Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set up court in grand style at Kensington Palace

Having just recently moved into their newly renovated quarters at Kensington Palace, the future King and Queen of England, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are bringing back the splendor of the glory days as they prepare to open court in a series of grandiose gala dinners to benefit their philanthropic pursuits.

The Palace’s Georgian state apartments are set to become the new residents’ chosen venue for a roster of elegant affairs to come, with the added benefit of keeping the new parents but a stone’s throw away from their little boy in the private section of the Palace.

“This is their home now and this is where their court will be for a very long time,” says a senior aide.

On October 23rd, little Prince George will be christened at St. James Palace in what is being described as an intimate affair among close friends and family.

The following evening, however, will see the beginning of a new era of royal splendor at Kensington Palace as 100 Women in Hedge Funds hosts their annual London Gala, a glamourous fundraising dinner and reception, in the Georgian state apartments at the Palace.

100WHF is a leading, global, non-profit organization of over 12,000 professional women in the Alternatives industry, whose Philanthropic Initiatives fall under the recent Royal Patronage of the Duchess of Cambridge.

This year, all proceeds will benefit Action on Addiction, a member of The Charities Forum of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. It is a cause that is very close to The Duchess’ heart as it was one of the first charities she chose to endorse in January 2012.

According to the 100WHF’s London Gala webpage, “Action on Addiction is the only UK charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education and family support. Funds raised by 100WHF will specifically support the M-PACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) programme which seeks to make a difference to children in families suffering the consequences of substance misuse.”

In a letter sent to 100WHF earlier this year, The Duchess expressed her hopes for this year’s London Gala:

“I am enormously grateful to 100 Women in Hedge Funds for their support of Action on Addiction this year. I have seen already, through their previous work with William’s charities, how the fundraising efforts and philanthropic support of this incredible organisation can be simply transformational for the charities it helps.

“Those affected by addiction are in desperate need of the highest level of care and treatment; Action on Addiction delivers this brilliantly. Whether direct or indirect, the impact of addiction can be devastating. It affects millions of people. Therefore, I could not be more delighted that Action on Addiction will receive such considerable support from 100 Women in Hedge Funds through my Patronage of this endeavour in 2013.

“It will be hugely exciting to watch these two outstanding organisations work together in the battle against addiction. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this partnership.”

This year’s memorable event will feature the beautiful new royal mum as the guest of honour, as she presents Dame Amelia Fawcett, DBE, Chairperson of the Hedge Fund Standards Board in London, with the prestigious European Industry Leadership Award.

Seating at the spectacular sold-out event will lighten wallets to the tune of £60,000 a table, or £2,000-£5,000 per seat.

Last year’s event attracted 300 leaders from across the hedge fund industry, and was held at St. James Palace under the Patronage of HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

Gross proceeds raised from 100WHF’s annual London Gala and other fundraising during the year in support of SkillForce, their chosen 2012 beneficiary, reached a laudable £630,000.