12 September 2022 09:08
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years
Buckingham Palace have announced the news that Her Majesty has died at her Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle.
Photo: Ranald Mackechnie.
Commenting on the news of her passing, Tim Arthur, Chief Executive of the RAD said:
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together, we have celebrated so many milestones for the Royal Academy of Dance and for dance in this country. We have been privileged to have had Her Majesty as our Patron for 69 years and our staff, members, and students – along with the whole nation – feel the loss of a remarkable monarch who lived her life in service to us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to The Royal Family at this sad time.”
President of the RAD, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE echoed the sentiment:
“It is the greatest sadness to hear of the death of our beloved Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. The Royal Academy of Dance has been so honoured to have Her Majesty’s patronage since 1953, receiving her unwavering support for an incredible 69 years. On behalf of all at the Royal Academy of Dance, our thousands of members worldwide and their students, I offer our sincere condolences to The Royal Family.”
Guy Perricone, Chair of the RAD added:
“On behalf of the Royal Academy of Dance, I would like to express our great sadness at the passing of our Royal Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her commitment to public service and dedication to her country was without parallel. We have been greatly honoured to have her as our Royal Patron and for her great support for the Academy over many years. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of the Royal Family at this very difficult time.”
Dame Monica Mason, Vice President of the RAD simply stated:
“A truly great leader and a most magnificent reign.”
Patronage of the Royal Academy of Dance
Queen Elizabeth II became Patron of the RAD in 1953, succeeding her grandmother, Queen Mary.
To mark the coronation, our then president, Dame Adeline Genée, instituted the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, to be presented annually in recognition of outstanding services to the art of ballet. We are proud to still award this our most prestigious honour in Her Majesty’s name and over the years it has been presented to some of the most famous names in ballet, among them: Sir Frederick Ashton, Dame Marie Rambert DBE, Dame Ninette de Valois DBE, Dame Gillian Lynne DBE, Rudolf Nureyev, Sir Matthew Bourne OBE and Carlos Acosta CBE.
Under Her Majesty’s patronage, we have celebrated many significant milestones. Three of our presidents (and renowned ballerinas) have led the RAD through these years: Dame Margot Fonteyn (1954-1991), Dame Antoinette Sibley (1991-2012), and Dame Darcey Bussell (2012-present). During their tenures, we welcomed Her Majesty to open our new headquarters in Battersea 1974, and the Fonteyn Centre Studios in 1990.
We were honoured to be involved in the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebrations in which Dame Darcey Bussell performed at this special event alongside RAD teachers and students.
Queen Elizabeth’s patronage has been hugely important in supporting the RAD in its mission to advocate for benefits of dance and the arts in communities all around the world.
Patronage of the Royal Academy of Dance
Queen Elizabeth II became Patron of the RAD in 1953, succeeding her grandmother, Queen Mary.
To mark the coronation, our then president, Dame Adeline Genée, instituted the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, to be presented annually in recognition of outstanding services to the art of ballet. We are proud to still award this our most prestigious honour in Her Majesty’s name and over the years it has been presented to some of the most famous names in ballet, among them: Sir Frederick Ashton, Dame Marie Rambert DBE, Dame Ninette de Valois DBE, Dame Gillian Lynne DBE, Rudolf Nureyev, Sir Matthew Bourne OBE and Carlos Acosta CBE.
Under Her Majesty’s patronage, we have celebrated many significant milestones. Three of our presidents (and renowned ballerinas) have led the RAD through these years: Dame Margot Fonteyn (1954-1991), Dame Antoinette Sibley (1991-2012), and Dame Darcey Bussell (2012-present). During their tenures, we welcomed Her Majesty to open our new headquarters in Battersea 1974, and the Fonteyn Centre Studios in 1990.
We were honoured to be involved in the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebrations in which Dame Darcey Bussell performed at this special event alongside RAD teachers and students.
Queen Elizabeth’s patronage has been hugely important in supporting the RAD in its mission to advocate for benefits of dance and the arts in communities all around the world.