A garden party tea tent GARDEN PARTIES With tea, cakes and a beautiful garden to stroll in, garden parties are among the most relaxed and informal Royal events. Every summer, The Queen hosts at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace, plus one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Over 30,000 people attend. Most years, The Queen gives an additional garden party to honour a large national organisation celebrating a special anniversary, such as the fiftieth anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for young people. Garden party invitations are sent out by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of The Queen. All the arrangements are planned by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. Approximately 8,000 guests attend each garden party, which takes place between 4.00 and 6.00 pm. Most people like to dress up for their special day. Gentlemen wear morning dress, lounge suits or uniform, while women wear afternoon dress, usually with hats. National dress can also be worn. After the playing of the National Anthem, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, together with other members of the Royal Family, circulate among the guests. Each takes a different route and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to The Queen and members of her family. |
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Individuals cannot apply for an invitation to a garden party directly. Tea and other refreshments are served from long buffet tables. The quantities served are enormous. During the afternoon, two military bands take turns to play a selection of music. At about 6pm, The Queen and other members of the Royal Family leave the garden, when the National Anthem is played to mark the end of the party. Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s, when Queen Victoria instituted what were known as ‘breakfasts’ (though they took place in the afternoon). A garden party at Buckingham Palace In 1997 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh hosted a garden party for couples sharing their Golden Wedding anniversary (50 years) with them. In 1998 a special garden party celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service. The guests were all serving, or part-serving, members of the Health Service. |
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