Every summer, The Queen hosts three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. Historically, Garden Parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, and have evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.
On the day of the Garden Party, the Palace gates are open from around 3pm. The Party officially begins when The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by other Members of the Royal Family, enter the garden at 4pm, when the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands present.
On Tuesday 5th June, me and my partner Simon were fortunate to be invited to Buckingham Palace. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh did not host this party instead Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne welcomed everyone. Other members of the Royal family did attend including, The Duke of Kent, The Duke of Gloucester, The Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
The weather was perfect and the gardens amazing with the most magical smell of roses everywhere and everyone dressed for the occasion. The tea tent served, tea coffee or lemon barley water with a selection of sandwiches and cakes and the band playing a wide selection of music including the James Bond theme, which put a bigger smile on peoples faces.
We loved every moment of the day and felt very lucky and patriotic when it was time to go.
