Dressing For A Royal Garden Party

It is with the utmost privilege and delight that one receives an invitation to a Royal Garden Party. Each year, a select assembly of just over 30,000 individuals is bestowed the honour of attending one of up to three garden parties hosted at the resplendent Buckingham Palace, in addition to a singular affair held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Perpetuating a cherished tradition inaugurated by Queen Victoria in the 1860s, these garden parties serve as a means of acknowledging and celebrating those who have profoundly enriched the vitality and spirit of their communities. Such distinguished individuals are typically nominated by the Lord Lieutenant - the sovereign's personal emissary in each county - alongside the military services or local government. Naturally, the presence of a companion is warmly welcomed.

Black Seaton Cashmere Wool Morning Coat

£990

Black Houndstooth Wool High Waisted Flat Front Trouser

£275

Dukes Pale Blue Double Breasted Waistcoat

£290

Royal Ascot 2025

White Marcella Poplin Cotton Bib Front Dress Shirt

£175

Blue / Purple Charleston Silk Tie

£125

Pink Osterley Silk Pocket Square

£50

Now convened in the afternoon and spanning approximately three hours, these gatherings were once dubbed 'breakfasts' and reserved exclusively for the aristocracy. Historically, they also provided an occasion for debutantes to be presented at Court, a practice that ceased upon Queen Elizabeth II's ascension. The event is heralded and concluded by the national anthem, during which Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla engage with their guests, who are encouraged to dress befitting the occasion. According to the Royal website, gentlemen are advised to don morning dress or lounge suits, whilst ladies are expected to grace the event in day dresses, adorned with hats or fascinators. National dress and uniforms are also deemed appropriate.

Grey Norfolk Herringbone Wool Morning Coat

£720

Royal Ascot 2025

Grey Norfolk Herringbone High Waisted Flat Front Trousers

£275

Royal Ascot 2025

Pink Fulford Single Breasted Waistcoat

£390

Gold Bayswater Silk Tie

£95

Josephine Dress Pumice Reverse Connaught Silk

£790

Given that an invitation to a Royal Garden Party is likely a singular event in one’s lifetime, we wholeheartedly recommend that gentlemen commemorate the occasion with the timeless elegance of a morning suit. As these festivities transpire at the zenith of summer, selecting a morning coat of suitable weight is paramount to ensure comfort throughout the afternoon. Our Black Chesham morning coat, the lightest in our collection, is exquisitely fashioned from a luxuriantly soft and breathable wool, endowed with exceptional moisture-wicking properties. This may be paired with our cashmere stripe trousers - available in two subtly distinct high-waisted designs - or the equally refined grey herringbone trousers. Complete the ensemble with a pastel double-breasted waistcoat and a tie in a striking hue, crafting a sophisticated silhouette worthy of royalty.

Philippa Dress Gold Plain Crease Resist Linen

£780

Serena Circle Dress Longer Pale Blue Silk Georgette

£1,100

For ladies, the Royal Garden Party presents a splendid opportunity to revel in refined elegance. The dress code stipulates 'day dresses,' a term that permits considerable interpretation yet unequivocally excludes provocative, abbreviated styles. Our silk shantung dress silhouettes are an impeccable choice, striking an exquisite balance between glamour and poise. Tailored with a slender silhouette, they harmonise beautifully with our collection of silk coats.

Araminta Short Sleeve Dress Tearose Milano Heavy Crepe

£790

For those inclined toward a more vivacious aesthetic, our array of dynamic floral dresses with circle skirts offers an ideal solution for such distinguished garden soirées. Comfort and elegance need not be mutually exclusive, which is why lightweight silks and linen fabrics are superlative selections. Linen, in particular, boasts remarkable breathability - a quality we have harnessed extensively in this season’s coat collection. Coats that conclude at the knee are especially versatile, lending themselves effortlessly to styling with dresses of commensurate length. As for hats and fascinators, we are delighted to offer our expertise in selecting the perfect adornment. Our esteemed millinery associates craft an array of breath-taking styles, and we warmly invite you to seek their counsel during your next visit to our Pall Mall boutique.