In summer 2015, I was delighted to join the Not Forgotten Association for their annual summer garden party at Buckingham Palace in central London.

If you’ve not heard of them, the Not Forgotten Association is a prominent British veterans charity founded in 1920, to provide support and assistance to military personnel and veterans who have sustained injuries or disabilities due to their service. Over the decades, the organisation has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for veterans in the United Kingdom.

Specifically organised for the benefit of War Pensioners and service personnel, the annual event brings together over 2,000 people, spanning all ages and services, along with their caregivers and escorts every year, which was wonderful to be a part of – especially meeting Gerry, the animated landlord of The Churchill Arms, aka ‘the most festive pub in the whole of the UK’ located nearby in Kensington.

The Garden Party was presided over by senior members of the Royal Family, in this instance Princess Anne and Prince Michael of Kent, and saw performances by military bands, such as the Royal Marines band seen in the photos.

The day was an incredible experience, and not one I’ll forget in a hurry! I’d always dreamed of seeing the side of our country’s institutions that little other get to, and this opportunity really bought it together for me!

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