Las Vegas Weekly

September 8, 2008 · 11:36 AM

Siegfried and Roy plan their meeting with the Queen of England

By Robin Leach

It's not just one meeting with the Royals -- it's two! Master magicians and illusionists Siegfried & Roy will meet the Queen of England and her Royal Family, plus Her Royal Highness the Princess of York, at two extraordinary events back in my old hometown of London later this month. Our Vegas hometown heroes are getting ready for their European trip and told me they were already practicing for the momentous royal occasion.

The first event with the queen and members of the Royal Family is on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the prestigious London Palladium, where ironically, they never have played before in their long worldwide career. It's regarded in showbiz circles as the most famous variety theater in the world. This time they will both be “produced” on stage in an illusion for their live appearance. The tribute to our two adopted miracle-makers also kicks off the new worldwide MAGICARES charity. The second event honoring them is another charity fundraising dinner at the five-star Landmark Hotel for just 200 people with Her Royal Highness the Princess of Kent.

Photo: Buckingham Palace

The Queen

Ten of the world's best magicians are flying in specially to pay tribute to the Vegas legends that have been pronounced “Magicians of the Century." They include Jeff Hobson, host of his own show at the V Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile, incredible illusionists Kalin & Jinger from Reno, and the outstanding bird act of Jason Byrne, also from Vegas. The rundown includes the classic magic of Norm Neilson, who played the MGM Crazy Horse revue, amazing Dance Sport & Costume Change award winners Soul Mystique from Australia, from MGM’s Crazy Horse in Paris Vik & Fabrini, 2007 Royal Variety Show star Raymond Crowe, from Poland Tomsoni and Co., Mexico’s sensational comedy juggler Wally Eastwood, and Portugal's TV Magic Star Luis de Matos.

“It's going to be a very special and moving moment for everyone -- for old friends and new ones,” Siegfried told me when we were both at Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio restaurant in the Venetian. “We’re practicing how to bow properly or wave correctly to the Queen,” Siegfried said as I gave him a couple of pointers from my old days on the Royals beat for my London newspaper. Roy told me that he won’t be using his motorized wheelchair when he’s introduced to members of the British royal family. Profits from both events will be shared between the MAGICARES charity and Siegfried & Roy's Sarmoti Foundation.

Photo: Buckingham Palace

Prince Charles and Camilla

Siegfried told me that after the two royal engagements in London they will make a brief return visit home to Germany, take a medical checkup on Roy’s ongoing progress and then grab a few days vacation in Paris. They promise to be back in time for their 18th annual Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. K-9 trials fundraiser at the Orleans Arena on Oct. 19. Siegfried says that upon return the duo will visit their warehouse to plan the illusions they will do next February for their comeback “moment of magic” they promised me for our Alzheimer’s Association gala in February.

Photo: Scott Doctor

Siegfried and Roy, during a naming ceremony for two tiger cubs at The Mirage in July.

In addition, Roy swears to me he’s working out, getting fit and ready for the Opportunity Village Great Santa 5K run in early December that starts downtown on Fremont Street. He’s determined to walk the entire course this time around -- just with the aid of a cane if necessary! The man is amazing. Roy is courageous beyond belief -- a fighter, a victor and our hero!

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