Royal Garden Party

Thursday, 1st June 2017
To Buckingham Palace for one of The Queen’s Garden Parties. Beautifully organised as always, with the Royal Household’s great skill at making everyone feel valued and welcome. A baking hot day (so good that High Sheriffs are not expected to wear their uniform to Garden Parties!). The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh led a considerable number of members of the Royal Family down the steps from the Palace and through the throngs of guests in the gardens.
It was a pleasure to meet a number of friends (Herefordshire well represented!) but the highlight of my day was a conversation with the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Kui Man Gerry Yeung. We talked about the right response to the horrific events at the Manchester Arena on 22 May, and what role he as High Sheriff could play in remembrance, recognising the heroism of many, and bringing communities together.