Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth threw a garden party for 8,000 people (yes, you read that right) at Buckingham Palace. It was her first one out of four: During the spring and the summer, she hosts three events at her London home base and another at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. The reason for the festivities? To recognize citizens for their public service or contributions to the community.
Kate Middleton was there, wearing Alexander McQueen and carrying a Loeffler Randall clutch. Prince William was by her side. The Duke of York, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, also attended. All of them chatted with guests, especially the Queen. To one attendee, she revealed a party anxiety that all too many of us have.
“Well, you do rather hope the sun shines as when you invite 8,000 people to have tea on your lawn. It can be a bit of a worry,” she told a guest.
It’s not just 8,000 people she needs to worry about: At every garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake are served.
Originally, Garden Parties acted as a presentation for debutantes. However, after World War II, they were turned into large events meant to open the palace to accomplished members of the public.
What’s it like to attend one? On the day of, the Buckingham Palace gates open around 3:00 p.m. However, the party doesn’t officially start until the Queen, and the rest of the royal family, walks in, which is at 4:00 p.m. They enter the garden as a military band plays the national anthem.
Guests adhere to a neat dress code: For gentlemen, it’s morning dress or lounge suits. For women, it’s a day dress with a fascinator.
The origin of the royal garden party started in 1868, under Queen Victoria. The monarch threw grand daytime soirees to mingle with Britain’s upper class.
And today, albeit with a different purpose, the tradition is still going strong.
