After visiting their first meeting place, St Andrews University, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were back at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. They hosted NHS staff from Scotland at a unique drive-in cinema to watch a special screening of Disney’s Cruella at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The name Holyrood, or ‘Holy Cross’, comes from a medieval legend. It’s said that David I was about to be attacked by a stag while hunting when a shining cross appeared between its antlers. The stag then vanished and the King was saved!
The Royal couple paid a tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh by arriving in a 1966 2A Land Rover that belonged to Prince Philip. Prince William drove his wife to the screening location in the Land Rover that they get on loan for the night from the Queen. Prince Philip died at the age of 99 this April.
A floral greeting for the Duchess!
Disney’s Cruella is the story of Cruella de Vil (introduced in Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians) from Disney’s 1961 animated film adaptation. It’s a live-action feature film following the evil exploits of Cruella de Vil, the villain from the Disney film, “101 Dalmatians’. It opens in cinemas across the UK on Friday.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted the night as the patron of NHS Charities. They were joined by the actor Tipper Seifert-Cleveland. Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge became the joint patron of NHS Charities in December 2020 during the Royal Train Tour. There are more than 240 NHS charities across the UK and most of them focus on helping our hospitals do more. Collectively these charities give £1 million every day to the NHS so that people can stay well for longer and get better faster. In recent years NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment at our hospitals, helping patients access the best possible care when they need it most.
It was revealed that Prince William and Catherine had a conversation with the film’s actors Emma Stone and Emma Thompson earlier this week on Monday. They discussed what it was like to make the film in London, the incredible costumes – as well as the inspirational work done by NHS staff across the country. William also told the stars about the proposition he received from 96 years old Betty who wanted him to kiss her. Jokingly Catherine said, “This is what happens when I’m not around!”
Prince William and Catherine personally welcomed the NHS Staff on a rainy evening in the forecourt of the Palace. From Hello!’s report,
Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, Ellie Orton, said: “This special screening of Disney’s Cruella is such a wonderful gesture by our Royal Patrons The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It will be a huge boost and thank you to those staff who have done everything they can to keep us safe and well over the last year.
“We’re delighted to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime memory for some of the amazing NHS staff in Scotland – it is because of their efforts that we are even in a position to enjoy events like this one.”
They handed out the popcorn to the NHS Staff and their families. They thanked the NHS staff for their hard work and the sacrifices they have made since the beginning of the pandemic. The guests of the evening came from across the NHS workforce in Scotland, having been nominated by NHS Charities Together’s member charities and their associated health boards.
The Duchess of Cambridge addressed the guests ahead of the screening and welcome them to the Palace.
Full text of the speech.
The Duke and Duchess watching the movie from the Land Rover.
View of the front forecourt of the Palace
The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing Full Length Marlborough Trench Heather Tartan Coat from Holland Cooper.
Underneath the coat, The Duchess was wearing a Joseph Metallic knit Skirt. Thanks to Heaven_LeeM on Twitter for the id.
Another new element of the look was a pair of earrings from The Queen’s Dubai Looped Sapphire Demi-Parure. Thanks to CoutureRoyals for the id.
The Duchess of Cambridge paired the outfit with her Manolo Blahnik BB dark green velvet pumps that she first wore on the first reception she attended during the Ireland visit in March 2020.
