Her Majesty The Queen led Britain at the G7 Reception at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The United Kingdom is holding this year’s G7 Summit. The Group of Seven is an informal club of wealthy “liberal democracies” consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. As per Standard.co.uk, “Their presence at the G7 summit is part of the government’s attempts to maximise the royal family’s powers of soft diplomacy on US President Joe Biden and other powerful world leaders. “
The heads of government of the member states, as well as the representatives of the European Union, meet at the annual G7 Summit. The Queen was joined by the Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge. Once again it has been amazing to see the 95 years old Queen leading the world leaders.
Earlier in the day, The Duchess of Cambridge met with the First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden, for an Early Years engagement. William and Catherine’s attendance at this high-profile event is being considered the latest milestone in their progression as senior royals. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who became full-time royals in 2017, are being prepared for the future role – The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Watch as the Queen, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the @G7 reception at the @edenproject pic.twitter.com/YzBCyD2QQi
— Lizzie Robinson (@LizzieITV) June 11, 2021
The venue of the summit is an educational charity, social enterprise and visitor attraction in Cornwall, England, UK. The project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit, located 2 km from the town of St Blazey and 5 km from the larger town of St Austell. The complex is dominated by two huge enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house thousands of plant species and each enclosure emulates a natural biome.
You might remember, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Eden Project in 2016. During the reception, the Prince of Wales urged G7 leaders to display the same sense of urgency in tackling climate change as they showed in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met the world leaders at the summit. A picture of William and Catherine with French President and First Lady.
The Prince of Wales speaks at a meeting with @TheSMI CEOs and @G7 leaders about sustainable investment and the steps needed to ensure business works for the environment, not against it.
Read HRH’s remarks in full: https://t.co/G2Y46YuV2u pic.twitter.com/x6Hcuhqu3Y
— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 11, 2021
Later in the evening, The Prince of Wales and Prince William hosted world leaders and chief executive officers from some of the world’s largest companies to discuss how the private sector can work with governments to tackle the climate emergency. In his speech, Prince Charles said: “The fight against this terrible pandemic provides a crystal-clear example of the scale, and sheer speed, at which the global community can tackle crises when we combine political will with business ingenuity and public mobilization. We are doing it for the pandemic. We must also do it for the planet.”
After the reception, The Duchess of Cambridge also joined Her Majesty and The Duchess of Cornwall to meet with the volunteers of the Big Lunch charity that will host a special Jubilee lunch in 2022 spearheaded by The Eden Project to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Founded in 2009, The big lunch is the UK’s yearly get together for the neighbours and communities to share in friendship, food and fun. The Duchess of Cornwall has been Patron of The Big Lunch since 2013. From Standard.co.uk’s report,
During the celebration, the Queen insisted on borrowing a ceremonial sword to cut a cake during a royal engagement – prompting laughter from the Duchesses of Cornwall and Cambridge.
The monarch had been handed the sword by Edward Bolitho, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, for the task of cutting a large cake marking the Big Lunch at the Eden Project.
When told by an aide that there was a conventional knife available, the Queen replied: “I know there is, this is more unusual”.
The Duchess of Cornwall commented: “That’s slicing through” before assisting with the final part of cutting the cake, which was loudly applauded by those at the event.
After handing the ceremonial sword back, the Queen used a knife to cut a second slice of cake and remarked: “That looks very good.”
Peter Stewart, executive director of the Eden Project, introduced around 20 guests who had been invited to the event to the three royals.
For the banquet, The Duchess of Cambridge chose a white coat dress with a pleated silhouette. The label of the coat dress has not been disclosed yet but it definitely looks like a custom piece so could be from Alexander McQueen or Catherine Walker.
The Duchess of Cambridge paired the coat with Aquazzura Bow Tie 105 suede pumps. Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id.
The Duchess teamed up it with her Josef Point de Beauvais Beaded Flap Clutch Bag that she debuted in 2017 at a Garden party.
Catherine paired the outfit with Robinson Pelham Oxygen Aspen Earrings.
Princess Diana’s Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet that Catherine first wore in July 2017 during the Germany tour.
Exclusive: the ‘profoundly powerful’ moments that shaped Duchess of Cambridge’s children’s charity work https://t.co/HyIWWg4OeK
— RegalFille (@RegalFille) June 11, 2021
The Telegraph has reported a bit more about The Duchess of Cambridge’s upcoming project announcement, “Some major news releasing in the coming days over the Duchess of Cambridge’s next move in the Early Years with an initiative similar in scale to Prince William’s £50m Earth shot Prize. The project has been in making for almost 10 years starting shortly after her wedding in 2011 with a meeting to Hope House, a women-only rehabilitation centre in Clapham, south London.”
Stay tuned to find out more about the project!