King Charles and Queen Camilla host garden party at Buckingham Palace

The British Royal Family hosted the first garden party of 2026 at Buckingham Palace. 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were joined by members of the royal family in hosting the first garden party of the year. The King and Queen were joined by the Princess Royal, Princes Anne, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The royals are keeping with a tradition first started in the 1860s during the reign of Queen Victoria. The first took place on 22 June 1868, with the Queen describing the event in her journal: ‘The afternoon splendid, and not too hot (…)’.

In modern times, sponsors—such as Lord-Lieutenants, Societies and Associations, Government Departments, Local Government, the Services, the Church and other Faiths—nominate guests throughout the country who have shown distinguished service or have made meritorious contributions in their respective communities. These include volunteers, care workers, charities, and public servants. Around 30,000 guests are invited annually, including a special party held for the Not Forgotten Association, a charity for war veterans, usually hosted by their patron, the Princess Royal.

Today, guests are welcomed at the palace’s gates with festivities kicking off right at 4 pm as the royal family emerge from the Bow Room for the playing of the national anthem. Members of the royal Family circulate among guests through specified lanes on the 5-acre lawn. Each takes a different route, and random presentations are made throughout, so that everyone invited has an equal chance to speak with a member of the royal family. The royals then join the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. A second tent is set up, adjacent to the Royal Tent, for diplomatic guests.

Guests are free to eat and drink the allotted 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake. Those invited are also welcome to stroll around the beautiful palace gardens. 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.