Anyone been to a Royal Garden Party?
Discussion
toasty said:
Through work, I’ve been lucky enough to get an invite to one of the King’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace this year. I understand 30,000 people attend each year so it’s not that special overall but it is for me and Mrs Toasty.
Anyone else been? Any tips?
My mum used to work at Windsor Castle so I have been to a couple of garden parties, and also to a Xmas do at Buckingham palace. Anyone else been? Any tips?
To be honest they are just a posh party with nice food, and cups of tea. I really enjoyed it though as you get to walk into the palace via the main entrance, and wander around the gardens, and a little peak behind the curtain.
Normally you will see some of the royals mingling with the guests, but often they are away in another area away from the general public.
Defiantly go if you get the chance, and fingers crossed you get good weather.
Many, many years ago, when I was invited, but had to go in uniform.
From memory
Wear comfortable shoes,
It was sandwiches and cakes but there were plenty and plenty of tea/coffee. Go easy on the fluids, as there can be a queue for the loos especially for the ladies. DO NOT use your initiative as a young man and go for a quiet piss in the garden. Also don't try and steal the tea cups as a souvenir.
I'm told with mobile phones there's no photos, don't even try and take a sneaky one.
You should get an etiquette guide, dress code, what behaviour is expected etc
From memory
Wear comfortable shoes,
It was sandwiches and cakes but there were plenty and plenty of tea/coffee. Go easy on the fluids, as there can be a queue for the loos especially for the ladies. DO NOT use your initiative as a young man and go for a quiet piss in the garden. Also don't try and steal the tea cups as a souvenir.
I'm told with mobile phones there's no photos, don't even try and take a sneaky one.
You should get an etiquette guide, dress code, what behaviour is expected etc
I’ve been to Holyrood Palace six times, once to a garden party and the other five taking a group of gold DofE recipients.
I really enjoyed it; the garden party was on a rare beautiful day here in Edinburgh, and it was fun people watching and milling around the palace grounds. I did get quite close to the late Queen, and my abiding memory was how small she was. The other times I met the late DofE and the rest it was Edward; he came across really well and the DofE winners always enjoyed themselves.
I really enjoyed it; the garden party was on a rare beautiful day here in Edinburgh, and it was fun people watching and milling around the palace grounds. I did get quite close to the late Queen, and my abiding memory was how small she was. The other times I met the late DofE and the rest it was Edward; he came across really well and the DofE winners always enjoyed themselves.
toasty said:
The Gauge said:
toasty said:
Any suggestions for somewhere upmarket around Victoria?
Buckingham Palace?Most people go for dinner after as the sandwiches and cakes dont really sustain you. Usually posher venues for dinner.
Theres alot of hangers on too usually as the rest of the family hang about for dinner whilst the person +1 go to the party.
toasty said:
Thanks guys, as we’ll be dressed up, we’ll probably stop off somewhere on the way back for drinks.
Any suggestions for somewhere upmarket around Victoria?
Not been there myself but I hear St Ermin's Hotel is a nice place and very handy:Any suggestions for somewhere upmarket around Victoria?
https://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/?gad_source=1&...
brickwall said:
More seriously, the Goring Hotel. Absolutely lovely.
My parents went to a few garden parties back in the '80s. They were also due to go to BP for my dad's MBE a few years ago and I had booked them into the Goring. Unfortunately my dad took ill and couldn't attend the ceremony. Hotel was cancelled which meant I never got there (to the Goring or BP) - pleased to hear it would have been a good choice though!Yes I stuffed myself on sandwiches and endless cups of tea, also said hello to Catherine, she was delightful and I realised how what an effort they put on, smiling for hours and chatting to people. I didn't have the nerve to speak to William ! It was far more chilled and laid back than I expected, Basically a lot of milling around chatting to my wife and people watching. Got my bag searched going in, lots of discrete security guys around in the crowds. A great experience just thinking here I am on the grass of the palace, just wandering around.
It's a wonderful occasion. We were blessed with a beautiful day (a bit too hot for my wife's liking).
There is a dress code which included mandatory head gear for the memsahib. I did notice that some ladies hadn't bothered. The no photos rule was largely ignored; we got a footman to take a photo.
The cucumber sandwiches lived up to their reputation, and the ice cream was lovely.
My abiding memory was the luxury of the portaloos! Apart from a few corgis, who can boast that they have had a number two in the Queen's back garden?
There is a dress code which included mandatory head gear for the memsahib. I did notice that some ladies hadn't bothered. The no photos rule was largely ignored; we got a footman to take a photo.
The cucumber sandwiches lived up to their reputation, and the ice cream was lovely.
My abiding memory was the luxury of the portaloos! Apart from a few corgis, who can boast that they have had a number two in the Queen's back garden?
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