From BZ/dpa
At the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s anniversary celebrations, her eldest son Prince Charles (73) swung the dance floor.
The heir to the throne took part as a surprise guest at a tea dance for more than 250 mostly elderly people at his country estate Highgrove House in the western English county of Gloucestershire. He did a tango with amateur dancer Bridget Tibbs.
“It was wonderful,” Tibbs told the PA news agency. “He was very nice to dance with, he had a wonderful sense of rhythm, a nice hold.”
Colorful tea time: Prince Charles has a lively chat with 100-year-old Elizabeth Powell Photo: Reuters
Before that, the future king talked to 100-year-old Elizabeth Powell, whom he later congratulated with a bouquet of flowers from his garden and a handwritten card on her birthday. She is already looking forward to the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations, which begin this Thursday.
Powell plans to attend a street party and village festival with her family. When asked about her recipe for a long life, the celebrant said: “I like to drink a glass of red wine in the evening. And sometimes I treat myself to a sherry at lunchtime.”
Charles was accompanied by TV presenter Jools Holland (64) and soul singer Ruby Turner (63). Tuesday’s festival was organized by his Prince’s Foundation to prevent loneliness.
There had already been a “tea dance” in the west London district of Chelsea on Monday, but Charles was not present. Similar events were planned in Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday. “Social isolation is a widespread problem that has been felt by many more than ever in the past two years,” said Prince’s Foundation chief Simon Sadinsky. “It’s been great to see so many people taking the opportunity to connect with others in their community.”
