Royal Garden Party

One of the privileges of being Lord Mayor is representing Swansea at a Royal Garden Party in Buckingham Palace. So, first thing this morning, we set off for London, arriving in good time to join the queue of roughly 8,000 people waiting to enter the palace grounds.

I have been to Buckingham Palace once before, when I was awarded my CBE, but at that time we were confined to the buildings. The grounds are very pleasant, complete with lake and impressive herbaceous borders. The event itself is run with military-like precision, as we queue for refreshments at a large number of serving counters under the canvass.

There were two bands playing alternatively and a special tent where the royals who are present can take tea with the great and the good (not us).

We met a number of people we knew from South Wales and beyond, including the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and the High Sheriff of Gwent, but also people who work in the health service and the third sector. And as a bonus, the sun shone down on us all day.

It was a fantastic event and we were proud to be able to have represented the City there.