Court Circular
BUCKINGHAM PALACE December 17th
The Queen held a Council at 4.30 pm.
There were present: the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-mogg, MP (Lord President), the Rt Hon Dr. Thérèse Coffey, MP (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions), the Rt Hon Alister Jack, MP (Secretary of State for Scotland), and the Rt Hon Ben Wallace, MP (Secretary of State for Defence).
Mr Simon Hart, MP, was sworn in as a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council.
The Rt Hon Simon Hart, MP, took the Oath of Office as Secretary of State for Wales, kissed hands upon appointment and received the Seals of Office.
Mr Richard Tilbrook was in attendance as Clerk of the Council.
The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-mogg, MP, had an audience of Her Majesty before the Council.
By command of The Queen, Mr Alistair Harrison (Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps) called upon His Excellency Mr Fernando López-fabregat at 150 Brompton Road, London SW3, this morning in order to bid farewell to His Excellency upon relinquishing his appointment as Ambassador from the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to the Court of St James’s.
CLARENCE HOUSE December 17th
The Prince of Wales this morning received Major General Sir Benjamin Bathurst (General Officer Commanding London District and Major General Commanding Household Division).
His Royal Highness, Colonel-inchief, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, received Colonel Justin Stenhouse upon relinquishing his appointment as Commanding Officer and Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Lloyd upon assuming the appointment.
The Prince of Wales, Royal Founding Patron, Turquoise Mountain Foundation, this afternoon held a Meeting.
His Royal Highness later held a Meeting for Waitrose Duchy Organic.
The Prince of Wales, President, Prince’s Trust, subsequently opened the new South London Centre, Blackfriars Circus, London SE1, and was received by Colonel Simon Duckworth (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).
His Royal Highness, Colonel-inchief, The Parachute Regiment, later received Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp upon relinquishing his appointment as Commanding Officer 1st Battalion and Lieutenant Colonel Alan Hortop upon assuming the appointment.
KENSINGTON PALACE December 17th
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester this evening attended the London Fire Brigade’s Carol Service in St Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4, and were received by Sir Kenneth Knight (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London). For more details about the Royal Family visit the Royal website at www.royal.uk