An invited group of major benefactors and supporters of 'Yerevan My Love' charitable project from around the world were the personal guests of Nouneh and Armen Sarkissian at this year's opening day of the Royal Ascot on 14 June. Viscount David and Viscountess Serena Linley were the guests of honour. Viscount Linley is the son of the late Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. The luncheon took place in the prestigious Windsor Forest box adjacent to the Royal Box. Celebrating its 300th anniversary, the Royal Ascot is a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar. It is the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world and Britain’s most popular race meeting, welcoming approximately 300,000 visitors across the five days of Royal Ascot. The highlight of the day was the Royal Procession - the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal party in horse-drawn landaus, which paraded along the track in front of the race-goers. The Royal Procession dates back to the 1820s and the reign of King George IV. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style all meet in a glorious setting. As part of a long tradition, there is a very strict dress code imposed by the Representative of the Queen. Gentlemen are required to wear morning dress with a top hat and ladies must wear formal day wear. The origin of this tradition is traced back to 1807. The first race at what is now Royal Ascot was held in 1711 under the patronage of Queen Anne. Today the traditions started back then have not changed: the Queen Anne Stakes continues to be run in memory of the monarch who founded the course three centuries ago. Although founded by a Queen and located on Crown property, the administration of Ascot has always been handled on behalf of the Crown by a representative appointed by the Monarch. The racecourse was run on behalf of the Sovereign by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds up until 1901 when Lord Churchill was appointed as His Majesty’s Representative. He was responsible for running the course and determining entrance to the Royal Enclosure. In 1913, the Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament to administer and manage the institution. As an owner and breeder of racehorses Her Majesty The Queen takes a keen interest in the races. Over the years The Queen has had great success with her own horses. The Jockeys riding Her Majesty's horses can be distinguished because they wear The Queen's racing colours - purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and black velvet cap with gold fringe. As owner of the Crown Estate, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth reopened the racecourse in June 2006 after a £200 million redevelopment of the entire complex. Following the "Armenian Day" at Royal Ascot, on 15th June His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales hosted a historic Anglo-Armenian charity event at Buckingham Palace in support of "Yerevan My Love" projects in Armenia and Dumfries House in Scotland. Project initiator and main benefactor Armen Sarkissian, former Prime Minister of Armenia, welcomed more than 250 guests from around the world with His Royal Highness. Members of the royal family, dignitaries, world renowned political, cultural and civic leaders, and senior executives of global corporations attended this unique charity event. Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, and Mayor of Yerevan, Karen Karapetyan were among the guests of honour. The evening started with a reception, following by a unique concert especially put together on this occasion. World renowned soprano Renée Fleming and violin virtuoso and conductor Maxim Vengerov, took part in the programme, along with the Philharmonia Orchestra (London) and the Bach Choir. In addition to Handel, the choir sang most moving pieces from the Armenian liturgy, Surb, Surb and Hayr Mer by Makar Ekmalian. As a tribute to 'Yerevan My Love', Vengerov played Komitas's Krung for the first time in his musical career, captivating the emotions of the audience. Renée Fleming enthralled the audience not only with her superb and mesmerizing voice, but also with her poignant remarks. A banquet followed in the magnificent Picture Gallery of the Palace. 25 Evelyn Mansions, Carlisle Place, London SW1P 1NH, UK Tel. +44 207 828 2883 E-mail: [email protected]

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