The Royal Week 26 February - 4 March

Saturday 26 February

The 26th February marked 70 years to the day that The Queen sat for her first official portraits as Sovereign. 

These now iconic images were taken by Dorothy Wilding and to produce portraits to use as the basis for The Queen’s image on new coins, banknotes and stamps, as well as providing the official portrait of Her Majesty which was sent to every British embassy throughout the world.

The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of Welsh Rugby Union, and The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of England Rugby, were joined by Prince George for the England v. Wales Six Nations match at Twickenham.

The Princess Royal in her role as Patron of Scotland Rugby Union attended the Scotland v. France match at Murrayfield.

Monday 28 February

The Prince of Wales, Honorary President of the Royal Academy Trust, visited the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

The Duke of Kent visited Cranfield University to plant a tree as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative.

The visit also marked the end of His Royal Highness's time as a 'Visitor' of the University, and he was able to see the latest research developments and new facilities at the Bedfordshire campus. 

Tuesday 1 March

The Queen held two virtual Audiences from Windsor Castle. Her Majesty received the Ambassador of Andorra, Carles Jordana Madero and the Ambassador of Chad, Kedella Younous Hamidi.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were in Essex celebrate Southend-on-Sea being given city status. 

Southend was granted city status as a tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP, who championed for city status throughout his career. Sir David was also posthumously awarded Freedom of the newly created City, which was accepted by his wife, Lady Amess.

His Royal Highness later welcomed supporters of The Powerlist to Clarence House. First published in 2007, The Powerlist celebrates 100 of the UK’s most influential people of African, African Caribbean and African-American heritage.

On St David’s Day, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Abergavenny and Blaenavon in Wales to learn about the importance of the agricultural industry to rural populations and how community organisations are providing support to young people while also celebrating the history of the region.    

Their Royal Highnesses also planted a tree as part of The Queen's Green Canopy.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to see their new air base. 

Their Royal Highnesses spent time with representatives from the local hospitals in the region and then spoke to air lifted patients and their families to hear first-hand about their experiences.

Wednesday 2 March

The Queen had one of her weekly Audiences with the Prime Minister, which was held via telephone.

The Prince of Wales opened UCLH's new University College Hospital Grafton Way Building.

His Royal Highness was later joined by The Duchess of Cornwall for a visit to a Ukrainian Catholic Church in London.

Ahead of World Book Day, The Countess of Wessex, Patron of Guide Dogs, visited their newly refurbished Reading Base to meet a group of readers who have benefited from the charity's work to create accessible books for the visually impaired.

Her Royal Highness also celebrate the 15th anniversary of Parenting Special Children, a charity that offers specialist parenting support to families of children and young people with Special Needs and/or Disabilities in Berkshire.

In Manchester, The Princess Royal opened Manchester Royal Infirmary's new helipad and visited the St Mary's Hospital maternity services in her role as Patron of the Royal College of Midwives.

Thursday 3 March

The Queen held two further Audiences.

The Prince of Wales was in Winchester to see the recently unveiled statue of Licoricia of Winchester statue.

On World Book Day, The Duchess of Cambridge recommended some books as part of The Duchess of Cornwall's Reading Room - which has now launched its own website.

Inspired by the success of Her Royal Highness's reading lists shared during the pandemic in 2020, the Reading Room channel offers new seasons of book recommendations, as well as exclusive insight from the authors themselves, in a community space for book lovers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The Earl of Wessex visited St Peter's Middle School in Old Windsor to officially open their new Peacock Building, and later joined a virtual meeting in celebration of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Youth Ambassadors scheme.

Princess Alexandra hosted a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Guts UK charity.

Her Royal Highness is Patron of the British medical research charity dedicated to the research of digestive disorders.

Friday 4 March

On the day of the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics, The Earl and Countess of Wessex wished good luck to the team.

The Princess Royal was in the Netherlands, where she commissioned Mercy Ships new Hospital Ship, GLOBAL MERCY. Her Royal Highness is Patron of the charity that deploys hospital ships to provide free surgery to those most in need.

The Princess, as President of Mission to Seafarers, visited Schiedam Flying Angel Centre, and the finished the day at The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.

You can see a full list of engagements undertaken by The Royal Family in the Court Circular.