AN INDIAN billionaire couple hosted a birthday bash for Prince Charles’ 65th birthday at the Buckingham Palace, spending thousands of pounds on the mega event.
London-based Cyrus and Priya Vandrevala organised a concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra as part of the gala champagne reception and dinner on Thursday (November 21) at the Queen’s official residence in honour of the heir to the British throne.
Fellow Indian billionaire and guest GP Hinduja described the evening as “a magnificent event”.
“Prince Charles and the Duchess (Camilla Parker-Bowles) were very energetic and warm in greeting the guests,” he said, describing the gathering as one that generated “affection” between India and Britain.
The exclusive guest list for the glittering party included European royals, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills Vince Cable and other captains of industry.
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception, which was followed by a 90-minute Richard Wagner concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra, of which Prince Charles is a patron.
The Prince of Wales celebrated his birthday on November 14 in Kerala, India this year.
Speaking at the dinner, he thanked the Vandrevalas for sponsoring the latest celebration, the proceeds from which will be donated to charities.
The Indian entrepreneurs and philanthropists, originally from Mumbai, and their close friends were seated on the same table as the royal couple.
Wealth management experts Spear's estimate the Indian couple’s wealth at around $9bn, which makes them the sixth richest in the United Kingdom.
However, no rich list has ever featured their names as they reportedly prefer to remain out of the limelight.
The Vandrevalas are said to possess valuable properties in London’s upmarket Knightsbridge and Canary Wharf districts.
The couple live in the posh Holland Park area of central London and are involved in a number of charity projects through the Vandrevala Foundation.
They are well known within royal circles as patrons of the charity Elephant Family, which has been founded by conservationist Mark Shand, the brother of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
The couple are believed to be well acquainted with the royal couple, who have even hosted them at their royal country retreat of Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
“The evening connects with their philanthropic work as the Philharmonia Orchestra supports impoverished performers through its trust,” a spokesperson for the Vandrevala Foundation said.
The Queen had given her consent for the use of her palace as the venue.
