An invite to Buckingham Palace for Volunteer Coordinator and Trustee, Ros
“It was my pleasure to represent Cransley Hospice Trust”
We are absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news from the Cransley Hospice Trust family!
As a small token of our immense gratitude for her dedication, we were delighted to nominate our wonderful volunteer and Vice Chair of Trustees, Ros, to attend this year’s prestigious Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Ros has spent years giving her time, energy, and heart to supporting our mission, ensuring that patients and families receive the care and dignity they deserve. Sending her to the Palace was our way of saying a massive thank you for everything she does for Cransley Hospice Trust.
Ros and her daughter, Lizi, had an unforgettable day representing the Trust.
A day at Buckingham Palace, written by Ros:
“You know straight away when a letter is different. The high-quality envelope and the Buckingham Palace postmark give it away instantly. Inside was a once-in-a-lifetime invitation from the Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of His Majesty, to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
After tackling the big question of what to wear (the guidance specified day wear, with or without a hat), my daughter Lizi and I met at Green Park station. Waiting there, I loved watching the fellow guests arrive, everyone looked beautifully dressed, more like a high-society wedding than the modern Ascot Races. At the palace gates, the security queues were busy but incredibly well-organised, with everyone on their absolute best behaviour.
There was a wonderful atmosphere of excitement in the crowd. Most of the 8,000 attendees were fellow volunteers, alongside military personnel and clergy. Being a volunteer at Cransley Hospice Trust has been one of the most positive things I’ve done in recent years, and representing the Trust at the palace was a massive privilege.
While brass bands entertained us, we waited for the big moment: 4:00 p.m., when the Royal Family appeared on the steps to the sound of the National Anthem. We were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall. They mingled beautifully with the crowd while we enjoyed an afternoon tea of delicious sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and ice cream in the marquee.
The time passed far too quickly in a blur of royal spotting, music, and lovely conversations with other guests. We eventually made our way back to the Tube with full hearts and very sore feet (memo to self: do not wear high heels on the underground!). It was a tiny price to pay for a wonderful day I will remember for many years. Thank you so much to Cransley Hospice Trust for nominating me for such an incredible honour.”