The Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports receives an honorary distinction recognising her tenacity, professional achievements and longstanding commitment to creativity, education and opportunities for women. London, 8 November 2026 by Press Room at Parliament News Rebeca Riofrio, Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports and Editor-in-Chief of Parliament News, was presented with the Honorary Recognition Award for In

At the British Council headquarters in London, an engaging panel brought together voices from fashion, cultural heritage, museums and sustainability to examine who owns creativity, who benefits from it and whether the law adequately protects those who create. An idea can take years to develop and only moments to appropriate. A designer may spend months perfecting a collection, an artist may devote a lifetime to developing a distinctive body of work, and a community may preser

By Rebeca Riofrio She was washing dishes, using the same water over and over again. I could not tell her age. She might have been in her thirties, although the exhaustion in her face suggested a woman who had lived considerably longer. “I married when I was 13,” she said. “My daughter is now 16, and at her age I already had many children.” She continued washing. “I work two jobs to earn $90 a month. I work so they can study. I am already tired.” There was no need for dramati

By Rebeca Riofrio Photograph courtesy of BSME and @davidcotterproductions., Phoebe Evans, winner of the Young Writers' Prize, “I’m Phoebe. I’m so nervous.” There she was, standing in front of me, a young woman who had just won one of the most promising new literary prizes in British journalism, looking rather as though she would have preferred to be anywhere else. “Why are you nervous?” I asked. “I’m not used to this,” she replied. But who is? I had arrived early at Bob Bob R

. There are certain conversations that belong in Parliament not because they are political in the conventional sense, but because they concern the most fundamental obligations of a civilised society: the protection of human dignity, the pursuit of justice and the responsibility to listen when others have been silenced. On Thursday, 5 November, the Houses of Parliament in Westminster provided the setting for Women, War and Witness: The Role of Women in Cinema in Times of Globa

By Elizabeth Douglas Walking into No. 1 Savile Row, Gieves & Hawkes' recently refurbished tailoring house, I was immediately immersed in a sumptuous environment steeped in 255 years of menswear history. The company’s rich naval heritage and royal associations immediately caught my attention as I walked through the store’s entrance, with cavalry and Horse Guard helmets displayed throughout. Positioned beside the cloakroom, an encased historical military jacket immediately comm

When strategic growth adviser Elvijs Plugis discovered that one of Britain's most distinguished orchestras was facing uncertainty, he saw an opportunity to do more than organise a fundraising event. His ambition was to reconnect classical music with a new generation, bring influential businesses closer to the arts and help secure the English Chamber Orchestra's future. Some of the most ambitious cultural initiatives begin not in a boardroom, but through a conversation that re

The internationally acclaimed dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing professional was recognised for her artistic achievements, dedication to dance and ability to inspire audiences across generations. Internationally acclaimed Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova was honoured with the Award for Excellence in Dance & Cultural Inspiration at the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala Fundraiser, held on 17 October 2026 at the magnificent Banqueting House in Whitehall. A two-time Wor

The British-Turkish actress and television personality was recognised for her influence on younger generations, her advocacy for their protection within the creative industries and her growing involvement in public discussions on cultural responsibility. British-Turkish actress and television personality Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was recognised with the Award for Cultural Influence & Inspiring a New Generation at the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala Fundraiser, held on 17 Octobe

In a distinguished ceremony at Banqueting House, Whitehall, Prince Donatus received the Award for Philanthropy & Patronage of the Arts, recognising his commitment to the English Chamber Orchestra and wider charitable causes. Beneath the magnificent Rubens ceiling of Banqueting House, one of London's most historic royal settings, H.S.H. Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern, was honoured for his commitment to cultural philanthropy during the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala F

CULTURE | CINEMA | MUSIC | PHILANTHROPY Grandchildren of cinema legend Charlie Chaplin, Kiera and Spencer Chaplin are writing their own chapters in a remarkable family history. From film and music to cultural awards, podcasts and their luxury spirits brand Generation, the siblings brought creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and a deeply personal appreciation of the arts to the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala at Banqueting House, Whitehall. Some family names belong to hist

MUSIC | BUSINESS | CULTURE | PHILANTHROPY From shaping the sound of global brands to empowering independent artists, Songtradr is helping redefine the modern music industry. Its support for the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala 2026 brought together two worlds united by a belief that music deserves to be heard, valued and sustained for future generations. Music may be one of humanity's oldest forms of expression, but the business of bringing it to the world has never been

BUSINESS | PROPERTY | CULTURE | PHILANTHROPY From investing in Britain's most recognisable commercial destinations to supporting the future of classical music, London-based Eton Holdings demonstrated that meaningful investment extends beyond buildings and balance sheets. As Bronze Partner of the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala at Banqueting House, the company joined an international gathering dedicated to preserving artistic excellence and opening doors for future genera

WINE | BRITISH HERITAGE | CULTURE | PHILANTHROPY From the vineyards of Essex to the magnificent Banqueting House in Whitehall, Danbury Ridge Wine Estate brought a distinctly British expression of fine winemaking to an evening of music, glamour and philanthropy. As Official Wine Partner of the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala 2026, the estate demonstrated why English wine has never been more deserving of international attention. There was a time when the idea of serving En

LUXURY | FRAGRANCE | CULTURE | PHILANTHROPY As Silver Fragrance Partner of the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala 2026, British luxury perfume house ATARATMA London brought an exquisite sensory dimension to an evening of music, glamour and philanthropy at Banqueting House, Whitehall. With 250 perfumes gifted to guests, the brand demonstrated how fragrance, like music, possesses the extraordinary power to awaken emotion and preserve memories. Some evenings are remembered for

As Gold Sponsor and Official Luxury Hospitality Partner of the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala 2026, Orient Express brought its distinguished heritage of luxury travel, craftsmanship and cultural patronage to an evening celebrating the enduring power of music. Beneath the magnificent Rubens ceiling of Banqueting House, two institutions united by a respect for tradition and artistic excellence demonstrated why the preservation of culture remains one of the most meaningful

CULTURE | PHILANTHROPY | BUSINESS & THE ARTS At the English Chamber Orchestra’s Royal Gala at Banqueting House, TrinityBridge’s role as Principal Gold Partner reflected a philosophy that reaches beyond financial stewardship: the belief that cultural heritage, artistic excellence and the opportunities we create for future generations are among society’s most valuable investments. There are investments whose value cannot be measured by the movements of financial markets, the pe

CULTURE | MUSIC | SOCIETY | PHILANTHROPY At the magnificent Banqueting House in Whitehall, an extraordinary gathering of royalty, international business leaders, philanthropists and cultural personalities celebrated the enduring power of classical music. With the Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports as Alliance Partner, the evening was as much about the future of music as it was about the beauty of the occasion. There are evenings in London when history seems to s

Cultural Review From Federico García Lorca's unfinished manuscript to a remarkable cinematic exploration of desire, memory and human connection, Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi have created a film that is as beautiful as it is unsettling. At a special London screening at Tate Modern, Rebeca Riofrio discovered a work whose emotional force extended far beyond the screen. There are films we watch, films we admire, and films that remain with us long after the cinema has emptied.

In conversation with Rebeca Riofrio, Editor-in-Chief At Rosewood Chancery in London, Rebeca Riofrio sat down with Dr Prince Donatus of Hohenzollern for a conversation that moved far beyond the conventional boundaries of classical music. Newly involved at trustee level with the English Chamber Orchestra and serving as Chairman of its International Advisory Board, Prince Donatus brings to the institution an unusual combination of experience: entrepreneur, philanthropist, patron