The formal dinner and concert at King’s House showcased a blend of regal fashion and captivating entertainment. Princess Anne stunned in a white georgette gown adorned with red roses, complemented by elegant ensembles from Mrs. Glasspole and Mrs. Manley, who both donned white attire with intricate details. Following the dinner, an enchanting concert featured the Jamaica Folk Singers, traditional dances, and lively performances from school groups, creating a vibrant cultural display under the festive lights and moonlit grounds.
Published Friday December 14, 1973
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS Princess Anne and her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, were the principal guests of the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Florizel Glasspole, and Mrs. Glasspole at a formal dinner at King's House on Wednesday night. The couple later watched performances by the Jamaica Folk Singers and groups of schoolchildren showcasing traditional songs and dances.
The trees in the grounds of King's House, already decorated with lights for Christmas, provided a festive backdrop as a brilliant moon illuminated the scene. Guests for the dinner and concert strolled about the grounds beforehand. Her Royal Highness looked regal in a white georgette gown printed with large red roses. The gown featured wide, open sleeves that folded almost to the hem, with flounces edging the cuffs and neckline, and a fitted waist above a full skirt. Mrs. Glasspole wore a slim-skirted white lace dress with unlined lace on the sleeves and neckline, while Mrs. Manley, wife of Prime Minister the Hon. Michael Manley, opted for a white polyester satin two-piece gown with cutwork embroidery and narrow shoulder straps, paired with a matching choker necklace.
After dinner, the Princess's arrival in the gallery of the King's House ballroom for the concert was heralded by a fanfare from the Jamaican Military Band. Distinguished guests in formal evening dress packed the ballroom to enjoy the performances.
The programme featured historical songs by the Jamaican Folk Singers, followed by the quadrille performed by Greenwich Town Primary School. The Folk Singers returned with work songs, and the Boys’ Town Music Club presented play songs. Spanish Town Quadrille Dancers performed traditional dances, while Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive School gave a lively Revival performance. The Boys’ Town Club joined the Jamaica Folk Singers in presenting mento music, culminating in a finale of Jonkunnu music with the entire company dancing on stage.
The concert, produced and presented by Olive Lewin, featured commentary by Jean Barnes. Fitzroy Cole and Dennis Morgan served as stage managers, Hazel Ramsay provided costumes, and lighting was managed by Franklyn St. Juste. After the performances, Princess Anne and Captain Phillips met with the performers and personally thanked them.
Guests at the dinner included Prime Minister Michael Manley and Mrs. Manley, the Rev. R. L. Nelson and Mrs. Nelson, the Hon. David Coore and Mrs. Coore, the Hon. Kenneth McNeill and Mrs. McNeill, the Hon. Keble Munn and Mrs. Munn, the Hon. Ripton Macpherson and Mrs. Macpherson, the Hon. Kenneth Smith and Mrs. Smith, the Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. John Hennings, Mr. and Mrs. John Harrington, Mrs. Winnifred Gaskin and Mr. Berkley Gaskin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Archibald, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Caballero Bazan, and Mrs. Edna Manley.
Attendees at the concert included representatives from Parliament, the Church, the commercial and artistic community, and the Diplomatic Corps.
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