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"I am writing to invite you to join me for two events to celebrate the life of my dear late wife, Mimi, taking place on Thursday 23rd May, 2024.
Firstly, there will be a formal service at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. This will be followed by a light buffet lunch reception at the Carlton Club, at which we can share our memories of Mimi.
You are invited to both events. However, I appreciate that some of you may not be able to attend both and so you are welcome to come to either.
In order for me to make suitable arrangements, I should be grateful if you could indicate on your RSVP the events you wish to attend and to submit this at your very earliest convenience.
I do hope you will be able to join us and, if so, I look forward to seeing you on 23rd May."
CEREMONY
The Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace
11am
(doors close 10:55am)
IMPORTANT!
Please note that, due to the secure location, there will be armed police on the door of the Chapel Royal and you will need to produce two forms of photographic identification on arrival to be permitted entrance.
Doors will open at 10:30am. You will be asked to be seated by 10:45am so please do allow plenty of time. Doors will close at 10:55am.
Anyone arriving after 11am will regrettably not be allowed to enter to the service, but will be able to join us at The Carlton Club from 12pm.
There is a simple, accessible toilet within the Chapel, however we'd advise that you make use of the facilities on your journey (tube station for example).
DRESS CODE
Due to the formal setting, we ask that gentlemen kindly wear a tie and jacket.
Guests in sports shoes or jeans will not be permitted entry.
Should you wish, it would be appreciated if you could add a touch of blue to your outfit.
RECEPTION
The Carlton Club
12pm till 4pm
BUFFET LUNCH
Following the ceremony, we'll be gathering a few doors down in the Wellington Room of The Carlton Club for a light buffet lunch as we share our fond memories of Mimi.
Please be sure to add any dietary requirements you would like the chef to be aware of when you submit your RSVP so we can advise them accordingly.
DRESS CODE
As with the chapel, gentlemen are required to wear a tie and jacket, and guests wearing sports shoes or jeans will regrettably not be admitted entry to the event. Again, it would be appreciated if you could add a touch of blue to your outfit.
St. James's Palace
THE CHAPEL ROYAL
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
At the heart of the St. James's Palace complex is the Chapel Royal, built by Henry VIII for his short lived marriage with Anne of Cleves in 1540. This building has been used regularly since 1702 and is the most commonly used facility today.
Located in the main block of St James's Palace, it was built circa 1540 and altered since, most notably by Sir Robert Smirke in 1837.
The large window to the right of the palace gatehouse is in the north wall of this chapel which is laid out on a north south rather than the usual east-west axis. Its ceiling richly decorated with royal initials and coats of arms is said to have been painted by Holbein.
It has been regularly used by the canons and singers since 1702, after the loss of the Chapel Royal at Whitehall Palace to fire, and is the most commonly used facility today.
Laurits Tuxen - Royal Collection [1] Identification key [2]
CONTACT.
For any questions relating to logistics, timings, attire, security at the chapel etc., please contact Sarah Thomas at:
📧 thomasvictoriasarah@gmail.com
☎️ +33 6 50 67 55 66 (WhatsApp is easiest)
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For any personal messages or queries, please contact Colin Watts at: