We were extremely lucky to have the sun come out after a day where I thought the rain would never stop!  It was just as well, as Royal Salute (a whisky founded in 1801 in Aberdeen, Scotland and worth having a sip) had organised for each guest to have a hamper and enjoy a wonderful picnic which included a lot of cheese! (My favourite). 

 

Fashion Tips for Polo Watching
 
Avoid high heals - Unless you are a pro at walking in heals on grass - try to avoid. Try instead to stick to wedges, flats or thick heels.
 
Elegance - Whether you are wearing a skirt, dress or jeans think 'elegance'. Try to avoid neon colours! (Never a good look unless you are a traffic cone!)
 
Be Comfortable - This is key for me, I wore a long skirt from L K Bennett which comes in at the waist but also covers my wobbly bits and the skirt allows me to eat cheese and scones!!!  

My Outfit - L K Bennett Skirt, H&M basic top, Toms sunglasses, Kurt Geiger Shoes

For those of you who don't know what the Duke of Edinburgh's Award entails it consists of the following:

• Volunteering - I worked in the British Red Shop charity shop.

• Skill - Singing

• Physical - Aerobics/ Gym

• Residential - I went to Lourdes to look after disabled people for a week.

And of course the expedition which consists of 5 days of walking and camping.

I went to Andorra and hiked the mountains, camped on snow peaked mountain tops and met some friendly mountain goats who insisted on sharing our food lol. Duke of Edinburgh shaped my life and allowed me to experience life skills I never would have tried otherwise.

The Big Day

I arrived at St James's Palace and was given a private tour of some of the state rooms which were incredibly beautiful and interesting, it was amazing to see Henry VIII's fireplace. I then met the other presenters who were Mr Alan Hinkes, Mountaineer, Phoebe Smith, Editor of Wanderlust, Naga Munchetty, BBC News Reader, Mr Robert Lindsay, Actor, Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Former MP and Minister of State/Writer and Broadcaster, Felicity Kendall CBE, Actress.

It was now time to give my speech to a rather large room filled with Gold Awardees and their parents about my journey from Duke of Edinburgh's Award to Wembley Stadium and how the Awards had changed my life. After giving my speech I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak to the Gold Awardees about where they travelled to and their achievements. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh then came to speak to the Awardees about their achievement and where they had all been on their expeditions; it would appear all around the world.   Once he had spoken to all of the Awardees the Duke of Edinburgh and myself had a wonderful conversation about my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, singing the national anthem and performing around the UK. He thanked me for giving up my time to join him.

Please see below photos taken at the award ceremony at St. James's Palace

Over the last year I have considered writing a blog however due to various reasons; being dyslexic, being worried about lack of things to say and having the time. I figured after being asked by numerous girls while touring about singing, music, make-up and fashion. I figured I would give it a go!!

So here goes, if you have any questions make sure you contact me on the contact page and I will make sure I answer all your questions.....

Lots of Kisses
Natalie
xxx