Preparations are underway at Buckingham Palace for an upcoming momentous occasion.
Recent reports indicate that Princess Anne has taken on the responsibility of hosting a historic garden party within the palace grounds. This event, known as the Notforgotten Association Garden Party, has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1921. Interestingly, the previous year saw the Duchess of Edinburgh as the host, marking it as the sole annual garden party at the palace aside from those held by the reigning monarch.
The Notforgotten Association is an organization dedicated to providing entertainment, leisure, and recreation for ex-servicemen and women who are disabled, injured, or ill. Its roots trace back to 1920, a time when it was established to bring comfort, cheer, and entertainment to wounded ex-servicemen still in hospital following the Great War. Princess Mary, the first Royal patron of the association, held this role until her passing in 1956, after which the Princess Royal succeeded the Duchess of Kent as patron in 2000.
Over the years, various members of the royal family have taken turns hosting this prestigious event, including the late Queen Elizabeth, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Prince Harry. However, this year, Prince Harry finds himself excluded from the guest list, marking a notable departure from tradition. A palace insider revealed that Princess Anne's decision to exclude him underscores a significant shift in the dynamics within the royal family.
Prince Harry's exclusion reflects the repercussions of his controversial actions and decisions, which have strained his relationship with the royal family. His departure from traditional royal duties and his involvement in ventures, such as the Invictus Games, where he has been accused of profiting from veterans for personal gain, have caused tensions within the family. By barring Harry from the garden party, Princess Anne aims to distance the event from any potential controversies associated with his ventures, particularly those perceived as exploiting veterans.
This decision underscores the royal family's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of veterans and disabled individuals over personal interests. Princess Anne's dedication to upholding the integrity of the event and ensuring it remains a platform for celebrating and supporting veterans and disabled individuals is evident. It serves as a clear message that the royal family stands firm in its support for noble causes, even if it means distancing themselves from family members.
Meanwhile, amidst reports of Princess Katherine's cancer diagnosis, hopes for a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his estranged brother, Prince William, seem dim. Royal historian Richard Fitz Williams suggests that even in light of such news, a reunion is unlikely. The manner in which Prince Charles learned of the diagnosis, alongside the public, speaks volumes about the broken trust and lack of communication between the brothers. Reports indicate that the royal family is content with maintaining a distance from Prince Harry and Meghan, given the irreparable nature of their relationship and their lack of prior knowledge regarding Princess Katherine's health struggles.