Astonishing array of guests at banker's 65th birthday including actor Damian Lewis, former Prime Ministers Theresa May and Gordon Brown, and Princess Diana's friend Rosa Monckton... so what DID they all talk about?
As guest lists go, it had to be the one of the most eclectic birthday party gatherings of recent times.
An extraordinary collection of major figures from the worlds of politics, showbusiness and industry descended on London’s fashionable River Cafe to celebrate banker and philanthropist John Studzinski’s 65th birthday lunch.
In fact, the guests came from such different backgrounds that you might be forgiven for wondering what they had to talk about.
Theresa May and her husband celebrate banker and philanthropist John Studzinski’s 65th birthday lunch
One of the last of the stellar guests to arrive – wearing a stylish white linen blazer with white flat cap – was Hollywood star Damian Lewis
Novelist Ken Follett, pictured, arrived in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. An extraordinary collection of major figures from the worlds of politics, showbusiness and industry were spotted at the gathering
The get-together boasted two former Prime Ministers – Gordon Brown and Theresa May – novelist Ken Follett, who arrived in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, former top civil servant Mark Sedwill and Rosa Monckton, the businesswoman, disabled rights activist and friend of Princess Diana.
One of the last of the stellar guests to arrive – wearing a stylish white linen blazer with white flat cap – was Hollywood star Damian Lewis, who may have picked up some tips for his role as a super-rich hedge fund manager in TV show Billions.
Ruth Rogers, co-founder of the River Cafe in Fulham, South-West London, oversaw the event as guests were greeted by a band playing jazz and swing tunes.
The get-together boasted two former Prime Ministers – Gordon Brown and Theresa May
Rosa Monckton, the businesswoman, disabled rights activist and friend of Princess Diana
As well as being vice-chairman of an investment firm, US-born Mr Studzinski is a prominent philanthropist who donates about half his vast earnings to charity, with the arts, the homeless and human rights being his favourite causes.
A devout Catholic, he is said to have his own chapel in his £22 million Chelsea house. He has 39 godchildren and was reportedly friends with Pope John Paul II and Princess Diana.
His lavish birthday should come as no surprise, given he celebrated his 60th with a three-day bash at Venice’s Gritti Palace, where the soprano Joyce DiDonato serenaded him with Somewhere Over The Rainbow. He actually turned 65 in March, but the pandemic delayed celebrations until yesterday.