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State & Ceremonial

Kensington Palace set to host Dr. Zhivago-style winter wonderland charity extravaganza

After months of renovations on Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A, its new residents are set to transform the centuries old Palace into an enchanted winter wonderland for a spectacular dinner-and-a-show charity gala.

photo credit: Dan Mumford via photopin cc

photo credit: Dan Mumford via photopin cc

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event that cannot be missed. Kensington Palace will be decorated as never before, in the style of Doctor Zhivago‘s winter ice palace, covered in falling snow,” a source reportedly told Hello! magazine.

Following the upcoming intimate celebration for Prince George’s christening, and a lavish gala fundraiser for Action for Addiction, preparations are under way for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to host a magnificent evening at the Palace to benefit Centrepoint, the first charity to be adopted under the Royal Patronage of HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

“Founded in 1969, Centrepoint has helped more than 75,000 homeless young people and is dedicated to ending youth homelessness.”

The charity made headlines in December 2009 when Prince William slept on the streets with Centrepoint’s CEO, Seyi Obakin, in sub-zero temperatures, in order to gain a better understanding of the plight of the homeless.

As young boys, Prince William and Prince Harry often joined their mother, the late Diana Princess of Wales, on her many visits to Centrepoint for which she herself became a patron in 1992.

If last year’s lavish Centrepoint Winter Whites Gala is any indication, the evening will begin in style with an elegant champagne and canapé reception, reportedly in the King’s Gallery Ballroom within the Palace’s State Apartments.

The State Apartments have seen not only the daily court life of the 1600s, but also the christening of Queen Victoria whose statue adorns the lawn of the Palace.

Guests will then be treated to a sumptuous multi-course dinner, before being invited to continue the festivities outdoors for a concert in the Kensington Palace Gardens performed by none other than American musical sensation Jon Bon Jovi.

photo credit: aurélien. via photopin cc

photo credit: aurélien. via photopin cc

The Prince’s admiration for the singer became legendary when he took to the stage for a karaoke rendition of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ at his cousin Zara Phillips’ wedding to Mike Tindall two years ago, while The Duchess gleefully cheered him on from the sidelines.

A source was reported as saying, “William really let his hair down – he was the life and soul of the party, even compared to Mike’s rugby mates. It’s pretty daunting to get up in front of all those people but he was really in the mood, posing with the microphone and dancing as he sang.

“He had the personality to carry it off. Kate stood a few yards away grinning, cheering, and clapping along.”

Last year, Centrepoint Trustee and Great Britain Youth Inspiration Award founder Danielle Alexandra wrote on the event website:

“As Gala Chair, I am honored to be able to present to you an amazing evening on behalf of Centrepoint, its Patron, HRH Prince William, and its Board of Trustees. Centrepoint changes lives and by having the opportunity to share in their work, it has changed mine.

“I feel most privileged to be a part of the fight to end youth homelessness. And tonight, you will join us in this quest to make sure that no child, no young person, ever has to experience this terrifying life again, and for that we are most grateful.

“From the moment you set foot on the white velvet carpet, you will be transported into an enchanted magical Winter Wonderland.

“Have a wonderful time! And thank you for your gift of changing these young people’s lives. Together, we will end youth homelessness.”

The elegant affair is tentatively scheduled to take place on November 26th.

Information regarding tickets can be found here.

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