Thu 24-04-2025
This summer 2025, King Charles will host two garden parties that will take place in the Buckingham Palace Gardens, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The traditional summer events will take place between May 7, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
In addition, there will be two themed garden parties - The Education and Skills Garden Party and The Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party.
Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to meet people who have made a positive impact in their community. Historically, Garden Parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, and have evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.
On the day of the Garden Party, the Palace gates are open from around 3pm. The Party officially begins when members of the Royal Family enter the garden at 4pm, when the national anthem is played by one of the two military bands present.
While the bands continue to play a selection of music, members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through 'lanes'. Each takes a different route and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to a member of the Royal Family. Members of the Royal Family then arrive at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. Guests are free to eat, drink and stroll around the beautiful Palace gardens.
Two of The King's Garden Parties will take place at Buckingham Palace:
One will take place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse:
In addition, there will be two themed Garden Parties:
The Education and Skills Garden Party - Wednesday, May 15, 2025,
The Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party – Friday, May 16, 2025
For The Education and Skills Garden Party, the King has given permission for a Garden Party to be hosted at Buckingham Palace, supported by the Department for Education, to recognise and celebrate those working in education across the United Kingdom. The Garden Party will bring together approximately 7,000 representatives across educational fields.
The other themed party will be hosted by The Duchess of Gloucester. The Not Forgotten Association is a tri-service charity, of which Princess Anne is Patron. The charity provides entertainment, leisure and recreation for ex-service men and women and serving personnel who are wounded, injured or sick. The Garden Party will bring together 2,000 beneficiaries of all ages and from across the UK and all military services.
The Duchess of Gloucester has attended several previous events with The Not Forgotten Association, and enjoys spending time talking to veterans and hearing about their experiences.
