Watch Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Joyfully Dance to Hava Nagila with Jewish Seniors
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall showed off her Jewish wedding-ready dance skills on Wednesday.
During her visit to Jewish Care’s Brenner Centre in East London to celebrate the organization’s 80th anniversary, musician Beverley Stone performed the classic Israeli folk song “Hava Nagila,” meaning “let’s rejoice.” After a little convincing, the 71-year-old royal linked arms with members of the Jewish community and clapped along to the beat.
“It was a lovely, wonderful experience, I think I’m dreaming,” said Abraham David, who danced with the duchess. “She put her hand out to mine and wanted to dance — I couldn’t believe it. I won’t sleep tonight I’m so excited.”
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HRH The Duchess of Cornwall joined members for a rendition of Hava Nagila during today’s visit to the Brenner Centre at Stepney Jewish Community Centre, at Raine House ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/T8nTg4FEH4
— Jewish Care (@Jewish_Care) January 23, 2019
The Brenner Centre provides a place for many of the area’s elderly residents to meet up with friends, enjoy activities and dine on Kosher food. It also provides therapeutic activities for anyone needing special care or experiencing isolation – for many clients, it is the only time per week they leave their homes.
It has been visited on several occasions by members of the royal family since its opening by Queen Mary in 1938, including visits from Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Camilla spoke with Lillian Lebby, 92, who has been supported by the organization for many years. The center is a vital support for Jewish seniors in the U.K., where anti-Semitic incidents hit an all-time high in 2018.
“This place saved my life,” she said. “It is my lifeline and my haven.”
Prince Charles‘ wife also met Beattie Orwell, who at 101 is the oldest member of the organization — who was among those who joined Camilla to dance!
Before leaving, Camilla unveiled a plaque to mark her visit and told the guests, “I sometimes go to places which are a bit sad, but this place is one of the most uplifting centers I’ve ever been to. Meeting all you wonderful, inspirational people has been a real treat.”
She added, “How most of you look so young, I don’t know!”
Camilla wore a green skirt and matching jacket (the same shade that Kate Middleton wore on Tuesday to visit a children’s charity!) for the outing, accessorized with a familiar purse. She carried the “Mini Venice” purse by DeMellier London, the same handbag that Meghan Markle used during her pre-wedding appearance with Prince Harry at the Cardiff Castle in Wales last January.
Fellow celebs fans of the brand include Beyoncé, Emily Blunt and Pippa Middleton.
The accessory brand also supports a great cause: for every bag purchases, DeMellier funds a set of life-saving vaccines and treatments for a child in need. Since launching the initiative five years ago, they have funded more than 45,000 vaccines.
