Indian billionaire couple host Prince Charles' birthday bash

An Indian billionaire couple in the UK has hosted a birthday bash for Prince Charles' 65th birthday at the Buckingham Palace, splurging out thousands of pounds on the mega event.
London-based Cyrus and Priya Vandrevala, entrepreneur and philanthropists, organised a concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra as part of the gala champagne reception and dinner yesterday at Queen Elizabeth II's official residence in honour of the heir to the British throne.
Fellow Indian billionaire and guest G P Hinduja described the evening as "a magnificent event".
"Prince Charles and the Duchess (his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles) were very energetic and warm in greeting the guests," he said, describing the gathering as one that generated "affection" between India and Britain.

The exclusive guest list for the glittering party included European royals, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills Vince Cable and other captains of industry.
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception, which was followed by a 90-minute Richard Wagner concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra, of which Charles is a patron.

The Prince of Wales' birthday falls on November 14 and this year he celebrated it while on a tour to India and Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the dinner, he thanked the Vandrevalas for sponsoring the latest celebration, the proceeds from which will be donated to charities.

The Indian entrepreneurs, originally from Mumbai, and their close friends were seated on the same table as Charles and Camilla.
Wealth management experts, Spear's, estimate the Indian couple's wealth at around USD 9 billion, which makes them the sixth richest in the United Kingdom.
However, no rich list has ever featured their names as they reportedly prefer to remain out of the limelight.
The Vandrevalas are said to possess invaluable properties in London's upmarket Knightsbridge and Canary Wharf districts.
The couple live in the posh Holland Park area of central London and are involved with a number of charity projects through the Vandrevala Foundation.

They are well known within Britain's royal circles as patrons of the charity Elephant Family, which has been founded by conservationist Mark Shand, the brother of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
The couple are believed to be well acquainted with Charles and Camilla, who have even hosted them at their royal country retreat of Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
"The evening connects with their philanthropic work as the Philharmonia Orchestra supports impoverished performers through its trust," a spokesperson for the Vandrevala Foundation said.
Queen had given her consent for the use of her palace as the venue.