Regrettably, a highly anticipated Christmas ice skating rink adjacent to the renowned Kensington Palace, which was eagerly awaited by many, faces postponement. The decision-makers expressed their apprehensions in light of the escalating tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This winter extravaganza, set to grace Perks Field, had generated significant excitement, particularly due to its close proximity to the Israeli embassy and the residence of the Russian ambassador. Originally scheduled for operation from November to January, it has now been deferred.
Tamarisk, the event’s organizer, has assured that individuals who had previously purchased tickets will be duly refunded. They also pledged the return of the event in the following year.
In a collective statement, co-founders Robert Derry and a distinguished grandson of the Queen underscored their unwavering commitment to safety: “Throughout the planning of ICE at Kensington Palace, our foremost concern has always been the safety and enjoyment of our esteemed visitors. Given the heightened tension and uncertainty in the vicinity, we’ve opted to postpone this year’s affair. Ensuring public safety remains our paramount priority.”
Their heartfelt appreciation extended to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as well as their numerous collaborators, local enterprises, and the wider community. “We eagerly anticipate our comeback in 2024 to deliver a enchanting and festive experience for all,” they added.
Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Kate in London, primarily employs Perks Field as a helipad. Interestingly, during the previous Christmas season, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, chose to celebrate the holidays at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Castle.
In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Peter offered insight into the motivations behind the event. He emphasized how the presence of his uncle, King Charles, and the event’s location influenced their decision to place sustainability at the core of ICE.
“Considering our location and the notable individuals in our vicinity, aligning with their fundamental values became imperative. Consequently, we embraced King’s Earth Charter, the Terra Carta, and the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI),” Peter disclosed.
He stressed that every facet, from their suppliers to their culinary partners, adheres to a robust sustainability ethos, with the aim of enhancing the environmental sustainability of winter events.
This isn’t the initial endeavor of Buckingham Palace in such ventures. Over the past decade, they’ve rented out spaces, primarily to augment the Royal household’s income. These spaces have hosted a design festival and even opulent events such as Burberry fashion shows.
When seeking permissions for the ice rink earlier this year, it was explicitly conveyed to the council members that rigorous measures would be in place to ensure the safety of Royal family members and the diplomats residing nearby.
A protective barrier, reportedly measuring at least three meters in height, formed part of the approved security protocol, as communicated to Kensington and Chelsea’s planning committee.
