A LOCAL charity fundraiser was overjoyed earlier this month after getting to meet the Queen at a garden party in Edinburgh.

Suzanne Fernando was one of the special guests at Holyroodhouse at the start of July.

Each year, The Queen spends a week visiting various regions in Scotland, meeting Scots from all walks of life and hosting thousands at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in recognition of their good work. Known in Scotland as ‘Royal Week’, and to others as ‘Holyrood Week’, these visits celebrate Scottish culture, achievement and community.

Suzanne said: “My husband and I were delighted to have been invited to the garden party by The Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Mr John Duncan, for our voluntary and charity contributions to the community.

“As my husband and I joined the flow of guests at the North entrance to the palace we were pleasantly surprised at how quickly we got through security, but more relieved the rain had stopped. We walked around the palace and into the huge lush green gardens, the splendour of it all was simply breathtaking. Everyone gathered on the lawn awaiting the arrival of the royals which took around a half an hour, we had a great spot as we actually stood near the stairs where the royals made their entrance.

“We spent an (albeit rather cold, wet and windy) but relaxed afternoon where we enjoyed a lovely cup of tea, some sandwiches and cakes, and saw the Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of York and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Party was accompanied by music from regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society.

“We finished our tea, then decided to have a walk around the massive gardens, listened to the military bands for a while then made our way home.

“It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we both thoroughly enjoyed our day at the palace.”