. It marked the conclusion of London’s “Big Egg Hunt”, a free public exhibition which has showcased over 120 egg sculptures created by leading artists and designers at 30 iconic sites across London.
The charity art trail has recently delighted art enthusiasts and London families alike. In a touching moment, the royal couple got to speak to eight-year-old Matilde Rodrigues, one of the first people to complete the art trail.
Around 30 of these eggs lined the entrance to the event, admired by the king and queen as they arrived.
King Charles and Queen Camilla pay tribute to family member at Elephant Family event
The Wonders of the Wild event also saw King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, pay their respects to a close family member of theirs.
Mark Shand, Queen Camilla’s late brother, originally founded Elephant Family in 2002. The wildlife charity works alongside conservation experts with the aim of tackling Asia’s wildlife challenges.
They have pioneered hundreds of projects to restore habitats and protect endangered species. They have a particular focus on promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.
As of 2019, it is also part of the British Asian Trust.
At yesterday’s event, the royal couple were tasked with presenting the prestigious Mark Shand Award, named of course after Queen Camilla’s dear brother. The award recognises dedication to protecting wildlife and channelling the spirit of Mark Shand himself.
The queen also presented the Tara Award, which takes its name from an elephant that was dear to her brother. This was awarded for achievements in storytelling.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined at last night’s occasion by several celebrity guests, such as charity supporter and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who performed later on in the evening, and fashion expert Gok Wan.
Princess Beatrice shows support for royal family
Also present was a familiar face, King Charles’ niece Princess Beatrice. The eldest daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew made a chic appearance in a red floral dress.
Beatrice welcomed her second child, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, at the start of the year. She also has a three year old, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, and a stepson, Christopher “Wolfie” Woolf, from her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s, previous relationship.
Others were also in attendance, such as Lady Marina Windsor – a relative of the royal family – and Queen Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot.
Read more: Touching moment between King Charles and sister Princess Anne spotted at Windsor Castle
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