London Carol Concert for the Polish Order of Malta in the United Kingdom

Earlier this month, the historic Church of St. Clement Danes (the Central Church of the Royal Air Force) in central London was the venue for "Carol of the Bells: A Polish Christmas Night", the annual carol concert organised by the Polish Association of the Knights of Malta (UK) and the Polish Order of Malta Volunteers (UK).

Guests of Honour included our President: The Earl of St. Andrews, our two Patrons: Field Marshal The Rt. Hon. The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank and  HE The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, as well as Greg Hands MP and Sophie Thompson.

Left to Right: Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, Dr. Marek Stella-Sawicki, Field Marhsal The Rt. Hon. The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank, Joanna Meeson, The Earl of St. Andrews, Greg Hands MP, HE Mr. Witold Sobkow Ambassador of the Republic of Poland

Performed by the Ave Verum Choir, and with beautiful solos performed by noted singer Natalie Coyle, this concert was held in aid of the Order of Malta's Poznan oncology clinic (the clinic provides free treatment to thousands of people every year -- and the site's connection to the Order of Malta dates back many centuries).

The Church of St. Clement Danes also contains a memorial to the Polish Air Force and the squadrons that participated in the Second World War. During the concert our President and Patrons processed to the memorial to lay a wreath in tribute to their contribution to the fight for freedom.

In this photograph I am briefly summarising the contribution of the Polish Air Force during the Second World War and introducing the formal wreath-laying procession to the Polish Memorial in the Church

Wreath on the Polish Air Force Memorial in the Church of St. Clement Danes (the Central Church of the Royal Air Force)
located on the Strand in Central London

Roundup of European Royal Christmas Messages 2012

Every Christmas, several European sovereigns and heads of royal houses broadcast Christmas messages. Europe's Royal Christmas Messages of 2012 may be viewed below.

The Christmas Message of HM The King of Spain:

The Christmas Message of HM The Queen of the Netherlands:

The Christmas Message of HM The King of the Belgians:

The Christmas Message to The Commonwealth of HM The Queen:

The Christmas Message of HM The King of Sweden:

http://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen/aktuellahandelser/aktuellt2012oktoberdecember/hmkonungensjultal2012.5.292a62ce13848168ac5412a.html

The Christmas Message of HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg:

http://tele.rtl.lu/waatleeft/replay/v/20121224/1/2983315/

The Christmas Message of HH The Pope

The Christmas Message of HM King Michael of Romania:

The Christmas Message to the British Armed Forces of
HRH The Prince of Wales

http://vimeo.com/56318546

The Christmas Message of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia:

HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – GREGORIAN CALENDAR 2012

On the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the day of great joy for all Christians, I wish the citizens of Serbia and people across the world who celebrate Christmas the very best wishes from my family and myself. May everyone enjoy peace, love and happiness.

Christmas is also the time for people to come together, to give and to share and to be at peace, the time to build respect for each other that helps us all be stronger.

My family joins me in wishing all of you a peaceful and Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2013.
Peace on Earth and goodwill for all!

Christ is born!
Alexander wikipedia wikipedia Rafe

The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant -- BBC TV Interview

Yesterday I appeared on BBC TV to discuss the announcement that HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a child.

Recent Public Speaking Engagements on the Monarchy

Below are images taken from three recent public appearances at which I spoke in favour of the Monarchy (University of Exeter Debating Society, The Battle of Ideas at London's Barbican, and The Sussex Salon Series sponsored by the University of Sussex at The Brighton Dome).

University of Exeter Debating Society
28 September 2012
Motion: "This House Would Abolish The Monarchy"
Vote: Monarchist Victory
(C) University of Exeter Debating Society

(C) University of Exeter Debating Society

The Battle of Ideas debate sponsored by
The Institute of Ideas at London's Barbican Centre
21 October 2012
Subject: Monarchy in the UK
No votes counted

The Sussex Salon Series sponsored by
the University of Sussex at
The Brighton Dome
28th November 2012
Motion: "Should Britain Become a Republic?"
Before the debate the audience was overwhelmingly republican;
by the end of the debate the Monarchist side
managed to slightly reduce the republican vote