Mayor Zaman’s date with royalty at Buckingham Palace

Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman (centre) at the ‘Royal Garden Party’ at Buckingham Palace

The Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman, along with his daughter Mayoress Naaira Zaman, travelled to London to attend the ‘Royal Garden Party’ at Buckingham Palace on Thursday 31 May. 

The palace gates opened at 3.00pm as people from all over the country entered the royal gardens. At 4.00pm, the party officially began when The Queen, accompanied by other members of the royal family, entered the garden to the national anthem and joined guests.

Mayor Zaman said: “There were very long queues on either side of the palace gates, but we managed to get in through the central gate and walked through the palace into the back garden.

“The weather was very nice, bands were playing music and within an hour, approximately 8,000 people from different cultural backgrounds, with beautiful outfits, had packed the garden.

“I was told that people were first invited to garden party in 1860 and there are four garden parties held every year, where people from all walks of life, who have made a positive contribution and impact on their local communities, are invited by the Queen to appreciate their good work.

“Her Majesty walked through the centre of the garden into the Royal Tea tent and met with some of the guests. Prince William came in as well.

“It was one of the best events I have been to. Myself and my daughter enjoyed it very much.”

Every year, the Queen hosts three garden parties at Buckingham Palace to recognise and reward public service. She also hosts one in Scotland at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Over 30,000 guests are welcomed by the Queen each year.