Royal Party Report From University of St. Andrew 600th Anniversary

As mentioned a few days ago, Renée Fleming was a guest among the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's attendance at the 600th Anniversary Gala for the University of St. Andrews. New York Social Diary reports: "After the dinner Renee Fleming, who was at royal couple's table, sang 'O mio babbino caro' from Puccini's short opera Gianni Schicchi. Beautiful, with a voice as splendidly eternal as the ancients' creations surrounding us. She then sang us 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' (originally written for Judy Garland in the MGM movie, Meet Me In St. Louis). Again wonderful. Fleming has an equally alluring non-operatic style to her voice." [Source] The soprano was a stand-in for Sting, who was unable to attend due to his performance schedule in his Broadway show, as she told Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan the other morning on their show. No word on whether the gown is by Vivienne Westwood or another British designer for the occasion. Read more about the evening and see lots of photos by clicking here. 

Renée Fleming Among Guests To Attend Royal Fundraiser

Crème de la Crème: Soprano Fleming 
(Photo: Timothy White/Decca)

"During their three-day trip, the royals will be staying at the Carlyle Hotel, a favorite of William's mother, the late Princess Diana, when she frequently visited Manhattan in the 1990s. William and Kate, who are expecting their second child in April, have scheduled a full slate of events in New York, including a visit to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum and a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their visit also will include some events with other high-profile guests. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton are accompanying William and Kate to a New York reception highlighting conservation efforts. The royals also are due to join actor Tom Hanks, opera singer Renee Fleming and others at a black-tie, up-to-$10,000-per-seat scholarship fundraiser for the University of St. Andrews, the Scottish institution where the royal couple met and earned degrees." [Source] Renée Fleming is a close friend of Prince William's father, Prince Charles, and has sung for many occasions of the Royal Family. See a wonderful photo after the jump from 2008.

Kate Middleton (aka Duchess of Cambridge) As Benefactress?

In addition to supporting opera and ballet,
the Duchess (as depicted here by Zoran Zarre)
may be an advocate for art as well.

"The Duchess of Cambridge famously entrusted her future father-in-law with helping her choose the music for her wedding. And he did her proud, particularly with Sir Hubert's 'I Was Glad' which played as she walked down the aisle. But it wasn't the first time she turned to Prince Charles for musical advice and education. The pair have been making secret visits to London's Royal Opera House since well before Catherine got married. A Royal Opera House source told The Telegraph: 'The Duchess of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales have made several private visits to the Royal Opera House together, before and since the royal wedding in April, to watch several opera and ballet productions. 'The Prince is a firm supporter of the Opera House and the Duchess also seems to hugely enjoy her visits to Covent Garden. Both have been very enthusiastic about the productions they have seen together.'" [Source]