It is always an honour to give an opportunity to one of the volunteers within our Battalion, to experience and be part of the Garden Party at The Palace of Holyroodhouse during ‘Royals Week’ or ‘Holyrood Week’ here in Scotland. The King and Queen arrived by helicopter on 2nd July 2024, where the day began with inspecting of the Guard of Honour and The Ceremony of Keys, before the King and Queen were later joined with The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for the Garden Party Event.

Historically, Royal Garden Parties were created to replace Presentation Parties attended by debutantes, and as time has changed have become a way of recognising and rewarding public service. As such and with thanks to the Lord Chamberlain, who kindly invited Edinburgh, Leith & District Battalion to put forward a nomination for this years Garden Party, the honour of which was accepted by Robert Dransfield for his volunteer role within the 25th Edinburgh Company, who attended with his partner Hannah Dransfield.