Royal Family Hosts Humanitarian Reception at Buckingham Palace

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The King and Queen, joined by The Princess Royal and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, welcomed exceptional individuals and organisations contributing towards humanitarian efforts across the globe at a reception held at Buckingham Palace. The event also marked the anniversaries of four global charities, including International Health Partners, ShelterBox, Islamic Relief, and Christian Aid. During the reception, Their Majesties and guests had an opportunity to view displays on the work of the four humanitarian organisations, as well as see stories from volunteers who work with the organisations. The King and Queen also saw a collection of images from the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) sent to The King for World Humanitarian Day in August 2024, which covered work from DEC’s recent appeals, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Turkey-Syria, as well as Sudan and Gaza.

Celebrating 20 years of impact, International Health Partners is a global health NGO that helps people in disaster-hit and vulnerable communities access the medicines they need. An estimated 2 billion people are denied essential medicines globally, and IHP are working to change this, striving for a world where suffering due to a lack of healthcare is eradicated. Founded in 2000, ShelterBox is an international disaster charity that provides emergency shelter and other essential household items, including tents, tarpaulins, water filters, and blankets to families around the world who have lost their homes to disaster, conflict, and climate crises. More than three million people have been supported by the charity since it was formed 25 years ago, which works out at more than 300 people every day. The humanitarian efforts of these organisations are crucial in providing aid and support to those in need.

The reception was attended by various guests, including campaigner and broadcaster Myleene Klass, who has spent 14 years in frontline areas such as Sierra Leone, Colombia, and Afghanistan. Former TV presenter Fern Britton was also among the invited guests, and was pictured shaking hands with the King. Fern is now based in Cornwall and works with ShelterBox to provide emergency shelter in disaster zones. The King was also seen conversing with actor and disability rights activist, Liz Carr. The event highlighted the importance of global cooperation and support in addressing humanitarian crises. The charities recognised at the reception are making a significant impact in the lives of millions of people around the world.

The King and Queen's support for humanitarian efforts is evident in their attendance at the reception and their recognition of the anniversaries of the four global charities. The event also marked the first-ever Humanitarian Medals awarded by The King at Buckingham Palace earlier in the week. The medal was awarded to those in public service and members of humanitarian organisations who respond in support of human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis. The reception was a testament to the Royal Family's commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and recognising the exceptional work of individuals and organisations contributing to this cause.

In conclusion, the reception hosted by the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace was a significant event that recognised the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations to humanitarian efforts globally. The event highlighted the importance of global cooperation and support in addressing humanitarian crises and demonstrated the Royal Family's commitment to this cause. The recognition of the anniversaries of the four global charities and the awarding of the first-ever Humanitarian Medals were significant moments in the event, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people around the world. The following are some key points and statistics related to the event: * List of charities recognised at the reception: * International Health Partners * ShelterBox * Islamic Relief * Christian Aid * Number of people supported by ShelterBox since its formation: over 3 million * Number of years International Health Partners has been in operation: 20 years * Number of countries where Islamic Relief has offices delivering programmes: over 40 * Year Christian Aid was founded: 1945