THE QUEEN CONSORT EN POINTE MEETING BALLET STUDENTS IN BIRMINGHAM
After becoming “completely hooked” on the Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swan ballet-based fitness classes for the over-55s, the Queen Consort was happy to pay a visit to the barre and lift her spirits with a group of young dancers.
Her Majesty met the next generation of stars as she helped Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, of which she is patron, celebrate its centenary.
She chatted to Carlos Acosta, artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, and watched performances by pupils from all year groups.
“Every time I come here, I never cease to be impressed,” she said. “Speaking from an ancient Silver Swan… I just had no idea quite how difficult it was. So when I go and see a performance now, I just sit and study all the movements and think: ‘I don’t know how anybody does it.’”
There were added words of encouragement to 13-year-old Anthony Madu (above, with Camilla), who was offered a scholarship to the school after a video of him pirouetting in the rain near his home in Lagos, Nigeria, went viral. His story is now being made into a Disney documentary.
Anthony told the royal guest he had loved dancing since he was five years old, to which she replied: “It gets to grips with you – you can’t let it go. Good luck.”
CROWN PRINCESS LEONOR OF SPAIN IS IN STEP WITH FUTURE MILITARY ROLE
Many teens take a gap year between school and university, but for Crown Princess Leonor of Spain, the idea of seeing action overseas has taken on a whole new meaning since it was revealed that she will undertake three years of military training in preparation for her future role as Queen of Spain.
Currently studying for an international baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic in Wales, Leonor (left, at the college) will get her marching orders in August.
The 17-year-old daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia (right, with Leonor) will study at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza before enrolling at the Naval Military School in Marín and embarking on a round-the-world voyage on a training ship. She will spend her final year at the General Air Academy in San Javier.
Making the announcement, Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles said: “In recent years, we’ve made a big effort to incorporate women in the armed forces. [This] is an essential step in the life of Her Royal Highness.”
Felipe, who completed military training in the 1980s, is said to have welcomed the news.
SIR BRIAN MAY ROCK GUITARIST MOVES FROM QUEEN TO A KNIGHT
More than 20 year
