It’s not often you’ll find artists, writers, philanthropists, CEOs, political figures and members of royalty all in the same room, but such was case as the great and good of the capital gathered in June at Maison Assouline to celebrate the launch of the luxury publisher’s new book, Arabian Leopard.
Authored by Andrew Spalton, a wildlife conservationist, it details the history and cultural significance of the majestic animal in Saudi Arabia, and the grand surroundings of Assouline’s opulent Piccadilly concept store had been transformed into a suitably feline setting for the event.
But the launch was far more than a simple, showbiz affair: it was an opportunity for the gathered audience to share their passion for the endangered cat and show their support for the wider conservation activities of the Royal Commission for AlUla, which has pledged $25 million (£21m) towards the leopard’s survival as part of its ongoing wildlife preservation mission.
Guests, who included Princess Lucy Caroline Cuthbert and Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud, Richard Caring, David Linley, Lord Edward Vaizey, Thomas Kaplan and Sir George Iacobescu, heard of the plight of the endangered big cat during a moving speech by Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, who is a long-time supporter of the cause.
Check out the photos to see those who came together for the love of the leopard.
