King thanks Military Wives Choirs for birthday performance at Buckingham Palace
The King and Queen have praised the iconic Military Wives Choirs after a performance at Buckingham Palace, where they appeared alongside members of the Household Cavalry.
The choir, made up of women whose lives are impacted by their military connection, performed their latest single as part of the King's 76th birthday tribute.
The song November Sunday, written by John McLaren, is a recognition of the link between the force's community and the Royal Family.
Royal Air Force Air Cadet Officer Danielle Tetherton said: "It's such an honour to be part of and represent such an amazing choir. It's the best thing that I've actually done for myself.
"The song is all about the birth of the king and all of the wonder that was across the country not long after the Second World War.
"He sent us a letter not long after he heard the track, saying how he enjoyed being in a choir himself as a boy.
"It was really lovely."
During the performance, members of the choir were conducted by artistic director Hilary Davan Wetton.
The community now has nearly 1,800 members in 70 choirs across the UK and overseas, and some of those involved in the Buckingham Palace performance had never actually performed together until now.
Following their appearance, the King wrote a special letter to the choir thanking them for their performance.
He wrote: "I am writing to express my warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present, in the form of your new single November Sunday.
"While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am nonetheless deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute.
"I also wanted to thank you for your steadfast support not only for your loved ones serving in our military, who sacrifice so much time away from you and your families to protect us, but also for one another.
"Having sung in a choir myself when I was at school, I know the joy of performing together can create close-knit friendships and support groups, and I remain a firm believer that music has a unique power to unite and inspire us all.
"My wife joins me in sending you all our blessings and kindest wishes."
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