Andrea, Matteo and Virginia Bocelli performed in front of England's new royals, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
Having visited the White House last Christmas, the artists were the only Italians invited to attend the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, an event that commemorates the country's casualties of war, and which this year, took on even greater significance, with a tribute to Elizabeth II, who for 70 years remained head of the British armed forces and had always taken part in these celebrations.
The festival thus opened with a tribute to the late monarch and her 70 extraordinary years of service and dedication.
Andrea Matteo and Virginia Bocelli, who were greeted by applause, sang 'The Greatest Gift', an unreleased track from their new album 'A family Christmas', in front of all of the British royals. In addition to Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Anne and her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, Lady Ogilvy were present.
The cover of the Bocellis forthcoming album 'A Family Christmas'. (Photo: ANSA)
Other performers included Hollywood actor and singer Luke Evans, Emmy Award winning actress and West End star Hannah Waddingham and musical theatre star Marisha Wallace.
The central theme of the Festival this year was the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War and, as the petals fell in the Royal Albert Hall. The event recalled with speeches, songs and stories, the service and sacrifice of the military throughout the history of the kingdom.
