School supporters celebrate centenary at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

On 22 and 23 April, The Royal Ballet School hosted donors, supporters, friends and members of the School community for two memorable evenings at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace to celebrate the School’s centenary.

Guests were granted exclusive access to the critically acclaimed exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the largest display of the monarch’s wardrobe ever staged. This exhibition provided a fitting context to honour the School’s long and valued relationship with the late Queen, who became Patron in 1956. Today, that connection continues under the patronage of His Majesty The King, with Her Royal Highness Lady Sarah Chatto serving as President.

Wednesday evening began with a warm welcome from the Development team before guests were invited upstairs to the gallery, where the exhibition and story of the late Queen’s life unfolded. Visitors were first introduced to childhood garments, including a bridesmaid dress, one of the earliest surviving pieces of couture from her wardrobe worn at the age of eight in 1934, as well as the christening robe worn by 62 royal babies.

Moving through the hallway and buzzing with excitement, guests encountered Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress positioned at the end of the room. The journey continued into the larger gallery filled with vividly coloured outfits, jewellery and an entire wall of hats.

Two rows of colourful monochromatic dresses line a display case in the king's gallery

School supporters celebrate centenary at the king’s gallery, buckingham palace

Caroline de Guitaut, Exhibition Curator and Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, brought the exhibition to life with a speech about the exhibition’s significance and drew attention to the Queen’s childhood ballet shoes, underscoring the importance of dance throughout her life.

The School’s Chair of the Board, Natasha Kaplinksy, then followed, reflecting on the connection between both the Queen and the School’s centenary year. She shared the story of the Queen’s longstanding relationship with the School as patron and her enduring support for the art form. Natasha also expressed gratitude to our current patron, His Majesty The King, and President Lady Sarah Chatto who attended the evening, highlighting the continued links with the Royal Family. She also thanked Fortnum & Mason for their generous support of the evening.

Year 8 student Charlie then read his poem titled I love it here with confidence and passion, offering a heartfelt reminder of what the School means to its students. This was followed by Pre‑professional student Wendel, who shared his ballet journey. From travelling from Brazil to the UK to follow his dreams, to reflecting on what it means to be a student at The Royal Ballet School in its centenary year, he spoke of his hopes for the next generation of dancers, reminding everyone of ballet’s power to change the lives of young people.

Caroline de guitaut speaks at a wooden podium in the gallery. — *Exhibition Curator and Surveyor of the Kings Works of Art* *Caroline de Guitaut*

Wednesday’s dinner followed with much conversation and connection. The evening felt like a truly special occasion, bringing together members of The Royal Ballet School community and guests for an experience shaped by ballet, shared history and celebration. Volunteer Caroline Fellowes remarked, ‘I feel so blessed to be involved with The Royal Ballet School and being invited to spend time with students, teachers and donors in the wondrous surroundings of the King’s Gallery. It was a magical experience.’

Guests departed with Fortnum & Mason goodie bags accompanied by many words of thanks and appreciation for a memorable and meaningful evening.

On Thursday, the programme continued with a reception that offered a broader reflection on the School’s centenary year and its ongoing mission. Guests heard from CEO Patrick Harrison and Artistic Director Iain Mackay, who spoke about the School’s history, its royal connections and its role in shaping the future of ballet.

For many, the highlight of the evening was hearing directly from the students. A moving poem by Nelia, a Year 7 student, titled Echoes of 100 Years, beautifully captured the dedication and lifelong passion that define a dancer’s journey:

Dancing with happiness, dancing without fear, dancing with emotion, evolving through the years,

we've skipped down the school halls, rushed down these stairs, pirouetted through the pillars, and slicked back our hair,

memories still linger, leaping through time, grand jeté — point your toes — still tests in our mind, we place a hand on our hearts and close our eyes, then open them slowly, how quickly time flies,

a time-lapse of autumns, of winters, of springs, where dancers grew up and moved onto new things, from 1926 to this present day, it's never the past where our memories stay,

a ballerina of her time once stated, and i quote, “ballet is more than a profession — it's a way of life,” she wrote, ballet’s not a passing phase or something you outgrow, it is an art and a passion that lives in your soul.

Nelia stands behind the wooden podium, wearing her school uniform and smiling to the crowd.

This was followed by 2nd Year student Harry, who reflected on his time at the School, speaking thoughtfully about its values and the distinct experience it offers. Pre-professional Year student Samantha then shared her aspirations and spoke about the future she is working towards as a dancer.

Central to the evening was the recognition of the vital role supporters play in enabling talented young dancers, regardless of background, to realise their potential. Students receive access to world-class training, exceptional pastoral care and a community united in its pursuit of excellence, all made possible through their continued support.

Guests were then invited past the country and off‑duty styles into the main gallery, where couture gowns and evening wear inspired by the countries she visited were displayed. Her most famous outfits were shown here, too, including the dress worn during the James Bond parachute sequence at the 2012 Olympics, shown together with the stunt double.

As the School’s centenary celebrations continue, these gatherings at The King’s Gallery set an important tone for the remainder of the year, honouring a remarkable legacy while looking forward to the future of ballet in the UK and beyond.

‘We were both so thrilled to attend this very special event, which made us feel even more privileged to be a part of the Chair’s Circle,’ said Corrine Grimes and Charlie Hewson. ‘It is wonderful to know that we can benefit the students of this world-class institution and also play a small part in the shaping of the ballet world of the future.’