A cherished moment unfolded recently as the King and Queen participated in a church service near Balmoral, marking their 20th wedding anniversary. During this occasion, they were presented with an original musical composition titled The Weather of My Being. As they exited their vehicle at Crathie Kirk, located close to Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, the royal couple greeted admirers. The King donned a kilt and tweed jacket, while the Queen elegantly wore a blue coat adorned with a tartan lapel and a red hat featuring a feather. Inside the church, they received a hand-written manuscript of the new piece from its creator. Additionally, they were gifted a collection of music composed for their coronation in 2023 by renowned composer Prof Paul Mealor.
Prof Mealor expressed his decision to honor the royal couple's anniversary by setting profound poetry to music. This act harmonized the King's passion for music with the Queen's appreciation for literature. He remarked that after sending the composition to them, they enthusiastically suggested performing it immediately following their wedding anniversary. Consequently, the premiere took place during the service, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Reflecting on the couple’s response, Prof Mealor noted their radiant smiles and heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the manuscript.
This unique piece comprises three anniversary songs, each representing distinct facets of enduring love. The first song draws inspiration from Daniel Hoffman's poetry, likening love to the changing yet constant seasons, subtly acknowledging the King's affinity for nature and the environment. The second song employs verses from the Bible's Song of Solomon, emphasizing the longing for deep and steadfast affection while resonating with the couple’s religious beliefs. Finally, the third song interprets Robert Burns' iconic poem A Red Red Rose, celebrating the Queen’s dedication to literature and reading, as well as the couple’s fondness for Scotland, where they honeymooned in 2005.
Interestingly, the actual anniversary coincided with their state visit to Italy, during which they encountered the recuperating Pope at the Vatican and attended a grand banquet in their honor. In a candid conversation with British journalists amid a school visit, Camilla revealed her husband's fervent desire to continue working despite ongoing cancer treatment, humorously referring to it as "the problem."
Through music and meaningful gestures, this special day encapsulated the royal couple's enduring bond, paying tribute to two decades of shared life experiences and unwavering devotion. The event not only celebrated their personal milestone but also highlighted their cultural and spiritual connections, creating memories that will surely resonate deeply within the royal family and beyond.