We were lucky enough to be invited, through Canada house in London to one of the three Royal garden tea parties that the Queen offered this summer in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, in July. It was a remarkable experience for us, we had a short conversation with Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall (Mainly Scott, I basically nodded and smiled while Scott told them about our lives in London). We were are able to walk around the private gardens of the palace while two bands dressed in bright red uniforms played happy tunes (Among them Beatles and some of the songs of the Chicago musical).
We tried the famous cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponges, strawberry tarts and square chocolate covered cakes with a crown on the top. Incidentally, if you are ever in this situation do not go for the Victoria sponge because it is quite messy and they apparently do not like to give you napkins. Even though they had the famous Buckingham palace tea, made from loose leaves of earl gray and jasmine, it was a very hot afternoon and most people had iced coffee or juices instead. Towards the end of the party, they offered Loseley ice-cream with "real jersey cream".
We tried the famous cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponges, strawberry tarts and square chocolate covered cakes with a crown on the top. Incidentally, if you are ever in this situation do not go for the Victoria sponge because it is quite messy and they apparently do not like to give you napkins. Even though they had the famous Buckingham palace tea, made from loose leaves of earl gray and jasmine, it was a very hot afternoon and most people had iced coffee or juices instead. Towards the end of the party, they offered Loseley ice-cream with "real jersey cream". Of course one of the highlights for a hat lover like me was that the invitation stated that ladies must wear a "day dress with a hat". So after careful research and consideration, I realized that what most people do is hire a fancy hat rather than buy an ok one. So I hired my first British hat from a very peculiar and cute store. They even added some red feathers to match my dress.
It was a beautiful treat to see the Royal family and spend time inside the gates of such famous building. It was also a very British experience for us which we will never forget.
