2023 Highlights

Now we have closed the curtain on another year, we thought we would cast our eyes over the news that made 2023 stand out. From Princess Anne to groundbreaking science! We’re reflecting on events that have dominated headlines or deserve more recognition from the past 12 months.

The Coronation of King Charles III

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place on Saturday, 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. It was the first Coronation in nearly 70 years as Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 after the death of his much-beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The coronation celebration ceremony originated centuries ago. It fittingly happens several months after the accession. The main part of the ceremony is the “unction”, the act of anointing a monarch with holy oil. This signifies the bestowment of God’s grace upon a ruler.

For the last nine centuries, the coronation ceremony has almost always taken place in London Westminster Abbey and is normally conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Thirty-nine coronations have taken place since, including that of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953 and the coronation of King Charles III.

Global temperatures shatter records

While our review tries to highlight the positives of 2023, we feel it is only right to reflect on some key moments important to us.

Climate change has gone from a future threat to the world’s new reality this year as 2023 becomes the hottest year on record for 125,000 years. The burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of natural habitats has released heat-trapping gasses into the atmosphere that have raised the temperature of the planet by 1.2 degrees Celsius. The results of this has been extreme weather events all around the world ranging from wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and even flooding.

On a more positive note, Brazil’s deforestation has dropped this year and for the first year ever wind power overtook gas burning in the United Kingdom. These are small but important wins.

Prince Harry Publishes “Spare”

On the 10^th January 2023, Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” went on sale worldwide revealing controversial details of his upbringing and his falling out with the British royal family.

His memoir entitled ‘Spare’ is an emotionally powerful story that is a must-read for those who want insight on what life was like for the Prince growing up within the royal household.

Our favourite moments of 2023…

Princess Anne Spotted Wearing Patra!

We’re loving the styling inspiration from some of our icons. Time to take notes from a few familiar faces! Born in 1950, Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has grown with the evolving monarchy and been an icon for British style for over seven decades.

From pastel hues to tailored coat dresses, Princess Anne has been making fashion statements wearing and re-wearing pieces. She is known for her hard working and no-nonsense attitude. It is no surprise that her wardrobe is full of investment, staple pieces that can be worn for many years. Some of her statement pieces have been re-worn by her since the 1970s when she was in her 20s. This does not mean that her clothes are plain and boring. She is no stranger to bold patterns and bright colours!

Princess Anne was spotted in our gorgeous pure cotton printed dress whilst being interviewed on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast. Her chosen dress is super comfortable, versatile and reliable, whilst ideal for the summer season. We can’t wait to see where she wears it next!

Patra on the Screen!

On July 17th the BBC aired the first episode of The Sixth Commandment, a four part British true-life crime drama.

The leading actress Anne Reid was spotted wearing a large collection of Patra dresses throughout the episodes. Featuring our bestselling Silk, Cotton and Jersey dresses. We loved seeing them on screen!

Parkinson’s patient able to walk 6km without problems after spinal implant

It is truly amazing to see that healthcare is always advancing and has further improved in 2023. This is just one of the stories that really stood out to us. Marc, 63, from Bordeaux, France, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 20 years ago. He had developed severe mobility problems, including balance impairments and freezing of gait. The spinal implant aimed to restore normal signaling to the leg muscles from the spine. After receiving it, he has been able to walk better and regain his independence.

He was the first patient to receive a spinal implant to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease and has described his experience as being “a rebirth” in his own words –

“I practically could not walk anymore without falling frequently, several times a day” he said. “Right now, I’m not even afraid of the stairs anymore. Every Sunday I go to the lake, and I walk around 6 kilometres (3.7 miles). It’s incredible.”

Sir Elton John headlines Glastonbury Festival

76-year-old Sir Elton John was the headline act at Glastonbury Festival 2023. Ending the festival with hits including Your Song, Tiny Dancer and Rocketman. This performance was also Sir Elton’s final UK stage show, marking the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

A taster from the world of Sport

England Lionesses made it to the World Cup Final

England’s women’s football team, the Lionesses made it to their first World Cup final! They missed out on the final glory after a defeat against Spain for first place. Still a huge accomplishment, with several players recognised in the New Year’s honours list. Goal keeper Mary Earps even finished the year winning the BBC sports personality award of 2023.

Those we Lost

It is only right to take a moment for those we lost. Last year we said goodbye to luminaries Henry Kissinger and Silvio Berlusconi from the world stage of politics. We lost talented actors and singers such as Harry Belafonte, Tina Turner and Sinead O’Conner. On the home front, Paul James O’Grady was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor and writer. Known for his drag persona – Lily Savage and ITV’s multi-award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs, he was also a vocal ambassador for charities for cats and dogs. He died suddenly in March 2023, aged 67.

As we begin 2024 we reflect and remember the past year. With war across the world, we would like to wish you peace in 2024. At Patra, we want to celebrate all the achievements with you and give thanks, especially to our loyal customers who make everything we work hard for so special. Happy New Year from all of us at Patra as we head into our sixtieth year.