Today’s diplomacy will include a party at the garden of the British ambassador’s residence. (Yes, “garden.” Not “yard.”)
Garden parties are a staple for Britain’s royals. They host four each year – three at Buckingham Palace, one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
Some 30,000 guests are invited to the each year’s parties. Typically, these are people who have made a significant contribution to British public life, whether in government, charity, the military or through the Church and other faiths. Britons cannot apply for an invitation; they are invited through a network of sponsors.
While royals make their way through the crowds, the guests are usually served classic British foods – think cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponge cakes, scones. (And, of course, tea.)
The last time a royal garden party was held at the ambassador’s residence was in 1939 – when King George VI became the first reigning British monarch to visit the US since it declared independence in 1776. President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended that party.
Donald Trump, however, will not be at the ambassador’s residence this evening. The US president and first lady Melania Trump will informally greet Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, at the White House. The royal couple will then receive a full ceremonial welcome at the White House tomorrow morning.