Queen Elizabeth at 2019 Garden Party.Photo: Press Association via AP Images
Queen Elizabethwill miss one of the royal highlights of the spring.
Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s as a way for the monarch to recognize public service. Around 30,000 people — dressed to the nines, with men in morning suits and top hats and women in whimsical fascinators — attend the events, which celebrate all areas of public life and British society. In addition to mingling with members of the royal family, guests are treated to tea and cake. (According to the royal family’s website, around 27,000 cups of tea are served and 20,000 slices of cakes are consumed!)
Queen Elizabeth attends a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2019.PA Images/Sipa
The Queen has been absent from a number of public outings in recent months amid a series ofhealth setbacksandmobility issues. The garden parties would require the monarch to be on her feet for a long duration to greet attendees on the lawn.
In addition to stepping out on March 29 toattend a Service of Thanksgiving honoring Prince Philip, the Queen had herfirst in-person engagementat Windsor Castle following a week at her Sandringham estate to celebrate her 96th birthday.
She welcomed Switzerland’s President Ignazio Cassis and his wife Paola Cassis, going without the walking cane she’s used for several months for the audience. Wearing a blue patterned dress and her signature three-strand pearl necklace, the Queen was all smiles as she shook hands and posed for photos with her guests.
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Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamhave alsoattended several garden partiesover the years.
source: people.com
