Queen’s Nurses attend Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
21 May 2025 | Natalie Fedden
Queen’s Nurses from Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust attended Buckingham Palace Garden Parties on the 7th and 20th May 2025.
A patient who received care from a Queen’s Nurse wanted to show their appreciation and helped to arrange afternoon tea with the Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, at Bowcliffe Hall. A small number of QNs shared their experiences of nursing in a variety of community settings, describing the challenges of community nursing and their passion for the delivery of high-quality patient care. Following this, the Lord Lieutenancy office for West Yorkshire nominated them for an invitation to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Wednesday 7th May
On Wednesday 7th May, Gill Marchant, Head of Safeguarding/Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children and Adults ICB, Emma Gaunt, Clinical Lead – Continence, Urology and Colorectal Service (CUCS) LCH, Beverley Calvert – Clinical Lead Cardiac Service LCH and Liz Grogan Deputy Director for IPC LCH were delighted to be invited by the Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire on behalf of His Majesty the King to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, in recognition of them being Queen’s Nurses and their passion and dedication to community nursing.
Liz and Emma had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla to talk about community care and the role of Queen’s Nurse. Liz said, ‘It was such a wonderful experience to be able to visit Buckingham Palace and enjoy the celebrations with lots of people invited from across the country to share the wonderful work of community nursing. There were 26,000 cups of tea served, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 cakes for the 8,000 people that attended. The sun shined and we were delighted to be able to meet Queen Camilla.’
Five other Queen’s Nurses from LCH and the ICB were invited to a second Garden Party on 20th May (described below).
Emma Gaunt, Clinical Lead – Continence, Urology and Colorectal Service (CUCS), who was awarded her QN title in 2021 commented:
We had the opportunity of meeting lots of different people there who had been invited for lots of different reasons, such as individuals from the military and people who had set up charities and carried out voluntary work. One of many highlights was meeting Queen Camilla who recognised our Queen's Nurses badges and thanked us for the care we provided in the community setting. It truly was a wonderful experience and great to be able to highlight the importance of community working.
Bev Calvert, Clinical Lead for Cardiac Services, said:
It was a true honour to have been invited to the Royal Garden Party, made extra special on the week of the 80th anniversary of VE day and the 2nd anniversary of the coronation of King Charles. Walking through the gates of Buckingham Palace was surreal. The soldiers were friendly and amenable to lots of photos. Standing in the grounds of Buckingham Palace I was struck by the communal joy that seemed to be shared by all in attendance – we were gathered together for a lovely, ‘once in a lifetime’ afternoon. Everyone I spoke with was happy, and I got to meet some lovely people and share a special afternoon with them. The military bands played brilliantly – as you would expect – and I took time to drink in the whole day. The Queen’s Nurses from LCH gathered to share stories of the day and take some photos – safe to say we were all having a fabulous time. Even as we left the Palace, the feeling of pride and happiness stayed with us – and I carry this still.
Tuesday 20th May
Five Queen’s Nurses attended on 20th May: Sarah Purchon, (OPs Manager for integrated research programme LCHT/LTHT) Sharon Underwood [ICAN Services Manager/Health Visitor], Christine Pearson [Clinical Lead – Children’s Community Nursing Service] Hannah Sawant (Clinical research adviser] and Jen Lodge (Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bowel Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction).
Jen Lodge – Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bowel Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, pictured on her own.
Jen said: “A fabulous time at the Buckingham Palace garden party raising the flag for community nursing via my Queen’s Nurse status. I met and conversed with many, equally as passionate as I in their fields of expertise. Oh yes, spoke about poo loads. How many can say they discussed poo on the Buckingham palace lawns, but seriously I was giving advice to a lady who equally spoke about her youth work with teenagers.”
Hannah Brady Sawant, Clinical Research Advisor – pictured with Sarah Purchon (Hannah: left, in white dress with flowers on; Sarah, right, in blue and white dress).
Hannah said: “It was a privilege being invited to the garden party. Watching the front palace gates open and walking through them was a highlight – not something you get to see very often. The atmosphere was incredibly friendly, with everyone talking about how they were invited; many people enjoyed hearing me proudly explaining about Queen’s Nurses, and we were certainly well known between the King’s Guards! Although we didn’t get to speak with the royal family, it was great to see them walk by and experience the pomp and circumstance of the day!”
Sarah Purchon, Operational Manager – Integrated research Programme LCHT/LTHT, pictured with Hannah.
Sharon Underwood – ICAN Operational Lead for Nursing, Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy Services (pictured right, in cream outfit) with Christine – (left, in green dress). Sharon’s description of the event is below is quoted below.
Christine Pearson, Clinical Lead – Children’s Community Nursing Service, pictured with Sharon.
Christine said: “It was an incredible honour to attend the Royal Garden Party as a representative of the QICN and Children’s Community Services. Standing on the lawns among so many inspiring guests, each with their own story and dedication to service, was truly humbling. To represent our work and commitment to children and families on such a national stage is something I will never forget.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales were in attendance to greet and mingle with the guests. They were accompanied by Prince William's cousins, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Yeomen of the Guard, dressed in their red and gold ceremonial costumes, formed part of the proceedings, guiding guests and escorting the Royal family and dignitaries. We were free to stroll around the vast expanse of the gardens while two military band played, and a marvellous afternoon tea was served.
The Occasion was a wonderful experience and a true honour and privilege to attend. It was lovely to meet other guests and hear about their nominations, and their many inspiring stories. One of the Yeoman guards with whom I was talking summed up the occasion for me: “You are all here because you have done something wonderful and for the good of others – and it’s marvellous to be able to say thank you in this way”. It was such a moving statement and looking around the vast gardens full of people – I thought wow – I am so proud to be there!
I had opportunity to meet and talk with members of the Royal Family as well as some of the Palace staff. It was such a memorable way to mark my 40+ years of nursing in the NHS – 20 of which have been with LCH, and to share the historical occasion with my husband David, colleagues and of course the many other guests.
Sharon Underwood QNDid you know?
Queen Victoria introduced Royal garden parties at Buckingham Palace in the 1860s. Back then they were known as ‘breakfasts’, even though they were held in the afternoon.
Queen Victoria was also responsible for founding the QICN – it was established following her Golden Jubilee in 1887 and she became its first Patron in 1889.
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