Established during the reign of Queen Victoria, Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.
Each year around 30,000 people are selected to attend one of the garden parties at Buckingham Palace. Among their number are the Masters of the City of London’s Livery Companies. They represent their members, in recognition of their civic contribution in the work that they do.
On 3rd May this year, Master Marketor Dr Glyn Cartwright performed this duty, accompanied by his wife Katrina. This was a very special occasion, due to its proximity to the coronation of our new King, just 3 days later.
The event was hosted by the King and the Queen, who were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, who met and chatted with a number of the guests.
On the day of the Garden Party, the Palace gates are open from around 3pm. The Party officially begins when Members of the Royal Family enter the garden at 4pm, when the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands present.
Dr Cartwright said of the occasion, “It was a pleasure for Katrina and me to represent the Worshipful Company of Marketors. It was also great to ENGAGE with Masters of other Livery Companies there. We EMBRACED everything about the occasion, and ENJOYED it as a once in a lifetime experience. This re-enforces, the high esteem in which our Livery Company and indeed all Livery Companies are held in London”
