A Rose Tea- Photo By Ellen Easton ©2007 All Rights Reserved

Maintaining a tradition that began in 1860 with Queen Victoria, every year Queen Elizabeth II opens the private gardens at Buckingham Palace to host three afternoon tea parties, each attended by 8,000 guests respectively.

The invitations are sent to people of all walks of life, either directly or on the recommendation of a Palace approved sponsor.  It is not possible for an individual to request an invitation as all names must be submitted by a pre-arranged quota list.

Customary  attire for gentlemen is morning dress, suit, uniform, or National dress. Ladies wear afternoon dress, usually with a hat and gloves or National dress. 

The gates open at 3:00 p.m. so that the guests may enjoy a walk in the Royal Gardens, which are usually not open to the public.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, enter the garden at 4:00 p.m. as one of two bands plays the National Anthem. Taking a different route, each Royal circulates amongst the guests. High ranking, dignitaries, and special guests proceed to the Royal tent to join the Royal Family for afternoon tea. The remaining guests are served tea from a 408-foot long buffet table.

At 6:00 p.m., the Queen and Royal Family depart for the Palace, where once again the National Anthem is played to indicate that the party has ended.

Your own garden party doesn't have to be as daunting as task as those for the Palace.  By planning in advance using the wonderful sources available, your party is guaranteed to be equally as impressive.
 

Check out more of Ellen Easton's Tea Travels™ articles and recipes.

The Afternoon Tea Gowns of the La Belle Epoque (1880-1914), known as "The Beautiful Era."

Buckingham Palace Garden Party Statistics
(based on attendance of 8,000 people - list courtesy of Buckingham Palace)


Food:

20,000 various tea sandwiches

5,000 bridge rolls

9,000 butter drop scones

9,000 fruit tartlets

3,000 butter cake fingers

8,000 slices of chocolate/lemon cake

4,500 slices of Dundee cake

4,500 slices of Majorca cake

3,500 slices of chocolate/jam Swiss roll
 

Beverages:
(weather dependent)

27,000 cups of Maison Lyons tea*

10,000 glasses of iced coffee

20,000 glasses of fruit squash

* Maison Lyons tea is a special blend produced exclusively by Twinnings for the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties.  It is a blend of Darjeeling and Assam leaves which gives the unique flavor of peaches or Muscat grapes.

Equipment:

12,000 tea cups and saucers
10,000 teaspoons
10,000 tea plates
6,000 glasses
408-foot buffet table

Staff and Management:

400 waiting staff and 30 management