Our Visit to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace Following my British Empire Medal award by the King, in last year’s birthday honours list, we were so excited to receive an invite back in January, from the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, to His Majesty’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Two dates were given 7th and 20th May, we opted for 20th. The last time we ventured to London, last December we sadly both caught COVID so we were concerned about the travelling but soon realised that due to my multiple sclerosis we would be entitled to a reserved car parking space very close to the Palace. After months of preparation, the time arrived and we had to get the timing correct; the car park was available after 2pm and gates opened to Buckingham Palace for entry at 3pm. The day before I had registered and paid online for the car ULEZ and Congestion Charges. We left at 12.30 and the Google sat nav in the car instructed us to go down the A1. After we turned right on the Finchley Road I was lost and so reliant on the sat nav. It took ages to get past one pedestrian crossing, then seeing all the photographers I realised it was the famous Abbey Road one, aka Beatles Album cover. From Marble Arch down Park Lane it was stop start all the way, then left down Constitution Hill and we had arrived, but where do we go? Suddenly a steward, spotting our SP badge in the window, steps out and directs us onto the pavement! It was really a strange feeling, as the area was packed with tourists. A very slow drive pass the impressive Canada Gates, on the pavement with people and electric bikes everywhere, a third steward eventually directs us into our place and wow we are facing the Palace……..it felt so unreal and we felt like VIP’s to be so close. A short walk over to the Palace, ID checks completed and we are with 8,000 others queuing to enter the grounds. Even the rear of the Palace looks impressive and a kind gentleman takes our photo in return for me taking theirs. It soon becomes evident just how many people are there, the grounds are very large but it soon looks very busy. After a quick visit to you know where (we had been travelling a couple of hours), we decide to queue for food in the main tea tent. Now can you imagine feeding 8,000 people at the same time……it was very well organised but all the queues were quite long. We get quite close to the counter when we realise it’s almost 4pm when the National Anthem and appearance of the Royals is due, so we opt to leave and join the swathes of people standing in line with the Yeomen of the Guard. They come out and it is the Prince and Princess of Wales, ‘oh they will remember us from Westminster Abbey’ was my thought ha ha. After the National Anthem, the Royal party all come down onto the lawns to mingle and talk to the crowds of people, who are all hoping to have a chat and take photos. I did get some great shots and videos of them but have decided to respect them by not posting here. Zara Tindall came closest to us and she was talking to another lady next to me wearing a stunning colourful dress, must remember that if I ever do this again! Then back to the now much shorter queues in the tea tent. I took a photo of the menu which you have all seen, very sophisticated. Hilary wanted ‘vegan’ option due to the many food issues she has, so we were told to wait to one side. Then a manager type person came out with a full plate for her. I opted for the Iced Coffee and Hilary had the Sandringham Apple Juice. We didn’t find a seat but opted to use the standing tables around the tent. There were two bands playing and they alternated in playing, raising their flag when they played and lowering it when they weren’t. We listened to them for a while before venturing into the gardens which, of course, were immaculate. With the lake on our left (yes we have a pond at home but King Charles has a lake) we were drawn towards the extremely large marble goblet monument which was undergoing an upgrade, as it is very old being in recognition of the Battle of Waterloo. We took many photos in the gardens and then walked back across the lawns and waited to see the Royals walk back to the Palace after having their food in the red carpet lined Royal Tea Tent. As the Yeomen of the Guard followed the Royal Party we got a chance to wander back towards the tea tent and this time found a seat in the very classy ‘directors chairs’. We had another soft drink, then it’s the National Anthem to signify the end – it’s 6pm already. People start to leave, but in my head I think 6pm/rush hour, of course that really doesn’t apply in London it’s always busy. Let’s just enjoy this we think, sit here looking at the Palace and enjoy the day, the weather is still absolutely gorgeous. I make a video call to our son to see how the stall is going and even video call my sister in Spain, just to ‘show off’ where we are. Then I think let’s get a video for my Tiktok page, well what a laugh I got the wrong date, but it was funny and got around a thousand views so far, I did do a retake lol. I honestly don’t know what time it was but think ‘well we better make a move’, but visit ‘you know where’ first. We agree to meet on the seats nearby, as I know I won’t take as long as Hilary. So I sit there for a while, and suddenly ………’Sir we are going to have to ask you to leave now’, comes a voice from the security guard behind me. Umm, well I can’t my wife is in the loos, Ah ok Sir. Next I hear his tannoy, ‘please ask that gentleman to leave’……I turn my head and the superintendent in charge is walking over. He was a lovely guy, who fortunately saw the funny side. I call Hilary, as I am getting a bit concerned now, soon she comes out and we walk slowly with the superintendent to the gates, who explains to us that we are the ‘last’ to leave; 8,000 people and we were the last…….making the most of our lovely day. I’ll leave it there as the journey home was straight forward, after exiting the pavement onto the Mall turning right on a pedestrian crossing, which was interesting, as was the whole day, it was an honour to be invited and we loved every minute.

 

Thank you for reading David H Woods