The royal family, including Sophie Wessex and Sarah Ferguson, were photographed today at the Lady Elizabeth Shakerley memorial in London.
Lady Elizabeth, who died in November 2020 at the age of 79, was both the queen’s granddaughter and close friend.
It was known for hosting royal celebrations, including an event prior to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in April 2011.
Today, at St Margaret’s Church in Westminster, a ceremony of thanksgiving is held for the life and work of Her Majesty’s cousin, who is more famous for her professional talent than Lady Elizabeth Anson.
Thanks to his reputation in royal circles, the photo featured numerous notable guests attending the event, including Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent.
Sophie Wessex, 57, was among those attending today’s service of Lady Elizabeth Shakerley CVO in Westminster.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, 62, also attended the service and performed live on the way to St Margaret’s Church.
Lady Gabriella Windsor wore an all-blue suit with a white clutch that she paired with a light blue hat and velvet heels.
Miss Joanna Lumley wore a black skirt and top under a black vest with a magician fit for service.
Chelsea star Olivia Bentley was spotted outside the church in a leopard print dress.
Lady Gabriella Windsor, Dame Joanna Lumley, the Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra were also seen at the ceremony.
However, Her Majesty was not seen among the ongoing health issues related to mobility issues.
Lady Shakerley was the daughter of Thomas Anson, Viscount Anson, and Anne Bowes-Lyon, who became Princess Anne of Denmark when she remarried.
Born at Windsor Castle in 1941, he has been the Queen’s party planner since 1960 and has hosted numerous royal evenings, including an event before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in April 2011.
He died early in the morning of November 1, at his bedside with his family.
According to the Court Circular, her death occurred a few months after the Queen had appointed Commander of the Royal Order of Victoria as a token of her personal respect.
In April, the Court Circular stated: “Lady Elizabeth Shakerley was today appointed and Ordered Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen.”
In addition to family members, it includes members of the royal dynasty and high diplomatic figures.
Lady Elizabeth, who founded Party Planners in 1960, has hosted numerous members of the royal family and the Queen’s most important events, including her 90th birthday.
The Duchess of Gloucester was also presented in a black floral dress, which she paired with a black hat and red handbag.
The Countess of Wessex looked elegant in a green dress that she paired with a green handbag and a black hat.
Royal Victorian Awards are awarded by the Queen to persons who have personally served her or the monarchy.
Princess Alexandra chose a navy blue polka dot dress and a navy blue white hat for the shoot.
Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady Ogilvy also arrived at the event in central London today
Lady Gabriella attended service with her husband, Lord Frederick Windsor, wearing an elegant navy blue dress.
Lady Elizabeth had previously spoken fondly of her friend and said that a wide variety of cakes were prepared by the public for the event and transported to Windsor Castle.
He said: ‘The great thing about it is that nothing is lost.
“So there are so many delicious cakes and if it’s a private party… the cakes are there to eat with your coffee – we Scots don’t believe in waste.”
In the same 2016 interview, Lady Elizabeth recalled a “nightclub” she founded in the 1960s for Charles and his sister, Princess Royal.
Explaining his skepticism about hiring a DJ, he said, ‘This guy charged me £25 for putting in his gramophone records?
“It took me a few years to realize that this is a great art form.”
Sophie Wessex, the Prince of Kent and Princess Michael were seen talking to church officials after the ceremony.
Mother of two Sophie looked elegant in a green dress, while Princess Michael of Kent was timeless in a gray suit.
At the service of the church of Santa Margherita, guests wore colorful robes, including this couple, who both wore blue.
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands also went to London to pay her respects to Lady Elizabeth.
The Countess of Wessex attended the ceremony without Prince Edward. Have you been seen talking to many other guests?
Urban Prince and Princess Michael made a stunning couple at the ceremony, that blue and that gray
Michael, the Countess of Wessex and Princess of Kent, seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with the church officials.
Lsdy Gabriella, who looks very stylish in her blue dress, was spotted chatting with a few guests.
Lady Elizabeth has also hosted events for Sir Mick Jagger and other distinguished clients such as Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Other notable events include Margaret Thatcher’s 70th birthday party, a reception for foreign royalty for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel, and Sting’s wedding.
The late high society photographer Patrick Anson, Lady Elizabeth, sister of the 5th Earl of Lichfield, married Sir Geoffrey Shakerley in Westminster Abbey in July 1972.
Dame Joanna was spotted smiling on her way to duty in central London this afternoon
Princess Beatrix has sailed from the Netherlands to attend her funeral in London.
The Countess of Wessex and Princess Michael greeted each other warmly on their way to church
The guests included the Queen of the Netherlands, the Queen Anne, and Princess Beatrix, while Princess Anne served as a bridesmaid.
Sir Geoffrey and Lady Elizabeth had a daughter, Lady Fiona, before divorcing in 2009.
He is praised for his discreet approach to his cousin’s social events through his company, Party Planners.
However, in a rare interview with Tatler magazine in 2012, he offered some insight into the queen’s tastes.
He said: “For many years it was believed that the queen only loved yellow freesia. They appeared in every table decoration. Until I presented her with an alternative and realized that she loved all kinds of flowers, from peonies to white roses.
He added: “The Queen is the most conscientious guest. She checks every dining room, every flower, every guest room, and always chooses her menu. We can all learn something from this.’
Source: Daily Mail
