The History of Royal Garden Parties
From a high-society social hour to a celebration of community, here is a history of royal garden parties
Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland for one of the royal family’s annual garden parties. The garden party saw 1,000 guests from various organizations, charities, and local groups. Unfortunately, the rain prevented the Duke and Duchess from greeting each guest (as is tradition), “It was pure Northern Ireland style so they hurried on, but it was lovely seeing them" says Beverly Simpson, a member of the North West Migrants Forum (source — bbc.com).
The History of Garden Parties
Garden parties as they are known today took off in the 1860s, as a means of high-society socializing. Queen Victoria hosted garden parties, called ‘breakfasts’ at the time in the gardens of Buckingham Palace — where they are still held today.
But the tradition truly began across the English channel, in the 18th-century French court. French aristocrats hosted “fête champêtre” which translates to “party in the fields”. The gardens of Versailles and surrounding areas were transformed into such, with various forms of entertainment for high-society to enjoy.
The concept of these garden parties can be seen throughout art in the 18th-century, popularized by Antoine Watteau.
Eventually, English aristocrats started to host their own. These parties would be held within gardens and grottos, a chance to soak up the weather of spring and summer.
The most memorable party, often credited with starting the annual royal tradition, was Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s party at Buckingham Palace. The high-society only event took place in 1868, with Queen Victoria describing the party in her journal as “‘The afternoon splendid, & not too hot’…Quantities of people on the lawn whom I had to recognise as I went along…it was very puzzling and bewildering’.”
What is a Modern Royal Garden Party?
Once attended by debutantes and aristocrats, the royal family’s garden parties have evolved into a celebration of public service. Each event sees attendance upwards of 8,000, invited from organizations like the military, police, church, diplomatic corps, charities, and more. The Lord-Lieutenants and other sponsors are responsible for the invite list, making sure that the event is attended by a broad range of people who made a positive impact.
The palace gates open at 3pm, with members of the royal family arriving at 4pm. Once they’ve entered the garden and the national anthem has played, the party begins. Members of the royal family make their way through the excited crowd in different ‘lanes’ so that each guest has an opportunity to speak with a member of the royal family.
From a 400-feet buffet, over 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 cake slices are served. Attendees don’t go home hungry, that’s for sure!
But what about the dress-code? Men are expected to wear morning dress or lounge suits with women expected to wear day dresses with fascinators (fancy hats). National dress and uniform can also be worn.
Can I Host my own Garden Party?
Well, I can’t guarantee a member of the royal family will show up, but you sure can host your royal-esque garden party! For a curated collection of garden party items available on Amazon put together by me, click here.
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