The administration manager at MHA Morel Court spent an afternoon at Buckingham Palace thanks to care home resident Derrick Grattidge.

Grattidge was in the Lifeguards from 1950 to 1955 as a trooper and attended a garden party in the palace with his wife in 1999. As he was not able to attend this year, he nominated Mandy Jenkins to experience the garden party as a thank you for the work the home does in supporting residents to live later life well.

Garden parties allow members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.

“When Derrick mentioned what he wanted to do, I jumped at the chance and once I filled out the security forms and received confirmation I was very excited,” said Mandy, who attended the party with her husband. “I was very proud to represent MHA Morel Court and more specifically MHA.”

She added: “We got the coach down and once we arrived there were around 8,000 people. The weather was glorious and seeing the King and Queen in person was something I can’t describe.

“We saw the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as well and it really was a great day. There were so many people who had played a huge part in supporting their communities and to be amongst them was an honour. I want to thank Derrick for the opportunity and it’s definitely something I will never forget.”