It all started with an email which I thought was a phishing scam!
Turns out I was wrong and I was indeed invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace to meet the King and Queen! The garden party was part of a series of similar events at this time of year when groups are recognised for their service in different areas.
My invitation along with a few hundred others was from the Department of Education, mine, I believe, in recognition of my 15 + years work in apprenticeships. I have gladly volunteered my time, effort and experience in this field as an active member of the Apprentice Ambassador Network, as an employer and fierce advocate of the opportunity that apprenticeships bring both to individuals (of all ages) and to industry and business in the UK.
Obviously my main focus was what to wear and specifically what to wear on my feet, for many hours, on grass, which, considering the Bristish weather, could be very wet! Once I’d sorted that and a hat I began to get excited.
And my experience far exceeded my expectations- what an amazing day we had.
My partner and I arrived at the palace mid afternoon with the other guests and we were escorted to the grounds at the rear where we found a huge marquee waiting ready for afternoon tea, brass bands and a cast of beautifully dressed guests wafting around the lawns – it was like Bridgerton 2025! Afternoon tea was actually TEA, cucumber sandwiches and beautiful cakes, all consumed to a backdrop of perfect English late spring sunshine and music from the bands.
Before we knew it the national anthem heralded the arrival of the King and Queen and the Royal party who made their way through the crowds chatting to guests as they made their way to the Royal tea Tent. We weren’t lucky enough to be invited into the Royal Tea Tent so had the opportunity to wander the grounds which were stunningly beautiful and amazingly peaceful for central London, sipping on cool lemon barley water drinks as we went. All too soon the National Anthem announced the end of the event and we made our way out of the front gates of the palace, into a waiting taxi and sped off for a G&T to finish the perfect day.
#GrowingTalentTogether #SkillsForLife #ApprenticeshipsWork #AAN
