It's a great honour to be invited to a Royal Garden party. Each year, just over 30,000 people receive the invitation to attend one of up to three garden parties held at Buckingham Palace, as well as one party held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Continuing a tradition started by Queen Victoria in the 1860s, the garden parties are a way of recognising and rewarding people who have made a significant contribution to the life and essence of their community. These people are nominated, usually by the Lord Lieutenant, the monarch's personal representative in each county, the military services or the local government. Of course, plus-ones are welcomed too.
