2015 Britannia Awards: Tickets Now on Sale to the Public!

Posted on October 14, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

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Imagine rubbing shoulders with the likes of Orlando Bloom, Meryl Streep or James Corden? Perhaps toasting to Hollywood legend, Harrison Ford? Well, grab your best frock or tux because tickets are now available for the 2015 Jaguar Land Rover British Academy Britannia Awards…and the public is invited to attend!

Held at the legendary Beverly Hilton (Home of the Golden Globe Awards!) your ticket will include the arrivals reception, dinner, ceremony and after-party! Special VIP packages and tables are also available. Who knows who you might bump into….

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch (L) and filmmaker George Clooney attend the 2013 BAFTA LA Jaguar Britannia Awards presented by BBC America at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 9, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA)

Benedict Cumberbatch  and George Clooney would like to welcome you to the 2015 BAFTA/LA                Britannia Awards! Who are we to argue with such an invitation?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (Photo by Michael Buckner/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA)

 

The Britannias are the biggest British night in the Hollywood calendar and considered the official kick-off to awards season! A dazzling event where Brits and Anglophiles alike come together to take over Los Angeles for an evening to honor individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing the art forms of the moving image in the US, UK and beyond.

2015 Britannia Award Honorees

2015 Britannia Award Honorees: James Corden, Meryl Streep, Sam Mendes

 

This year’s Britannia Award honorees list boasts the best Hollywood and Britain has to offer!  Meryl Streep will be presented with the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film, Sam Mendes will receive the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing presented by The GREAT Britain Campaign, James Corden will receive the Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year presented by Burberry, and Amy Schumer will receive the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy presented by Kodak. Orlando Bloom will be the recipient of the Britannia Humanitarian Award presented by The Beazley Group, and Harrison Ford will be presented with the Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award for Worldwide Contribution to Entertainment.

Indiana Jones is an Anglophile...a perfect Britannia Award honoree!

Indiana Jones is an Anglophile!  A perfect Britannia Award honoree!

 

Honorees over the years have included Sir Michael Caine, Martin Scorsese, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Anthony Hopkins, Colin Firth, Clint Eastwood, Dame Helen Mirren, Steven Spielberg, Ben Stiller, George Lucas, Kate Winslet, Robert DeNiro, Daniel Day Lewis and George Clooney.

Our particular favorite moment….

Benedict Cumberbatch receives the 2013 British Artist of the Year Award (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Benedict Cumberbatch receives the 2013 British Artist of the Year Award (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

 

British actor and comedian Jack Whitehall will take over hosting duties this year. Whitehall is one of the UK’s biggest and most popular comedy talents. He began his career as a stand-up comedian, performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Pleasance Theatre’s Comedy Reserve. He is a regular panelist on the game show “A League of Their Own.”

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Britannia Host, Jack Whitehall

The 2015 Jaguar Land Rover British Academy Britannia Awards will air in the US on PopTV on Friday, November 6 at 9pm. The show will also air in the UK and other broadcasters in Europe, Latin America, Canada, South Africa and Asia, allowing BAFTA to reach countries across the world, showing the true global influence of the British entertainment community.

And of course, as always…The Anglophile Channel will be there to cover this exciting event for all our Anglophile fans around the world! Here are some highlights from last year’s amazing red carpet:

Of course, it’s not all about red carpet frocks and hobnobbing with the stars. The evening also has a special and worthwhile charitable purpose. Proceeds from the gala ceremony support BAFTA Los Angeles’ on-going education, scholarship, community outreach and archival projects!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets before they’re all gone! I’d like to personally request a seat next to Colin Firth, if he’s attending…..thank you very much.

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For more information on sponsorships and tickets contact: MTA Events at: britannias@mtaevents.com or 818-906-0240.

For more information on BAFTA/LA visit our dedicated BAFTA web-page at: https://theanglophilechannel.com/baftala/

See you at the Britannias!

Lady Anglophile….already fretting over what frock to choose! 

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It’s Official: Jenna Coleman To Leave DOCTOR WHO

Posted on September 18, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

By: Annie Brook

BBC America has just Tweeted: It’s official: Jenna Coleman, who plays Clara Oswald, will leave Doctor Who during the new season.

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“I have left the Tardis – it’s happened,” she told BBC Radio 1 on Friday,  “I’ve filmed my last scenes.”

It has been confirmed that Jenna Coleman has been cast to play a young Queen Victoria in ITV’s new drama series Victoria, and is believed to be the primary reason she is leaving the Doctor’s side.

Sad news indeed to Whovians who have loved Clara and The Doctor together. But the big question on everyone’s mind this morning is: HOW will Clara and the Doctor part? After all, she was born to save the Doctor. She’s been there through so many of his incarnations.

Jenna Coleman made her Doctor Who debut on September 1, 2012 as Oswin Oswald in “Asylum of the Daleks.” She returned on Christmas Day of that year, playing Clara and remained with the Eleventh Doctor from the following episode, The Bells of Saint John, onwards. She stayed on-board the TARDIS for all of Peter Capaldi’s episodes to date and after filming for the last series finished, Peter commented, “Jenna has been absolutely brilliant. I think she’s wonderful in the show, and she’s my favourite companion.”

And now it looks like The Doctor will need a NEW companion. Who will that be, we wonder? So many questions to be answered. Hopefully we’ll begin finding them when the series premieres this Saturday, September 19th at 9/8c.

Jenna spoke to the Timey Wimey Show but never gave any indication that her departure was near:

We are sad but we wish Jenna Coleman all the best of luck! We will miss the Impossible Girl!

Annie Brook…applying to be the NEW companion!

 

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Tom Hiddleston is Hank Williams in I Saw The Light [TRAILER]

Posted on September 10, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

Grab your cowboy boots and ten gallon hats everyone, because it’s time to get your country groove on with one of our favorite British artists! Tom Hiddleston has gone country as he brings to life the true story of one of country music’s greatest legends, Hank Williams in the Sony Pictures Classic bio-pic, I Saw The Light!

From Loki to Hank!

From Loki to Hank!

 

Hiddleston just Tweeted a first-peek trailer of the film which will be premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival tomorrow night.

And exactly how does this gorgeous quintessential British actor fare with a Southern accent? You won’t believe it till you hear it. Take a look!

Wow! Can you say Oscar? Because, I can…and the reason is this: any actor that can transition from the deliciously evil Marvel super-villain, Loki….to Shakespeare’s Coriolanus…to one of the most recognizable and iconic voices in country music history, with such seamless ease, is definitely worthy of academy attention! That’s my prediction anyway. You saw it here first.

Showing he has the chops to do his own singing, Hiddleston nails Hank Williams!

Showing he has the chops to do his own singing, Hiddleston nails Hank Williams!

 

Based on the book “Hank Williams: The Biography” by Colin Escott, I SAW THE LIGHT, chronicles the life of the legendary country western singer Hank Williams, who in his brief life created one of the greatest bodies of work in American music. The film covers his meteoric rise to fame and its ultimately tragic effect on his health and personal life.

A film like this would not be complete without performing some of Hank’s greatest tunes including the 1947 hit, Move It On Over, which this clip shows Hiddleston nailing with is own vocals!

All I can say is Boot Barn better start stocking up on boots and hats because I see a fashion trend coming once this film is released and this sexy British star is seen crooning in a Stetson. Oh darlin’, pass the mint juleps and my smelling salts!

The film stars, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Cherry Jones, Bradley Whitford, Maddie Hasson, Wren Schmidt and opens in the U.S. November 27th.

Lady Anglophile…ready to get my line dancing on!

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Queen Elizabeth II Becomes The Longest Reigning Monarch in British History

Posted on September 9, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

Queen Elizabeth II, the woman who was never meant to be Queen, today reached a milestone in her reign becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history.

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The young girl who would be Queen!

At 17:30 BST The Queen had reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes – surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria!  The Queen chose to spend the day ‘business as usual’ as she traveled to Scotland to the opening of the Borders Railway.

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Arriving for the opening of the Borders Railway in Scotland

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The Queen did make a speech and in it she acknowledged the historical significance of this day and here is what she said:

“The Duke of Edinburgh and I are delighted to be back in the Borders today and, especially, to have arrived … by train! It has been wonderful to witness the excitement which the return of the railway has brought here. The Borders Railway brings so much promise for sharing and invigorating this most beautiful countryside as a place to work, live and enjoy.

Prince Philip and I are very grateful for the warmth of your welcome on this occasion. Many including you, First Minister, have also kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired. Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones; my own is no exception. But I thank you all, and the many others at home and overseas, for your touching messages of great kindness.

So now to the business in hand. It is my very happy duty to declare the Borders Railway open.”

TAC’s Royal Commentators, Royal Photographers Ian Pelham and Helena Chard were in London for today’s historic milestone and here they share some of their favorite memories of Her Majesty!

Earlier Buckingham Palace released this lovely photographs of the The Queen, taken by the renowned British photographer Mary McCartney (daughter of Sir Paul McCartney) to mark this milestone in Her Majesty’s reign.

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Just another day at the office for The Queen! Photo by Mary McCartney

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An amazing achievement from an inspirational woman. This reflective moment of The Queen as she watches the crowds at Galashiels Station from a steam train. One can only imagine what Her Majesty has witnessed during her reign as Queen.

A contemplative moment as The Queen becomes the longest reigning monarch in British history!

A contemplative moment as The Queen becomes the longest reigning monarch in British history!

God Save The Queen!

Lady Anglophile…Long May The Queen Reign!

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13 Year-Old Whovian, Juliette Boland, Interviews DOCTOR WHO Cast

Posted on September 6, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

It was a dream come true for young Whovian, Juliette Boland, when she found herself on the red carpet interviewing the cast of her favorite television series, Doctor Who.

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Timey Wimey Show host, Juliette Boland

Just days before her 13th birthday, Juliette, host of the new YouTube web-series The Timey Wimey Show , joined BBC America’s Doctor Who press line at San Diego Comic Con 2015 and was suddenly immersed in conversation with the 12th Doctor himself!

“I was so excited to meet and interview the 12th Doctor!”

One has to wonder what it was like to come face-to-face with one of your favorite television stars, at such a young age? Certainly there must have been nerves?  Juliette tells us, “I was so excited to meet and interview Peter Capaldi! I wasn’t nervous at all because I just knew he would be nice…and he was! He was so much fun to interview. He spent a long time talking with me and was so friendly which really put me at ease.”

And, what did the young Whovian ask the Time Lord? “I wanted to know, if he could work with any past Doctor…who would it be?” And his answer? “You’ll have to watch The Timey Wimey Show to find out!” smiles the savvy Jr. reporter!

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“Best birthday ever!”, says Juliette Boland

Juliette also interviewed Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez and DW show-runner, Stephen Moffat. “Jenna was also super friendly to me,” says Juliette, “she signed a baby onesie we had for a really big Doctor Who fan who just had a ‘time baby’.  He was so excited when we sent it to him and I was so happy that we could do that for him.” 

Interviewing Jenna Coleman (Clara Oswald)

Interviewing Jenna Coleman (Clara Oswald)

Watch Juliette’s Doctor Who interviews on The Timey Wimey Show here:

A Doctor Who fan of the new generation, Juliette says she started watching the series during David Tennant‘s tenure and loved the show so much she went back and binge watched every episode she could find from the “new Who” and even some Classic Doctor Who.

What's next for the young reporter?

What’s next for the young reporter? (TARDIS Skirt by Her Universe)

After interviewing the cast of your favorite show…where does one go from here? Juliette says her next ‘Who-goals’ are to one day visit the set of Doctor Who, and to interview the 10th Doctor, David Tennant, who incidentally sent her a birthday greeting video last year, when she turned 12, thanks to a family friend in the industry. “I showed the video at my birthday party and all my friends screamed so loudly through the whole thing, you couldn’t hear what David was saying!” 

Juliette is also a big Sherlock fan and says she would, “….love to interview Mark Gatiss and Benedict Cumberbatch.  Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat are my favorite writers in television!” 

Show-runner and Writer of Doctor Who, Stephen Moffat...Juliette's favorite writer in television!

Show-runner and Writer of Doctor Who, Stephen Moffat…Juliette’s favorite writer in television!

Juliette says she had the opportunity to see Cumberbatch in Hamlet at the Barbican in London this summer. “Benedict was amazing as Hamlet. He made the role relatable. I loved the whole cast. It made me want to do a Shakespearean play!”

Also a professional musical theatre actress, Juliette recently returned from London where she attended a musical theatre course at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and performed on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End! In Los Angeles she has appeared in Les Miserables (Little Cosette), White Christmas (Susan Waverly) and Into The Woods (Cinderella)

Interviewing famous celebrities and appearing on stage before thousands of people are not the normal existence for a young teen. What does Juliette do to keep it real? “I like to write stories, draw and read. I’m currently reading The Looking Glass Wars books by Frank Beddor, who I also got to interview! I also love going to Disneyland!”  

That’s as normal as things get for this young LA talent who, we have no doubt, will go on to achieve whatever goals she sets her mind to…even if it’s interviewing David Tennant! We wish her all the best of luck!

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The Timey Wimey Show is seen exclusively on The Anglophile Channel on YouTube.

Follow Juliette on Twitter @JulietteBoland https://twitter.com/JulietteBoland

Juliette is repped by Twelve Oaks Entertainment Management.

Twelve Oaks Entertainment Management

Repped by: Twelve Oaks Entertainment Management

Juliette’s TARDIS skirt provided by Her Universe: http://www.heruniverse.com

HerUniverse

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Hello Sweeties! Alex Kingston To Return for the Doctor Who Christmas Special on BBC AMERICA!

Posted on September 2, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

THE DOCTOR AND RIVER SONG REUNITE FOR A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS

New York – September 2, 2015 –  OK, Sweeties…exciting news from Whovian Central! BBC America announced today that Alex Kingston returns to Cardiff to reclaim her role as Professor River Song for the highly anticipated 2015 Doctor Who Christmas Special, premiering on Christmas Day on BBC AMERICA.

Spoilers Sweeties! I'm back!

Spoilers Sweeties! I’m back!

Spoilers, Sweeties! But we don’t mind….

It’s Christmas Day in the future and the TARDIS is parked on a snowy village street, covered in icicles, awaiting its next adventure. Time traveller River Song meets her husband’s new incarnation, in the form of Peter Capaldi, for the first time this Christmas.

Oh yeay! Will there be kissing, I wonder? I certainly hope so…after all, Missy has already planted on on the 12th Doctor. Fair is fair!

Move over Missy...The Mrs. is back!

Move over Missy…The Mrs. is back!

Day one of filming the eleventh Doctor Who Christmas special starts this week and is written by lead writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, produced by Nikki Wilson and directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Doctor Who, Sherlock).

River Song made her first Doctor Who appearance in 2008 in Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead and has appeared in 15 episodes to date.

Award-winning Alex Kingston comments on her reappearance:

“To be honest, I did not know whether River would ever return to the show, but here she is, back with the Doctor for the Christmas special. Steven Moffat is on glittering form, giving us an episode filled with humor and surprise guest castings. I met Peter for the first time at Monday’s read-through, we had a laugh, and I am now excited and ready to start filming with him and the Doctor Who team. Christmas in September?, why not!”

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer adds:

“Another Christmas, another special for Doctor Who – and what could be more special than the return of Alex Kingston as Professor River Song. The last time the Doctor saw her she was a ghost. The first time he met her, she died. So how can he be seeing her again? As ever, with the most complicated relationship in the universe, it’s a matter of time …”

We spoke with Steven at SDCC2015 about The Doctor’s future…here’s what he said:

The witty line-up of guest cast joining Alex for a magical adventure on the TARDIS will be announced over the coming months.

The BBC Cymru Wales produced drama will return to BBC AMERICA on Saturday, September 19 with a 12 episode season, followed by the Christmas special on Friday, December 25.

It’s going to be one heck of a Whovian Christmas!

Lady Anglophile, TARDIS teacup out and ready for Season 9! 

Posted in British Telly, Juliette's Timey Wimey Fandom Blog | 2 Comments

Princess Charlotte’s Royal Christening…A Real Family Affair!

Posted on July 5, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

Princess Charlotte was christened in a private ceremony at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.  It was a real intimate family affair attended only by immediate family members and Godparents.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose to walk from Sandringham House to church with young Prince George at his daddy’s side and Princess Charlotte being pushed in a Millson Pram.

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I’m not sure how far the journey is to church, but Catherine did it in heels and looks absolutely composed and beautiful!

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Prince William waves at the thousands of well-wishers lined up on the road.

Incidentally, Princess Charlotte’s pram was also previously used for Prince Edward & Prince Andrew! It’s a Royal hand-me-down…but one I would gladly accept! 

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The Millson Pram…now a royal tradition.

The Queen arrived looking lovely, as always,  in pale pink. She’d already been to church earlier that morning.

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Thousands of lucky well-wishers lined the road for a glimpse of the royal family.

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I wonder how early they had to begin lining up?

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The Godparents were announced the morning of the Christening and they were:

The Hon. Laura Fellowes (Niece of Princess Diana), Mr. Adam Middleton (Cousin to Catherine) and friends Miss Sophie Carter, Mr. James Meade, ), and Mr. Thomas van Straubenzee. 

It was thought that perhaps Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie would be amongst those chosen as Godparents, however no royal family members were given that honor. Nor were Catherine’s siblings Pippa or James.

Godmother Laura Fellowes at the Church of St Mary Magdalene for Princess Charlotte's christening Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Diana’s niece, Godmother Laura Fellowes arrives the Church of St Mary Magdalene for Princess Charlotte’s christening. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Baptizing Princess Charlotte was The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.  He was  supported by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of the Sandringham group of Paris.

Princess Charlotte wore the hand made replica of the Royal Christening Robe, made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen. The original, now preserved, was commissioned by Queen Victoria for her daughter The Princess Royal’s christening in 1841.

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Prince George was baptized in the same Horniton lace Christening gown nearly two years ago.

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The Lily Font and water from the River Jordan was used during the baptism.

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Highlights from the Christening Service:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two hymns, one lesson and two anthems for the christening of their daughter.

The Hymns: Praise to the Lord, The Almighty and Come Down, O Love Divine.

The Lesson: Matthew 18, verses 1-5 (read by Godparent, Mr. James Meade.)

The Anthems: I Will Sing With The Spirit and God Be In My Head, (By John Rutter.)

Members of The Sandringham Church Choir sang at the service.

The processional organ music was R. Vaughan Williams’ Prelude on “Rhosymedre”.

The recessional organ music was G. F. Handel‘s Overture and Allegro from Concerto VIII in A.

After the service, The Queen had a bit of a visit with Princess Charlotte.

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I love how Her Majesty looks on tenderly at her great-granddaughter.

Beautiful baby, Princess Charlotte after her Christening.

Beautiful baby, Princess Charlotte after her Christening. Is she looking up at The Queen?

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Looks like Prince George is ready to GO! Time to play!

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Taking a peek at his baby sister….’Does she want to come out and play yet?’

Probably my favorite photo of the day! The Queen visiting with her little great-grandson.

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Does he realize his great-granny is The Queen??

Granny, can I come over to your house and play?

Granny, can I come over to your house and play?

Following the service, guests were invited for afternoon tea at Sandringham House. Guests were served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake! They made a lot of tiers so there must have been leftovers…

The eight tiered wedding cake made by Fiona Cairns and her team, awaits the newly weds Prince William and Kate Middleton, in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace in central London on April, 29, 2011. AFP PHOTO / WPA POOL / JOHN STILLWELL (Photo credit should read JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images)

The eight tiered wedding cake made by Fiona Cairns and her team (Photo credit  JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images)

Adorable Prince George wore an outfit similar to the one his father wore when first meeting his new baby brother, Prince Harry!

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Can’t handle the Royal Cuteness!

The Church of St Mary Magdalene holds sentimental significance because it is the church that Prince William’s mother, Diana Princess of Wales was baptized at in 1961.

Church of St. Mary Magdalena where Princess Diana was also Christened.

Church of St. Mary Magdalena where Princess Diana was also Christened.

Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, Princess Diana’s favourite photographer, was chosen by the Duke and Duchess to take the official christening photographs. We can’t wait to see those photos!

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Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Christened 5 July 2015

Lady Anglophile….bless the Princess Charlotte on her Christening day!

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Trooping The Colour 2015 and Prince George’s First Balcony Appearance! [PHOTOS]

Posted on June 13, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

The Queen gets two birthday’s each year, her actual birthday which is on April 21st, and her “official” birthday which  was officially celebrated today with the Trooping The Colour ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.

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Trooping the Colour 2015 on The Queen’s “official” birthday.

The tradition of Trooping the Colour:
Although The Queen was born in April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate the Sovereign’s birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely.

Trooping the Colour is carried out by the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) of which Her Majesty is Colonel-in-Chief, and this year, as they mark their centenary, The Queen’s Colour of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards was carried down the ranks, or ‘Trooped’.

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Trooping the Colour 2015

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, were accompanied by Royal Colonels The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and The Princess Royal on horseback, and other members of the Royal Family watched the ceremony on Horse Guard Parade.

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The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, Trooping the Colour 2015

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The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and The Princess Royal follow on horseback, dressed in full regalia.

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The Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall, makes her first public appearance since giving birth to Princess Charlotte who was not at the ceremony.

This military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognized by the soldiers.

Since 1748, this parade has also marked the Sovereign’s official birthday. From the reign of Edward VII onward, the Sovereign has taken the salute in person at Trooping the Colour.

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Trooping the Colour a tradition dating back to 1748

During the ceremony, The Queen is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops.

The Queen inspects the troops.

The Queen inspects the troops.

After the massed bands have performed a musical ‘troop’, the escorted Regimental Colour is carried down the ranks.

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The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty, and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past.

The Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais. The troops then return to barracks.

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Here is a look back at 60 years of Trooping the Colour including Her Majesty’s first ceremony as monarch!

After the ceremony The Queen and members of the Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace‪ to watch a flypast from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, after the Trooping ceremony.

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From left to right – The Princess Royal, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales, Prince George, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen, Prince Harry, James, Viscount Severn, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of York, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise and Princess Eugenie

This year’s Trooping the Colour marked Prince George‘s first appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, wearing the same outfit his father, The Duke of Cambridge, wore on the balcony after The Queen’s Birthday Parade in 1984! His sister, Princess Charlotte did not attend the ceremony.

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Prince George’s first balcony appearance!

The Queen has attended Trooping the Colour every year of her reign, except in 1955 when a national rail strike cancelled the event.

Lady Anglophile…loving the pomp and circumstance of Trooping The Colour

Photos © Press Association 

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Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell REVIEW By Lady Elyse Ashton

Posted on June 12, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

Attention all Anglophiles, Anglomaniacs, and affectionados of fantasy! Set your DVRs for “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” a lavish seven part mini-series based on the dizzingly brilliant book by Susanna Clarke which comes to BBCAmerica June 13.

Coming to BBC America June 13!

Coming to BBC America June 13!

Our friends in the UK are already more than halfway through the series and a lucky few in Los Angeles were attendees at screening of the first two episodes hosted by the Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation.

I’ve read and adored the book. This television version gets the mood just right. The atmosphere pulls the crowd right in this gray, labyrinthine world of Regency England under constant threat from Napoleon’s forces and seemingly abandoned by English magic.

Programme Name: Strange & Norrell - TX: n/a - Episode: Ep1 (No. 1) - Picture Shows: (L-R) Mr Norrell (EDDIE MARSAN), The Gentleman (MARC WARREN) - (C) JSMN Ltd - Photographer: Matt Squire

Mr Norrell (EDDIE MARSAN), The Gentleman (MARC WARREN) – (C) JSMN Ltd – Photographer: Matt Squire

The story begins with Mr.Segundus (Edward Hogg) asking the distinguished members of the York Society of theoretical magicians why magic is no longer practiced is England. His quest to find the answer reveals two very different magicians working to revive the magical tradition. Mr. Norrell is a methodical, stodgy, by the book (thousands of books!) practical magician who brings his talents south from York to London to help with the war effort. Despite knowing the dangers, he makes a disastrous deal to solidify his reputation with the ton. Mr. Strange (Bertie Carvel) embraces magic after a bizarre encounter with the street magician Vinculus (Paul Kaye at his creepiest), who sells him a couple of spells to get him on his way to fulfilling a prophecy. Norrell grudgingly takes Strange on as an apprentice but guards his secrets and only imparts his knowledge of magic to Strange in carefully measured doses. In a time of national crisis when Norrell makes himself unavailable, the government turns to Strange for help, and bears witness to magic at it’s most reckless and wonderful. This changes everything.

Even seven packed hours of television won’t give you the detail you get in the eight hundred and forty-six page book, but from what I’ve seen in the first two episodes, the storytelling is quick and sometimes very funny, the many characters are clear, the magic is great fun, and the endless dance party at Lost-Hope is exquisite.

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Ariyon Bakare as Stephen Black, Marc Warren as the Gentleman with Thistledown Hair, Charlotte Riley as Arabella Strange and Alice Englert as Lady Pole breathe beautiful life into the world of their richly drawn characters even as they are at the mercy of their magic-infused interlaced realities.

At the SAG screening, Eddie Marsan, who plays Mr. Norrell, joined the audience flanked by a pair of his “Ray Donovan” co-stars before taking the stage for a post-screening interview. He talked to the crowd about the craft of acting, his love of playing a diverse array of characters, preference for playing “wrong’uns”, and belief that every costume he wears makes him look like a longshoreman. Marsan evoked the biggest laugh when he said he received a copy the book at the time he was offered the role. It is quite an intimidating tome, and he told his agent he’d only read it if they paid him…and so they did…and he accepted the role!

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Eddie Marsan as Mr. Norrell

He makes Mr. Norrell a compelling character with whom he believes the audiences will empathize as they see him make choices out of his own fear. He told us, “They’ll say well, that’s not right, but I’d do the same”. Marsan asserted that there was no great mystery to acting, but happily for audiences of “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell”, there is plenty of magic.

Watch EPISODE ONE here:

Tune into BBC America tomorrow night and be sure to let us know what you think of this fantastic new British drama!

Lady Elyse Ashton

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BAFTA to Honour Downton Abbey

Posted on June 12, 2015 by The Anglophile Channel

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced today that Downton Abbey, Carnival Films’ award-winning drama for ITV, will be the subject of a BAFTA Tribute and honoured with a Special Award on Tuesday 11 August.

Downton Abbey will be entering its 6th season this fall.

Downton Abbey will be entering its 6th season this fall.

Members of the cast and crew of Downton Abbey will attend the BAFTA Tribute to help celebrate the outstanding global success of the programme. The Award will be presented in front of a live audience. The event will be filmed and co-produced by BAFTA and ITV Studios for broadcast on ITV later this year.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “I am delighted that BAFTA is paying tribute to Downton Abbey, an extraordinary series that has flown the flag for British drama since 2010. Our tribute will take us backstage with the cast and crew to reveal what’s made it both a national treasure and a global phenomenon.”

A global phenomenon is right! Fans around the world have enjoyed following the Crawley family drama for nearly six seasons. Crying when Lady Sybil died, cheering when Lady Mary accepted Matthew’s proposal, sneering at the evil antics of Thomas the under butler. The Crawley family has become like our family and friends and it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to them.

The series even has a royal fan in Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge who visited the set prior to giving birth to Princess Charlotte.

A Royal Fan!

A Royal Fan!

Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey and Managing Director Carnival Films, said: “‎As Downton Abbey moves towards its conclusion with the final season this autumn, I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say how honoured we are that the Academy will recognise the show with this Special Award. Not only is Downton a much-loved show in Britain, it has had huge success in both the U.S. and right around the world, waving the flag for Britain and our creative content and that’s why the BAFTA recognition means so much to us all.”

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Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, said: “When we commissionedDownton Abbey six years ago, little did we know it would go on become the phenomenon it is today, not only loved by our ITV viewers, but also by countless others around the world. I am delighted for everyone at Carnival films and the entire team involved in the production, that they will be honoured by BAFTA with this Tribute and Special Award.”

Downton Abbey is currently filming its sixth and final season, much to the dismay of DA fans around the world.

Further details will be announced in due course.

Carnival Films is part of NBC Universal International Studios.

Lady Anglophile….already tearing up. 

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