Prince Michael commenced July by attending the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers Golden Jubilee Banquet at the Guildhall on 2nd July.

In addition to celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the banquet marked the 325th anniversary of the granting of the Coachmakers’ Royal Charter. Prince Michael has a great interest and involvement with the Motor Industry, as well as with the Coachmakers, and so was delighted to be present at a dinner, which celebrated 325 years of support for the transport industry by the Coachmakers. Before dinner, Prince Michael was able to admire the Millennium Coach and the Bentley, presented to Her Majesty the Queen to mark the Golden Jubilee. On 7th July, Prince Michael attended the finals at Wimbledon.

Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 9th July. The next day, they were Guests of Honour at a Garden Party at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. The committee for ‘Friends of the Golden Jubilee’ hosted the party, to which heads of local authorities, and Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs from throughout the United Kingdom were invited. As Their Royal Highnesses arrived, the National Anthem was played by the Coldstream Guards Band.

On 12th July, Prince Michael had the opportunity to visit HMS RALEIGH, the New Entry Training Establishment for all ratings joining the Royal Navy. HMS RALEIGH runs almost 100 different courses per year with a throughput of some 44,000 people, and thus is a crucial safeguard to the future capability of the Royal Navy. His Royal Highness is Honorary Commodore of the Royal Naval Reserve and so took the salute at the Passing Out Parade after lunch.

His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque in Deptford on 16th July, in commemoration of Peter the Great’s Mulberry Tree in order to raise money for The Peter The Great Educational Trust, of which Prince Michael is Patron. Prince Michael chaired the Annual General Meeting of the SSAFA-Forces Help (of which Prince Michael is President) on 18th July at Goldsmith’s Hall. On completion of the AGM, His Royal Highness joined the recipients of the Prince Michael of Kent Award.

The Royal International Air Tattoo took place at RAF Fairford on Saturday 20th July, in the presence of His Royal Highness. The main operational theme for the event was ‘Global Ability’, focusing on the use of air expeditionary power. A special tribute was held- ‘A Salute to Bomber Crews’, recognising their role over many conflicts over the years.

Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael visited the DMS Chester International Horse Show on Sunday 21st July. Prince Michael presented the awards to winners of the prestigious Chester Championship. The show was the final leg of The Golden Jubilee Tour, put together by the British Show Jumping Association.

The next day, on 23rd July, Prince Michael visited the headquarters of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust at Drayton St Leonards.

The final engagement for the month was a visit to Farnborough International 2002. Farnborough is the premier aerospace industry business event, attracting over 1200 exhibitors from 56 countries worldwide and 170 000 trade visitors.