Royal Garden Parties

Every summer three garden parties are held at Buckingham Palace and attended by members of the Royal Family.

Approximately 8,000 guests attend each one. They take place between 3pm and 6pm. Members of The Royal family arrive at 4pm. Each member of the Royal Family takes a different route or position in the garden and members of the Corps of Gentlemen Ushers select random individuals for presentation. The dress is morning dress, lounge suits or uniform for gentlemen and day dress or trouser suits (usually with hats) for the ladies. National dress may be worn.

Who gets invited to Royal garden parties?

If you feel that someone in Somerset has made a major contribution to life in the community, or has provided exceptional service in any other way, you could recommend that they are invited to this special event. Lord-Lieutenants, together with government departments, the Civil Service, Armed Services, charities and societies, are invited to make nominations thereby achieving a representative cross-section of the community. To nominate someone for a garden party invitation, please contact the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office.

It is not possible to acquire invitations to a Royal Garden Party through direct application to Buckingham Palace.

Tea and other refreshments are served (at a typical garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed) from a 408-feet long buffet.

You can find more information on Royal Garden Parties on the relevant page of the Royal Website.