Tea with the Queen
Vivienne Dalgliesh
I often write about the opportunities that I get as a volunteer on the Ambler, but this one takes the biscuit, or perhaps the cucumber (and mint) sandwich. On 10th June I was privileged to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Fortunately the weather was beautiful, so dressed up for the occasion with the obligatory hat, John and I made our way to the palace. June 10th was also Prince Philip’s 93rd birthday but apparently he does not like to be reminded of that. He was introduced to various representatives very close to us, while the Queen, Prince Andrew and Kate made their way to the royal tea tent by other routes.
With 8,000 guests, it was a great opportunity for people watching, seeing all the outfits and hats. I had opted for flat shoes, but many of the ladies aerated the royal lawn with their stiletto heels.
Tea was served on oblong plates, with a place for the cup. There were sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and various dainties, including chocolate cake decorated with the royal crest.
Entertainment was provided by two bands playing alternately at either end of the garden. Guests were able to wander around the magnificent gardens, but I didn’t have the energy to take advantage of that. At six o’clock after the national anthem, we made our way out through the main gate back into the real world.
Vivienne Dalgliesh
I’d love to go again
Joan Scott (above) went to the Garden Party with Julia Aston. Other Amble tea party attendees in June were Paul and Isabel Morrison
“We had a brilliant time” said Joan Scott, who was invited to the Queen’s garden party by Sir Alan Beith. “We didn’t know what to expect, but it was more than I could have imagined.
“It was very nice when Alan Beith said he would pick us up and show us around the grounds. There were marquees, food, tables and chairs (it was hard to find an empty chair). We waited for the Queen to come out, with Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla and that’s when the heaven’s opened!
“I had my umbrella so afterwards we stood and listened to the band. Then we spotted the icecream, so we had to have some of that.
“We came back through the palace walkway. It’s beautiful. And of course we found some locals. We met some people from Whitley Bay. Someone even tapped Julia on the shoulder and asked where her husband was!
“We had a wonderful time, if anyone gets the chance to go, they should definitely go. I’d love to go again.”
Joan Scott
