Master and Consort at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Maureen and I were privileged to be invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party this week. We had a beautiful day, with the weather was really kind to us.
As usual there is a strong sense of anticipation amongst the visitors as we assembled at the Palace gates, and then the excitement of walking through the beautiful downstairs sitting room to the inner Courtyard, then through the lobby into the lovely gardens.
Present this day, in addition to Her Majesty the Queen, was The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra and the Duke of York.
When I found out the Duke of York was present, and learned that he was strolling round the garden, as opposed to walking the official routes, through lines of visitors, I sought him out!
The upshot was that I had a pleasant conversation with His Royal Highness, and was able to inform him that the company owned by one of our Freemen, had reached the final presentation stage of Pitch@Palace, the Duke's exciting programme to encourage entrepreneurs. I also informed His Royal Highness that we had recommenced our ISEF sponsorship programme and our entrant had been offered a scholarship to Arizona State University. The Duke complimented us on our activities.
I was also able to chat with the Duke's personal assistant for a while and informed her of our revised plans for a celebratory dinner for our Royal Charter and our desire to have His Royal Highness present us with The Charter. I was encouraged to write to her with details and a request.
All in all a splendid occasion.