Historic Royal Palaces-NYC

Photos by David DuPuy/AnnieWatt.com

Historic Royal Palaces hosted their inaugural Salon, themed Allies & Spies: Secrets from the Tower, at the home of Monica Gerard-Sharp & Ali Wambold.

The charity Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) looks after six magnificent palaces in the UK: the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland. The cocktail reception was hosted by the Board of HRP Inc to gather support for increasing accessibility to the Tower, its educational programs and its environment.

John Barnes, Chief Executive of HRP, outlined the mission: “We want everyone to experience the joy, intrigue, and captivating stories our palaces contain.”  Guests included actor Jim Dale, John Makinson & Nandana Sen, Sir Robert & Lady Griff Fairbairn, Maureen White, Barbara Tober, Shelby White, Claire & Christopher Mann, Margaret Crotty; most were visiting  England this summer. Future HRP Salons are planned, aiming to cultivate American friends, raise funds and strengthen historical ties between US and UK.

The event partner was Royal Salute, a whisky which has celebrated significant royal occasions, and Peter Prentice from Chivas Bros gave a lively toast with quaichs. Christopher Mason performed a witty song specially composed for the occasion guiding guests through 1,000 years of history.

The highlight was hearing from acclaimed historian and broadcaster, Professor Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at HRP,who shared the Tower’s fascinating secrets involving spies, prisoners, royal intrigue and executions.

Click here for more information about Historic Royal Palaces and events in London this summer.