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Palaces & Buildings

The Queen cancels all garden parties in 2021 due to the escalating public health crisis

The Queen has been forced to cancel all garden parties, both in London and in Edinburgh, for the entirety of 2021.

The announcement comes just a day after the United Kingdom entered a full-scale lockdown – the third of such in the space of ten months.

The garden parties, which were due to be held at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, have been called due to the likelihood of restrictions on social gatherings continuing for some time.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The decision has been taken that garden parties will not take place in 2021.”

Her Majesty has cancelled all of her garden parties at this early stage due to the difficulty in forward planning and deadlines, especially with the public health situation changing and evolving on a constant basis.

In normal years Buckingham Palace throws open their gates and allows 30,000 specially selected citizens the chance to enjoy the beautiful palace gardens and a spot of afternoon tea alongside members of the British Royal Family.

The lucky recipients of these highly coveted invites are selected to attend as a way to ‘recognise and reward’ public service.

It is estimated by the end of each lavish spring afternoon affair, 27,000 cups of tea, and 20,000 finger sandwiches and equal amounts of cake have been enjoyed.