1st Forres Scout leader John Innes invited to attend Royal Garden Party at Palace of Holyroodhouse
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A scout leader and Forres loon felt privileged to go to a garden party attended by His Majesty the King.
1st Forres Scout Group leader, John Innes, was invited by Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro to the event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh on Tuesday, July 4 ahead of King Charles’ coronation celebration in the capital.
John explained: “Lord Lieutenants from all counties invite 30 people across society to attend. Seymour and his deputies nominate candidates to pick the most deserving.
I was asked by the district commissioner for Scouting Moray, Doug McPhee, if I would like to represent North East Scouting. My name was put forward along with the district commissioner for Scouting Moray, Doug McPhee, and we were both accepted!
“Lord Lieutenants from all the different counties invite 30 people in society to attend. Seymour and his deputies nominate candidates and sift through them to pick the most deserving.
“It was truly an honour to be asked to represent Scouting Moray and attend such a fantastic event.”
The King and Queen Camilla welcomed guests to Holyroodhouse with help hosting from Anne, Princess Royal. Garden parties are a royal tradition, and the British monarch typically hosts one at their official royal residence in Scotland, each summer.
Established during the reign of Queen Victoria, the events are a way for the royal family to speak to a broad range of people who have made a positive impact in their community. Guests are treated to a relaxing summer afternoon from 3pm. Members of the royal family enter around an hour later. The national anthem is played by a military band, and royal family members move through designated lanes to chat with guests. Guests are invited to eat, drink and wander the palace gardens.
“The garden party was a really special day for everyone invited,” said John. “The precision and the pomp was fantastic! It’s a bit like a day at the races - men dressed in top hat and tails and women in their dresses and hats.
“The atmosphere is something else - everything is so well organised and uniform. And the catering is to die for - neatly cut sandwiches, cakes and tea.”
John met fellow Forres Community Council member Jo Lenihan and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson at the event.
He said: “Kathleen spotted me! It’s funny, going all that way to bump into them! Kathleen was representing Forres and District Pipe Band. Jo, the Erskine Trust, Osprey Bus or some of her other groups!”
Kathleen confirmed she was there to catch up from 2020, having been nominated to represent the pipe band.
“It was a great privilege to be included,” she said. “Wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of guests. It was so lovely to see other Forresians invited - I met a few of them under brollies during the afternoon!”
John got a glimpse of the King through the downpour.
He said: “It rained from 1 until at least 6pm. There was a sea of different umbrellas which made it difficult to see past the crowds.
“King Charles did a walk around between the showers with ushers and body guards, meeting people that had been selected.
“A great day was had by all and we all felt truly honoured to be there.”
