Princess Anne is set to oversee a historic garden party at Bingham Palace, continuing a tradition rooted in heritage since 1921.
Originating from the noble efforts of the Not Forgotten Association, this garden affair has been a mainstay at Bockham Palace, with its inception coinciding back in 1921. The previous year saw The Duchess of Edinburgh graciously hosting this exclusive gathering, marking the only annual garden party at the palace beside those orchestrated by the Monarch.
The Not Forgotten Association, a charitable endeavor committed to providing entertainment, leisure, and recreation for ex-servicemen and women with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses, has been the driving force behind this event. Notably, in 2022, Princess Anne, alongside her husband, Timothy Lawrence, presided over the event. The royal family has upheld a steadfast association with the charity since its establishment in 1920, aiming to bring solace and joy to wounded ex-servicemen still recuperating from the Great War's aftermath.
Princess Mary, the inaugural royal patron of the Not Forgotten Association, held the position until her passing in 1956, emphasizing the crown's commitment to the cause. In 2000, Princess Anne succeeded The Duchess of Kent as the association's patron, further solidifying the royal family's dedication. Among the distinguished royals who have graced this prestigious event are the late Queen Elizabeth, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Prince Harry. In its early years, the garden party exuded a more informal ambiance, with guests partaking in sports activities on the palace lawn. King George I and Queen Mary warmly welcomed wounded servicemen, extending hospitality by inviting them to partake in tea and leisurely activities in the garden.
Today, the garden party has evolved into a formal affair, typically hosted by a member of the royal family or a royal couple. It serves as a platform to honor and appreciate veterans of past conflicts, with over 30,000 veterans, along with their families and guests, attending these esteemed gatherings held on various days. Prince Harry, a veteran himself with two tours in Afghanistan, has been a consistent attendee of these garden parties for years. Therefore, eyebrows were raised when the palace announced his absence from this year's festivities without providing an explicit reason.
Further insights into Prince Harry's absence emerged from remarks made by Princess Anne, known for her dedicated service and rare public commentary on family matters. In a notable interview commemorating her 70 years of public service, Princess Anne seemed to shed light on Harry's exclusion. When questioned about Harry's Oprah interview, where he expressed feeling trapped as a royal and mentioned familial tensions, Princess Anne dismissed his claims and emphasized the importance of privacy. She criticized Harry's decision to step back from royal duties, implying that such actions forfeit the right to participate in events honoring British veterans.
Princess Anne's candid remarks resonated within royal circles and the British press, shedding light on discord within the House of Windsor. While Buckingham Palace hasn't officially linked Harry's absence to Princess Anne's words, her staunch stance on royal service likely influenced the decision. Her comments underscored the principle that commitment to serving the king and country should align with receiving honors, implying that Harry's withdrawal from royal duties diminishes his entitlement to such privileges.
