A Royal Occasion Andrew

At first, we thought that the email informing my wife, Eileen, that she had been nominated to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, was a hoax. However, a telephone call to the Lord Lieutenant’s office soon confirmed otherwise. Who had nominated her, and why, remains confidential; but we suspect that it was in recognition of her voluntary work with Cruse Bereavement Care over many years, especially during the recent pandemic and previously after the major incidents in 2017 at London Bridge and Grenfell Tower.

Thus, on May 18th, having had the car valeted, we drove from home to the Palace, parking nearby thanks to my Blue Badge; and, after a short, escorted walk past gawping onlookers, were privileged to join the small group of similar badge-holders right in front of the main gates rather than the crocodile of other guests queuing as far as the eye could see. With surrounding roads closed - due to preparations for the imminent Jubilee celebrations - to everyone except for the fortunate few, like us, displaying a Palace parking permit; it was a surreal experience to be one of the few cars enjoying traffic-free passage along The Mall and Birdcage Walk, both arriving and leaving.

Being amongst the first guests allowed through the gates, it was only when we eventually reached the gardens and saw the

Williamson (N’59)

sea of ladies’ hats and fascinators that we realised just how many others there weresome 8,000, I understand, including more clergy than we had ever seen before in one place! Making our way across the manicured lawns, we headed for the refreshment tent where we were offered a wide selection of immaculate sandwiches, wraps, scones and cakes - some with an iced Platinum Jubilee emblem - with tea or juice but no alcohol, all to the stirring accompaniment of a military brass band.

Just as we finished our tea, the National Anthem announced the arrival of the Royal Party: Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who were immediately surrounded by those guests closest to them, with a mixture of informality and carefully orchestrated security afforded by members of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms as well as halberd-bearing Yeomen of the Guard (not to be called “Beefeaters”, we were told) one of whom allowed himself to be photographed with Eileen.

After a second visit to the refreshment tent, whilst the Royal Party themselves took tea elsewhere, we made our way across the lawns again to await their reappearance, when we were lucky enough to be standing behind one of the guests selected to be presented to the Duchess of Cambridge.

And then it was suddenly all over, as if in a dream. But what memories to share with our grandchildren, not least the official framed photograph including our original invitation proclaiming that “The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite [Name] etc.”

Looking Forward

A Poem by Eileen Williamson

The day the invitation came We were sure it was a scam: But, no, it turned out to be true, Though many think it is a sham.

On Wednesday, 18th of May, I can’t wait to see the Queen At a Royal Garden Party: Yes, that’s why I am so keen!

Of course, I have to wear my best, Not just any old thing will do: What about that special outfit Bought years ago in Timbuctoo!

Sad to say the Queen won’t be thereShe’s not been well is what I’ve heard; No matter who the Royal is I should be thrilled to have a word.