The Duchess of Edinburgh took the reins at Buckingham Palace this week as she hosted a special Garden Party for the Not Forgotten Association. With more than 2,000 beneficiaries in attendance, the event has been held every year since 1921.
The Duchess received permission from The King to host the event at the palace, as has been tradition for over 100 years now.
The Not Forgotten Association is s tri-service charity that works to provide recreation, leisure, and entertainment for ex-servicemen and women with disabilities, or an illness. The association also supports current personnel who are injured, sick, or wounded.
The Royal Family’s work with the charity dates back more than 100 years when the Association was established in 1920. Princess Mary became the first Royal Patron and held the role until her death in 1965. The role would be taken over by the Duchess of Kent until The Princess Royal succeeded her in 2000.
As she chatted with guests, The Duchess was seen petting a guide dog. She has been Patron of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association since July 2017 when she took over from Princess Alexandra. In addition, she is also a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
With the approval of King George V and Queen Mary, garden parties were held at Buckingham Palace for wounded servicemen. During the parties, men took a tour of the Royal Mews including riding school, were given tea (provided by Queen Mary and Princess Mary,) and were allowed to sit and relax in the Garden as they wished.
To this day, the tradition for guests continues as they are able to sample some traditional tea and cake as they explore the Palace Garden.
