By, Sandy Rashty
1 min read
BySandy Rashty, Sandy Rashty
As the BBC's royal correspondent, Jennie Bond followed the British monarchy around the world for close on 15 years.
She made the Queen laugh, was scolded by Prince Philip and enjoyed a good relationship with Prince Charles and Princess Di.
So the veteran broadcaster was an apposite choice to address more than 230 guests at a women's lunch in Finchley in aid of Norwood, the one Jewish charity to have the Queen as its patron. The lunch also marked Norwood's 200th year of royal backing.
Speaking beforehand, Ms Bond said: "The public understand that the monarchy raise the profile of charities such as Norwood. If they didn't do this kind of work, what would they do? They might become invisible.
"The Queen always says: 'I have to be seen.' She knows that the very point of the institution to do good work."
Ms Bond believed the Queen had never visited Israel because "it's too politically sensitive".
She was positive about the future, given that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had achieved "global superstar status - they have made the monarchy quite cool". Prince Charles would make a good and inclusive king. "I hope people will see the man I know; a very deep-thinking, well-meaning, philanthropic man."
Another speaker was Rina Steinberg, who told guests that Norwood had given her daughter, Ella - who has Sturge-Weber syndrome, a condition affecting the skin, brain and eyes - life-changing support for more than 15 years.
"Norwood has been a constant in Ella's life and ours," she said. "I know that Norwood will always be here to support her. And this gives me great peace of mind going forward."
The lunch raised £50,000 for the children and families charity.