Transcript:

Four regular Garden Parties are held each year: one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland, and three at Buckingham Palace. Approximately 10,000 guests from all walks of life are invited to each Garden Party. Their names are put forward by the Government, the Armed Services and a number of different charities and societies.

Gates open at 3pm, but guests often start queuing much earlier.

Once they have arrived in the Buckingham Palace Garden there is much to do. Two bands play alternately, tea is served and there is an opportunity to relax and explore the garden: a unique opportunity as, unlike the State rooms, the garden is never open to the general public. There is much more to the garden than just the lawn on which the Garden Party is held, including a wealth of wildlife, beautifully kept flower beds and a summer house.

[Voice of a member of staff from the Master's department.] "The normal food that is served at a Garden Party is standard afternoon fayre, which is basically: sandwiches, an assortment of cakes, some bridge rolls, coffee, tea and juice."

At 4pm the Royal Family come onto the West Terrace which overlooks the garden. When The Queen reaches the steps, the National Anthem is played.

Other members of the Royal Family support The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh by attending at least one Garden Party each year. These occasions enable the Royal Family to recognise achievement throughout the UK in a very memorable way.