This year, the 150th anniversary of Queen Marie of Romania's birth takes centre stage in our programme of events. Starting in June, we invite you to a series of ambitious and high-impact events that will celebrate the iconic figure of the Queen, a key bridge personality between our country and the United Kingdom, and her significant role in history.
In collaboration with the trailblazing Marcel Opera, London Docklands Singers, and Marcel Ensemble, we present, in premiere for the Institute's programme, a chamber, immersive opera. Support us and step into Royal history, being part of a night of music and majesty, in 1 Belgrave Square, a place once graced by illustrious figures from history!The audience is invited to wear „royal attire” and to spice up their chosen garments with period accessories.
This event takes place on both 10 and 11 July, starting 8 PM.
History comes to life in this immersive chamber opera, composed byAndrew Campling, with libretto byDominick Mereworth, and stage direction fromTheia Charles. Join us for a theatrical journey through Queen Marie’s extraordinary life – from her royal marriage and wartime service, to her bold presence at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, and her quiet, sad final days at Peles Castle. Taking centre stage is the brilliantCarolina Hock, whose luminous voice and commanding presencebreathe soul, strength, and vulnerability into the role of Queen Marie, capturing the very spirit of this remarkable historical figure.
As the story unfolds,so too does the stage. From the grand entrance hall to the elegant staircases and intimate Enescu Room, you willfollow the drama through space and time, each location transformed into a living tableau. Every step reveals a new chapter, a new emotional resonance – echoing with themes of identity, duty, love, and loss.
A cast of passionate British artists, a rich historical tapestry, and a whollyimmersive setting – this is not opera as you know it. This isopera that moves you – literally and emotionally.
This event takes place on both 10 and 11 July, starting 8 PM.Book your tickets now to secure your place in this once-in-a-season royal experience.
Queen Marie of Romania
Libretto: Dominick Mereworth
Original Music: Andrew Campling
Director: Theia Charles
Lighting & Sound Design: Leo Băcică
Running time: 60 minutes
This is a promenade performance and the audience will have to stand
Cast:
King Carol I of Romania– Tim Ross
Queen Elisabeth of Romania –Barbara Perrott
Duke of Edinburgh– Chris Cole
Duchess of Edinburgh– Siobhan Frost
Princess Marie, later Queen of Romania– Carolina Hock
Prince Ferdinand, later King Ferdinand– Tony Richards
Waldorf Astor, American businessman and politician– Michael Lanham
Dancer– Catalina Suarez-Rivera
Georges Clemenceau, President of the Council of Ten, Paris Peace Conference– Chris Cole
Martha Root, American journalist– Martha Nicholls
Editor, Time Magazine– Chris Cole
Princess Ileana– Catalina Suarez-Rivera
King Carol II of Romania– Richard Corr
Elena "Magda" Lupescu, later wife of Carol II– Anna Muradayan
Chorus – London Docklands Singers (courtiers, peasants, journalists, heavenly choirs):
Nigel Anderson, Barbara Bond, Chris Cole, Richard Corr, Bill Edgar, Siobhan Frost, Chiara Gambacorta, Alfred Huckett, Genia Leontowitsch, John Lyth, Anne Lumumba, Anna Muradayan, Martha Nicholls, Keiko Okawa, Barbara Perrott, Tony Richards, Tim Ross
Marcel Ensemble:
Violin – Kiok Son, Maria Reinon
Trumpet – Stone Tung
Piano & Keyboards – Andrew Campling
Queen Marie of Romania (1875–1938) was born on 29 October 1875 in Kent, England, at Eastwell Park, the family estate. Her father, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, was the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Her mother, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, was the daughter of Tsar Alexander II.
In 1886, her father was appointed to command the British Mediterranean Fleet, and the family moved to Malta for three years. In 1889, he became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, settling the family in Coburg. On 10 January 1893, Marie married Ferdinand of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, heir to the Romanian throne. They became Romania’s monarchs in 1914 after the death of King Carol I.
When Romania entered the First World War in 1916, Queen Marie took on an active role, becoming a national symbol through her tireless efforts—in hospitals, among soldiers, and eventually at the Paris Peace Conference, which confirmed the creation of Greater Romania. Her motto,“From my heart to theirs,” became a guiding principle recognised by the Romanian people.
In 1922, Marie and Ferdinand were crowned as monarchs of Greater Romania at Alba Iulia. Four years later, she converted to Orthodoxy, expressing a desire to be closer to her people. Admired both at home and abroad, she was praised by King George V, who referred to her as “my dear cousin, born in Great Britain.”
Marie was also an accomplished writer and artist. Her design sensibilities shaped residences such as Cotroceni and Pelișor, while her masterpiece remains the Balchik Palace. Influenced by her British and Russian heritage, she created a unique style inspired by Windsor, Osborne, and Eastwell Park.
Her memoirs remain widely read, and her patronage benefited artists like Ștefan Luchian and Arthur Verona. Queen Marie died on 18 July 1938 at Pelișor.
Out of respect for the artists and fellow guests, we kindly ask that you arrive by 7:55 PM, as the performance will begin promptly at 8:00 PM.Late entry may only be permitted during a suitable pause in the programme. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and we look forward to welcoming you to an evening of exceptional music and reflection.
