Buckingham Palace garden parties are the monarchy’s most democratic tradition. Rather than celebrities or aristocrats, they honour people who do good work in their communities. The events began in the 1860s under Queen Victoria and are now a fixture of the royal calendar.
Around 8,000 guests attend each party, and three are held every year. Unlike most royal occasions, they deliberately bring together a cross-section of British and Commonwealth society.
For most people, a garden party is the only chance to walk in the palace gardens and, just possibly, meet a member of the Royal Family in a relaxed setting.
Buckingham Palace Tickets
Garden parties are invitation only, so there is no ticket to buy. You can still step inside the palace and walk its famous gardens on a summer visit, though. These are the main ways to experience Buckingham Palace:
🏛️ State Rooms Admission with Audio Guide
The bestseller. A self-guided tour of all 19 State Rooms with a free multimedia guide in nine languages, plus access to the palace gardens.
💂 Changing of the Guard: Guided Tour
See the famous ceremony with a guide who positions you at the best viewing spots and explains the history behind the pageantry.
ℹ️ Why book in advance
- The State Rooms open for only about 10 weeks each summer and tickets sell out
- Timed entry means you cannot simply turn up and queue on most days
- Guided tours and Changing of the Guard walking tours have limited group sizes
ℹ️ Good to know
- Children under 5 enter free but still need a booked ticket
- Tickets include access to the palace gardens
- A free multimedia guide is included with State Rooms admission (nine languages)
- Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the palace
- Photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms
History and Origins
The tradition began in the 1860s, when Queen Victoria held a series of afternoon “breakfasts” at Buckingham Palace. These were exclusive affairs, built around the formal presentation of debutantes at court.
Over the following century the parties grew more inclusive, shifting from high society towards a celebration of public service. Today they are one of the monarchy’s most democratic traditions, recognising people who contribute to their communities rather than the rich or famous.
Special parties have marked major milestones. The “Party at the Palace” for the Golden Jubilee in 2002 famously ended with Brian May playing the national anthem on the palace roof. Occasional children’s parties and events for the armed forces are also held alongside the three regular parties each year.
Who Gets Invited
You cannot buy a ticket or apply to attend. Guests are nominated by Lord-Lieutenants, government departments, the armed forces, charities, and organisations with royal patronage, almost always in recognition of public or voluntary service.
Each nominee can bring a partner, and invitations arrive about six weeks before the event. The system is designed to honour people who quietly contribute to their communities and might otherwise never be recognised.
What Happens on the Day
A garden party runs through the afternoon in a set sequence, from the gates opening to the national anthem at the close.
Arrival and security (from 2:30pm)
The gates open at 2:30pm. Guests queue with their tickets and identification for airport-style security screening, with extra royal protocol, so it pays to arrive in good time.
Afternoon tea
The event revolves around traditional afternoon tea served in the gardens: finger sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and tea. Around 27,000 cups of tea and 20,000 slices of cake are served at each party, a logistical feat for the palace staff.
The royal procession (around 4:00pm)
At about 4:00pm the King and other members of the Royal Family appear on the terrace as a military band plays the national anthem. They then split up and follow set “lanes” through the gardens to meet as many guests as possible, with some people presented personally based on their nomination.
Exploring the gardens
Guests are free to wander the 39-acre gardens, visit the lake, see the flower borders, and explore areas normally closed to the public. Musical performances and garden views round out a relaxed but respectful afternoon.
Garden Parties by the Numbers
8,000
3
27,000
20,000
39
1860s
What to Wear
Garden parties have a formal dress code, balanced against the practicalities of an afternoon outdoors on grass.
- Women: day dresses with a hat or fascinator.
- Men: morning dress, a lounge suit, or service uniform.
- Uniforms and national dress are welcome, reflecting how many guests come from across the Commonwealth.
- Footwear: comfortable shoes you can stand and walk in, as the gardens are grass and gravel.
If You Are Invited
A few practical things to know before the day:
- Arrive early: everyone passes through security with tickets and identification, and queues build before 2:30pm.
- Dress for British weather. The party goes ahead rain or shine, and there is limited shelter in the gardens.
- Wear shoes you can walk on grass in for several hours.
- Expect queues for refreshments and facilities among 8,000 guests.
- If you hope to be near the royal route, find a spot along the lanes early rather than heading straight for the tea tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party?
You cannot apply directly. Guests are nominated by Lord-Lieutenants, government departments, the armed forces, charities, and organisations with royal patronage, usually for public or voluntary service.
How many people attend each garden party?
About 8,000 guests at each party, with three held every year, making them some of the largest events in the royal calendar.
What food is served at a royal garden party?
Traditional afternoon tea: finger sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and tea. Around 27,000 cups of tea and 20,000 slices of cake are served at each party.
Do all guests meet the Royal Family?
No. With 8,000 guests, personal meetings are limited. The Royal Family follows set routes through the gardens, and some guests are introduced personally based on their nomination.
What should you wear to a royal garden party?
Women usually wear day dresses with hats or fascinators; men wear morning dress, a lounge suit, or uniform. National dress is welcome. Comfortable shoes matter, as you will be standing and walking for hours.
What happens if it rains?
The party goes ahead whatever the weather. Come prepared for the outdoors and dress for British conditions, as there is limited shelter in the gardens.