The belles of the Blenheim ball! Duke of Marlborough heir and his VERY glamorous wife join James Blunt, Jodie Kidd and society pals for a £500-a-head black tie charity gala
- Society beauties and celebrities stepped out for a charity gala at Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, last night
- Host Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough opened the doors to his family seat
- Actor Jeremy Piven and singer James Blunt rubbed shoulders with Jodie Kid and Gabriela Peacock
Society beauties and celebrities stepped out in their black tie finery for a ball at Blenheim Palace last night.
Host Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough — better known in a previous incarnation as Jamie Blandford – threw open the doors of his 18th-century Oxfordshire pile for the £500-a-head charity gala in aid of the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
His son George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, who stands to inherit the family’s £100million fortune, and his wife Camilla, were joined by James Blunt, Entourage actor Jeremy Piven and GB News’ Simon McCoy at the glittering event.
Elsewhere Jodie Kidd mingled with pals Lisa Hogan and Gabriela Peacock, a well-heeled nutritionist who is a close friend of Princess Beatrice.
The evening kicked off with a welcome reception in the Great Hall of the 18th-century Oxfordshire pile where guests sipped sparkling wine from Kent’s Gusbourne Estate, whose bottles sell for up to £59 a pop.
Golden couple: George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, with his wife Camilla at the Blenheim Ball last night
Starry night: Gabriela Peacock, Lisa Hogan and Jodie Kidd (left), James Blunt with wife Sofia Wellesley with joker Jodie
Society figures: Lord and Lady Bamford pose for a photo with committee member Kate Deighton at last night’s soiree
Glitz and glamour: GB News presenter Simon McCoy and wife Emma Samms (left) and Entourage actor Jeremy Piven
Guests then made their way into the Long Library for the evening where they enjoyed a three-course meal and wine, as well as entertainment from host Rory Bremner.
There was also an auction hosted by Sotheby’s UK Chairman Harry Primrose, Lord Dalmeny.
Lots included a £19,000 luxury holiday to Egypt and a £11,500 seven-night stay in St Barts.
Polo player George Spencer-Churchill, 29, heir to his father’s title, the family seat and his £100million fortune, looked dapper in black tie while his wife Camilla looked like a fairytale princess in a gold strapless gown with a fitted bodice and flattering ruffle detailing.
Elegant: Chris Mizzi, Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, Vanessa Mamo and Mark Portelli pose for a photo at the ball
Belle of the ball! Camilla, Marchioness of Blandford, wore a gown that looked fit for a Disney princess
All eyes were on her exquisite jewellery – a matching diamond and sapphire necklace and earring set that glittered under the soft light of the ballroom.
George’s aunt, Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, opted for an eye-catching scarlet lace and beige tulle creation.
Elsewhere Gabriela, a close friend of Princess Beatrice, looked resplendent in a shimmering green ensemble.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation uses the power of play to make the experience of illness and treatment better for children and their families.
All that glitters! Society nutritionist Gabriela Peacock with Jodie Kidd (left) and designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund
The funds raised from the event go towards the charity’s hospital play and distraction services and its programme of events and experiences for seriously ill children.
The event was organised by a committee of society movers and shakers including the Marchioness of Blandford and Thomas Van Straubenzee, 39, a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry.
Childhood sweethearts George and Camilla tied the knot at Blenheim Palace in 2018.
The couple will one day oversee the estate as the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
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