The Royal Family has long been interested in the arts. In fact, the Royal website's history of patronages says that the first recorded one was King George II's interest in the Society of Antiquaries, "an organisation concerned with architecture and art history, conservation and heraldry." The modern royals have a broad range of interests and a recent invitation to the Princess of Wales is proof of that.
"I'm sure that's the way they would want it."
We learned earlier this summer that Princess Charlotte is quite the Swiftie and got to meet Taylor Swift with her father and brother. Before that, Princess Catherine attempted to arrange an encounter with another musical idol: Dolly Parton. According to GBNews, "In 2023, the Princess of Wales invited the famous country music star to Buckingham Palace for tea. However, Parton, 78, could not fit the invitation into her busy schedule."
While the meeting was not possible in 2023, Dolly shows real enthusiasm at the prospect of extending her own invitation. If Kate and the kids can make it to Dollywood in Tennessee, Parton says that "we would treat them like royalty!" Yet she hopes to be more personal than that statement implies. Dolly outlined her vision for the visit:
"I'd give Kate my mashed potatoes - I wouldn't put on any airs for them. I would just let them enjoy what we enjoy, and I'm sure that's the way they would want it."Dolly Parton
The singer, author, and philanthropist expressed regret that she couldn't accept the invitation to the Palace, saying that "I thought that was very sweet and nice of to invite me to tea." It's understandable that Parton had to focus on duty when she "only had one full day and...did not have a second to do anything else besides work."
We can hope the two women can cross paths and a day at Dollywood with the kids would certainly be a memorable one.