Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh at Empress Club in London, 1951

Frank Sinatra and his wife, Ava Gardner, with Tony Curtis and his wife Janet Leigh at a party hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh for friends and members of the Variety Club of Great Britain and stars of the Midnight Matinee in aid of the National Playing Fields Association on December 29, 1951.

In 1951, the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) hosted a prestigious party for friends, members of the Variety Club of Great Britain, and stars of the Midnight Matinee to support the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA). The event would have been an elegant affair, blending royal and celebrity circles. The National Playing Fields Association, later known as Fields in Trust, was a cause close to the royal family, focused on preserving outdoor recreational spaces.

The Variety Club of Great Britain, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting the entertainment industry, often had star-studded gatherings, especially involving film, theater, and performance arts celebrities. The Midnight Matinee, known for showcasing top talent, was one of the big charity events of the time.

As host, Philip talks to Frank Sinatra at a party for members and friends of the Variety Club of Great Britain, at the Empress Club, London, December 1951.

At this event, you could imagine Hollywood and British stars mingling with royalty, which would make for a glamorous occasion filled with actors, musicians, and theater performers. A star-studded guest list could have included figures like Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh, who were present in London that year. This glamorous affair would highlight both the royal family’s support for charitable causes and the close ties between Britain and Hollywood during that era.