Stepping out onto the steps of the back terrace of Buckingham Palace on May 7, holding tightly onto their umbrellas, King Charles and Queen Camilla looked out to the sea of expectant faces hoping to meet them after scoring an invite to the first garden party of 2025.
Luckily, the umbrellas stayed furled as the ominous grey clouds quickly cleared.
“Well, you do rather hope the sun shines when you invite 8000 people to have tea on your lawn,” the late Queen Elizabeth quipped to a guest at one such event in 2019. “It can be a bit of a worry.”
Rain, hail or shine, come spring, an invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace becomes the hottest ticket in London.
As photos emerge afterwards of the monarch or the Princess of Wales rubbing shoulders with seemingly ordinary folk, have you ever wondered how you could get your hands on one of the elegant cream and gold embossed invitations?
How do you get an invite to a royal garden party?
This is a question I’ve found myself being asked countless times since I ended up at King Charles’ official Coronation Garden Party in 2023.
While not exactly an intimate affair – Elizabeth II wasn’t exaggerating when she said 8000 people would glide through the palace’s gilded gates for each event – it is nonetheless still a very exclusive club.
Established during the 1860s by Queen Victoria as a way to present young debutantes into high society and reserved exclusively for the aristocracy, garden parties are now intended as a reward to recognise everyday people who have a positive impact on their community.
Along with dignitaries and members of the armed and emergency services, you’ll also find public servants, staff who work at the palace, volunteers from charities and people from the organisations that the royals are patrons of from the UK and Commonwealth countries in attendance.
It’s not possible to simply write to Buckingham Palace to try and make the cut. Instead, attendees are nominated through an authorised network of sponsors, including lord-lieutenants within the UK and high commissions for nations within the Commonwealth for this truly once-in-a-lifetime royal experience.
In the past, there has also been a random ballot system used for visiting Australians, so it is worth keeping an eye out on the Australian High Commission in London’s website in February, just in case.
What do you wear to a royal garden party?
Once inside, you’ll need to adhere to a strict dress code that is appropriate for the occasion.
After all, if tea with the King, 76, isn’t an occasion to dress to the nines, then nothing is.
“Gentlemen wear morning dress or lounge suits, while women wear day dress, usually with hats or fascinators,” the palace advises.
“National dress and uniform are also often worn.”
I had two full outfits in the suitcase I carried over on the long-haul flight and ended up buying-and wearing- a third from British brand Hobbs upon my arrival in London.
And I can speak from experience when I say wear flat shoes.
What do you do at a royal garden party?
While the gates open at 2.30 pm, things officially kick off at 4 pm when the royals, following members of the Yeomen of the Guard dressed in their red and gold ceremonial uniforms, take their place at the top of the steps.
‘God Save the King’ is played by one of the military bands before the royals split up, each making their way to the royal tea tent, which is cordoned off from the main area, while mingling with pre-selected guests who have been placed within their designated lane.
There could be anyone from the Duchess of Edinburgh to the Prince of Wales in attendance, and attendees won’t know until the royal party appears.
The likes of Princess Catherine, 43, and Prince William, 42, will each meet only a handful of the eager members of the public; however, exactly who will be presented to them is only decided at the party – meaning that everyone has an equal chance.
Members of His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms mingle with guests on the immaculate lawns, offering individuals an opportunity to speak with the royal party.
It was after being approached by one of them that my husband and I wound up being presented to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
After a quick curtsy, which was optional, we had a lovely chat with her for about 10 minutes.
After three hours, a quick walk around the gardens and 27,000 cups of tea and 20,000 finger sandwiches and slices of cake consumed, it’s time for everyone to head home with memories that will not soon be forgotten of their royal day out.
I know it’s an event that I’ll always cherish.
