Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the 75th anniversary of the English National Ballet, celebrating the company’s rich heritage and enduring commitment to creativity and inclusion.
As Patron of the English National Ballet, Her Majesty welcomed dancers, staff and supporters to the Centre Room at the Palace, recognising both the company’s artistic achievements and its work to widen access to dance.
The event, held on Tuesday, saw the Queen joined by leading figures from the world of ballet, including the company’s Artistic Director, Aaron S Watkin, and its Chairperson, Sir Rupert Gavin, who each offered remarks reflecting on the company’s past and future.
Guests were treated to a special performance of The Dying Swan by Lead Principal Ballerina Sangeun Lee, whose moving interpretation was met with applause.
Queen Camilla hosted the English National Ballet at Buckingham Palace
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Following the performance, the Queen met Ms Lee alongside veteran dance advocate Angela Rippon, a former chair of the English National Ballet, and choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips.
Camilla also spoke with members of the company’s Dance for Parkinson’s and ENBYouthCo programmes, which are designed to bring dance to a wider audience.
These initiatives form part of the English National Ballet’s community outreach work, which has become a central part of its mission in recent years.
The reception marked the latest in a series of engagements underscoring the Queen’s longstanding support for the arts.
Since becoming Royal Patron of the English National Ballet in June 2024, Her Majesty has taken a keen interest in the company’s work.
Queen Camilla was treated to a first-hand performance from the English National Ballet
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In September 2024, she visited its East London home, the Mulryan Centre for Dance, meeting dancers and students taking part in its education programme.
Founded in 1950 by Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin as the London Festival Ballet, the English National Ballet was established with the pioneering ambition of taking ballet beyond the confines of the opera house.
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Over the decades, it has become one of the world’s leading touring companies, renowned for its blend of classical repertoire and contemporary innovation.
Today, its mission remains to open up the possibilities of ballet creatively, emotionally and physically.
The company performs across England and internationally, supported by its orchestra, the English National Ballet Philharmonic. In recent years, it has also expanded its digital presence, creating new ways for audiences to experience its work.
Queen Camilla was gifted a pair of ballet pumps as part of the reception
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Through programmes such as ENBYouthCo for aspiring young dancers, and health initiatives including Dance for Parkinson’s and Dance for Dementia, the English National Ballet continues to connect people of all ages and abilities with dance.
As the company entered its 75th year, the Palace reception offered both reflection and renewal for the many people involved in the efforts of the organisations.