Prince Andrew has stepped into the shoes of his late sister-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, by becoming patron of the English National Ballet. Although Diana died nearly four years ago she had still been considered the official figurehead of the company until this year.
At a visit to the troupe’s temporary studios in east London, where he was welcomed on board by the English National Ballet chairwoman and former newsreader Angela Rippon, the Duke of York spent time chatting to dancers busy preparing for their new production of Romeo And Juliet.
He was also given a pair of ballet shoes signed by members of the company as a gift for his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie. The presentation was made by the company’s youngest ever Juliet –19-year-old Brazilian dancer Fernanda Oliveira. “It’s a good thing that he is now with us,” said the prima ballerina.
Commenting upon the Duke’s new role Angela Rippon said: “A lot of people do not realise that His Royal Highness has a genuine interest in the ballet and that he is actually very, very knowledgeable about it. He also comes to performances.”
“He has had an association with the company for a number of years and it is a perfect match,” she added.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
