Royal Garden Parties 2023

Royal Garden Parties were 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.

Throughout the country, a long established network of sponsors is used to invite guests, who include Lord-Lieutenants, Societies and Associations, Government Departments, Local Government, the Services, the Church and other Faiths. They nominate guests for invitation and it is hoped a representative cross section of the community is achieved.

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.

While the bands continue to play a selection of music, Members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through ‘lanes’. Each takes a different route and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to a Member of the Royal Family. Members of the Royal family then arrive at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. Guests are free to eat, drink and stroll around the beautiful Palace gardens.

As an ambassador for good in the community, it is the deep and joyful privilege of the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire to extend invitations to members of the public who have shown exceptional commitment.

It is the ardent goal of the Shropshire Lieutenancy to reach and reward members of the public who have shown a selfless commitment to improve their community. As always, recognition is vital to recognise and inspire these unsung heroes.

If there is someone that you believe is richly deserving of an invitation to a Royal Garden Party, please do bring them to the attention of the Lord-Lieutenant so the thanks of the county may be extended to this individual. It is important to note that nominees should not be made aware that they have been nominated.

Nominations should be made by the end of October for consideration for the May/June Royal Garden Party. For successful nominees, an initial letter will be received from the Shropshire Lieutenancy Office by January the following year.

To nominate someone for a Royal Garden Party invitation please contact the Shropshire Lieutenancy