London’s great garden party - the great and the good attend. Buckingham Palace garden party hosted by the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
Jonathon Smith COO of Network Group Holdings plc and Rebecca Banks Managing Director of Executive Network Legal Ltd are invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2012.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, enter the garden party at 4.00 pm, when the national anthem is played by one of two military bands playing selections of music during the afternoon.
It's about pomp and ceremony and tradition. Cups of tea, crustless sandwiches and cake is served in the palace’s marquees to those who work hard for their local communities, or successful in their professions and deserve recognition.
Established in 1863, the garden parties have been part of "the season” for many years.
After playing the national anthem, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, together with other members of the Royal Family, circulate amongst the guests. Each take a different route and random presentations are made so everyone has an equal opportunity of speaking to Her Majesty and members of her family. With tea, cakes and a beautiful garden to stroll in, the garden parties are among the most relaxed and informal Royal events.
At about 6.00pm, The Queen and other members of the Royal Family leave the garden, when the national anthem is played again to mark the end of the party.
The Yeoman of the Guard, Gentleman at Arms and Gentleman Ushers are on duty at the Palace.
The garden occupies 42 acres and has two and half miles of gravel paths. Notable features include a large 19th century lake which is graced by a flock of flamingos and the Waterloo Vase. In the garden there is a summerhouse, a helicopter pad and a tennis court.
The dress code for ladies is a formal day dress with a hat or a substantial fascinator. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with straps less than one inch wide and mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. For gentleman, either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat and top hat service dress is also acceptable.
Ms Banks commented " I am delighted to receive the invitation and look forward to an enjoyable afternoon, full of English tradition."