The Duchess of Edinburgh hosts special afternoon tea with Ellie Goldstein

Mencap Myth Buster and Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Goldstein joined HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh for a special afternoon tea at St James’s Palace with her dance partner Vito Coppola. 

The event celebrated Ellie’s trail blazing success as the first contestant with a learning disability to take part in the full series of the dance competition and recognised the incredible impact her appearance on the show has had for people with a learning disability.  

Ellie’s history making appearance on the 2025 series, alongside her professional dance partner Vito, marked a powerful moment for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Ellie brilliantly demonstrated that having a learning disability should never hold someone back from living their life to full. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been Patron of Mencap since 2002, a charity that support people with a learning disability, their families and carers. 

Mencap, which celebrates its 80th birthday this year, campaigns for a fairer society, works to build inclusive communities, and directly supports people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full. 

Ellie attended the special tea with her mum Yvonne and dance partner Vito, who has been praised for demonstrating what great support looks like and highlighting the power of reasonable adjustments, such as accessible communication and adaptive teaching. 

After the tea, Ellie and Vito showed some of their fantastic dance moves to Her Royal Highness, demonstrating the great partnership the two forged during the show.