When Sheetal Mafatlal Met Prince Charles For Dinner

By Team Peeping Moon

on February 10, 2018

Being part of HRH The Prince of Wale’s British Asian Trust gala dinner in London is always an event I feel privileged to be invited to. I have always admired HRH Prince Charles and the British Royal family's efforts to transform lives across the globe & particularly in South Asia. Over the last few decades over 2 million people of south asian descend have made their home in Britain & have enormously contributed to the United Kingdom through every walk of life. The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales who recognised that these community links could be used to tackle widespread poverty and bring about a change in the lives of people who lived in these regions. He engaged with entrepreneurs of the British Asian diaspora, linking them with social entrepreneurs and grassroots interventions in every part of the region to changes lives.

Since then, the Trust has become a trusted driving force to bring about a change ranging from education, women empowerment, healthcare, human trafficking & multiple other causes. Kudos to the Trust for having made a commendable difference to more than three million people all over south asia in a short span on only 10 years.

Meeting HRH

It is an honor to meet His Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, . Both HRH Prince Charles and The Duchess always make an effort to interact independently with every guest and this time too, both ensured that they spoke to everyone present. While HRH Prince Charles is always the synonym for sharp wittedness, The Duchess Camilla is the metaphor for grace. While Prince Charles was a vision of regality in an evening suit, the Duchess sparkled in a classic black dress. Speaking to them at length was inspiring and fascinating at the same time. It was wonderful to learn about their personal exemplary efforts towards changing South Asia through the British Asian Trust.

The Duchess has over the years built up her workload and is now patron or president of almost 90 charities who have the highest praise for the work she does for them.
HRH Prince Charles also gave a speech and underscored efforts made by Manoj Badale, Chairman of the British Asian Trust and all the members associated for their immense effort & contribution that has helped to achieve their goals .

Grandeur of the Buckingham Palace

Walking into the hallowed and historic precincts of the iconic Buckingham Palace is a humbling experience with its exquisite decor and an air of timelessness. It is a towering symbol and home of the British monarchy - be it its gilded interiors, breathtaking walkways or a soul-searing cornucopia of incredible artworks and paintings.

Since it was an event evolving around Britain/Asia, I choose to wear a sari which symbolises India . I have always believed that a sari with its fluidity of movement is the most elegant, fashionable, modern yet traditional attire and always my first choice over any couture piece. My dearest friend Manish Malhotra- India’s Emperor of Fashion created this exquisite jewel toned ruby red sari for me choosing red as a colour for being as sublime as it is dramatic. The sari had Manish’s signature embellishment from wispy feathers to subtly embroidered paillettes scattered over 6 yards.

The evening spelled undiluted opulence with the seated dinner being hosted in the historic coronation room. Guests were seated on 3 long tables with beautiful dinner settings - from the candles lighting the tables to the ornate silver pieces - every element brought back the sheer nostalgia of old world decadence.

Songstress Kanika Singh and DJ Naughty Boy added to the entertainment of the soiree by their powerful musical renditions which elicited a wave of applause. I came back feeling elated as the evening married royal style with substance which is the need of this era.