Page 15 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

The Gazette QARANC Association 15
‘Incredibly honoured to attend King’s Holyrood garden party’
What an incredible honour and privilege it was to accompany Col Sharon Findlay RRC, RCD DPHC SNI, representing Col Jackson KHN, CNO (Army) and the Corps, at the Royal Garden Party at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 4 July 2023.
The Palace is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland, and the garden party took place as part of Scotland’s ‘Royal Week’ and to mark the coronation. For me, the party was the icing on the cake, in what had been one of those points in your service, when you pinch yourself.
It started with the arrival of approximately 120 horses and members of the Household Mounted Cavalry Regiment, who ‘camped’ at Redford Barracks while they prepared for, and took part in ceremonial duties, for this, His Majesty King Charles III’s inaugural visit to Scotland.
We were delighted to accommodate the Regimental Surgeon and his team in the Medical Centre throughout their stay. Most of the Redford team visited the horses at least once; and bags of carrots seemed to be appearing everywhere. It was lovely to see the mounted troops parade out of camp each day for morning exercise.
Holyrood Palace dates to 1128 and has been the favoured residence in Edinburgh for monarchs throughout history. The Garden Party has been taking place since 1946 and can apparently host 8,000 guests, who are invited as a reward for charitable work or public service.
The gardens were surrounded by long open sided marquees serving literally thousands of afternoon teas. There was music form the Royal Scottish Pipers
Apparently having been sunny for the last 15 years, the heavens opened as Col Sharon, and I approached the Palace!
Sharon and Rachel
Society; and the Band of the Royal Marines, who literally played for hours. They were superb.
The Royal Party were accompanied and guarded by the Royal Company of Archers, who many may have seen, when they guarded the coffin in Edinburgh of the late Queen Elizabeth, as she lay in state in St Giles’ Cathedral. They have extraordinary uniforms, and headdress adorned with eagle feathers.
Apparently having been sunny for the last 15 years, the heavens opened as Col Sharon, and I approached the Palace! Clearly a girl guide in her former life, Col Sharon had an umbrella, which she graciously allowed me to share. After listening to the Pipers, we had the most delicious afternoon tea, with dainty savouries and petite cakes. The raspberry tarts were divine.
Of course, it poured nearly all afternoon and we got absolutely soaked. This did nothing, to dampen spirits and if anything brought out a collective bonhomie and camaraderie. We chatted to so many interesting people, avoiding dripping umbrellas and politely jostled for a good spot, whilst waiting for King Charles and Queen Camilla. With a brief respite from the rain, followed by a sudden onset anew, we were treated to a real-life ‘Mexican Umbrella wave.’
Finally, the King and Queen arrived from the avenue of guests. It was wonderful to see them with your own eyes. Queen Camilla headed to the Royal Tent, whilst King Charles came over to greet many more of those waiting patiently in the rain.
It really was a splendid day, an honour and a privilege and I felt very proud to be wearing my QARANC uniform. It was nearly time to go, however, a small confession – I did drag Col Sharon back into the tea tent, for one more cuppa, just one more little cake....
I would like to give my sincere thanks again, to the CNO for giving me this wonderful opportunity, in what will be my last year of service in the QARANC.
Major Rachel Byers, Redford Barracks Edinburgh
Rachel Byers with Quasimodo the horse