The National Club was host to a very special person and event last week.
The 33rd Signal Regiment Foundation held its gala dinner at The National Club last Wednesday on the 110th anniversary of military communications in Canada. The guest of honour was HRH Princess Anne. For security reasons as well as convenience, the Princess Royal and her party also stayed overnight at The National Club accommodations.
As part of protocol, Club President Stephen Lautens and General Manager Bill Morari were asked to be on hand to greet the Princess on her arrival and departure from the Club.
As you can imagine, preparing for a Royal visit can be very demanding. Construction on the rooftop patio was temporarily halted and all construction materials were cleared from the 4th floor, which also had to be quickly painted following the installation of our new elevator to the roof. The Club staff and our own Laurie Farnum in particular went to extreme lengths to ensure everything at the Club was ready to receive Her Royal Highness.
The gala dinner was attended by a number of important guests, including the current Lieutenant Governor The Hon. David Onley and former Lieutenant Governor The Hon. Hillary Weston.
As you can expect, Chef James Stewart's dinner was exceptional (bison tenderloin and an incredible butter tart dessert), and I am told that the Princess, who rarely eats at public events, enjoyed it greatly.
On her departure Thursday morning for her next event, Her Royal Highness spoke with President Lautens and General Manager Morari and expressed her thanks and delight at the Club, its accommodations and hospitality, and asked that her thanks be passed on to our staff.
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| The place setting for the gala dinner at The National Club |
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| Former Lt-Governor The Hon. Hillary Weston and Galen Weston greet HRH Princess Anne |
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| Lieutenant Governor David Onley and his wife greet HRH Princess Anne |
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| The Hon. Hillary Weston and Galen Weston with evening organizer Col. Justin Fogerty |
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| Karen Gilmour greets Princess Anne |
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| Past President Ed Burns and family with Princess Anne |
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| Guests had the opportunity to chat with HRH |
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| Club President Stephen Lautens with HRH Princess Anne |
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| National Club General Manager & COO Bill Morari with Gen. Michel Maisonneuve (ret.) |
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| The Main Dining Room set up for dinner |
