This year’s National Pharmacies Royal Family has been crowned today ahead of the 90th annual Christmas Pageant as South Australia’s Cristina Tridente of couture+love+madness is confirmed to design the Queen and Princess gowns. A record number of National Pharmacies staff  were vying for the event’s most coveted roles, with the title of Queen and King awarded to Queen Dunya Zahr and King Kevin Layugan alongside Steve Connelly and Michele Rinaldi as the new Princes and Hayley Sisson and Teagan Hazelwood as the new Princesses.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said excitement is building for the return of one of South Australia’s most cherished events.

“With less than 90 sleeps until the 90th National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, it’s wonderful to be celebrating another milestone for this historic event,” said Minister Bettison.

“The crowning of the National Pharmacies Royal Family is a longstanding tradition, and it means so many children and families around the state can start to countdown to our beloved Pageant returning to the streets of Adelaide.”

Brian Gilbertson, National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director said that those selected for the Royal Family not only demonstrate passion for the Pageant but also a strong sense of community spirit.

“The crowning of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Royal Family is a respected tradition and an incredibly important role within the event – not only on Pageant Day when we welcome Father Christmas to South Australia but also in their duties in the lead up to the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant,” said Mr Gilbertson.

“The rigorous selection process ensures that those chosen for the Royal Family exemplify the true values of National Pharmacies and the Christmas Pageant. Queen Dunya and King Kevin alongside Prince Steve and Michele and Princesses Hayley and Teagan exhibit these values and I am confident they will spread the spirit of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant throughout the community.”

Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies said the announcement of the Royal Family is a proud moment National Pharmacies in the lead up to the Christmas Pageant.

“It is an honour to be crowning the new Queen and King of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant today,” said Mr Borrello.

“Queen Dunya and King Kevin along with the rest of the Royal Family are worthy of their title, each providing quality care to our community every day. We are proud to have them represent National Pharmacies and the Christmas Pageant, and to see their reactions today was priceless.”

Queen Dunya Zahr, Business Operations Manager and Pharmacist at National Pharmacies can’t wait for the event this November.

“I absolutely love Christmas and the Christmas Pageant, and I am excited for the event to return to the streets after two years at Adelaide Oval,” said Ms. Zahr.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help share the excitement and enthusiasm through the community and within our team at National Pharmacies, and to now be able to do that as Pageant Queen is unreal.”

King Kevin Layugan, Pharmacist in Charge at National Pharmacies shares Queen Zahr’s sentiment.

“It is an absolute honour to be crowned King today. I had the privilege of being a Prince in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant but in such a special year, celebrating 90 years and being back on the streets makes this even more significant,” said Mr. Layugan.

“I am thrilled to come back as King and experience the magic of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on the streets of Adelaide.”

The Queen and Princesses will be dressed in bespoke gowns by one of South Australia’s leading designers Cristina Tridente of couture+love+madness. Tridente will showcase her iconic aesthetic of elegance and contemporary beauty in the designs.

“We are honoured to be involved in the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and to design the gowns for the Queen and Princesses for the 90th anniversary of this historic South Australian event,” said Ms Tridente.

“couture+love+madness’ signature style will be incorporated into the designs – the gowns will be colourful, fun and exciting and we can’t wait for the people of South Australia to see them in November. Expect to be wowed!”

The 90th year of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will take place on Saturday 12 November, returning to the streets of Adelaide for the first time since the pandemic began.

For further information visit
www.christmaspageant.com.au