Royal visits and events

The Royal County of Berkshire often receives between 30-40 royal visits each year. These visits cover a wide range of activity in the county.

It is the formal duty of the Lord-Lieutenant, as His Majesty's representative in the county, to receive royal visitors as they arrive and to be the last to say goodbye. The Lieutenancy Office is also heavily involved in co-ordinating royal visits and in advising hosts on many aspects of planning the visit. Look at the ‘About Royal Visits’ page for more details.

The King hosts at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace every summer, inviting about 8,000 guests to each one. It is yet another way in which he recognises the invaluable contribution to this country made by people from all walks of life. Lord-Lieutenants have a important role in recommending individuals from their county to attend Royal Garden Parties. Find out more on the ‘Royal Garden Parties’ page.

The Lord-Lieutenant has a further role in instigating, supporting or organising County events that often mark significant national or county events or special anniversaries. In the past, during the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Lieutenancy organised special events to mark these important anniversaries, and were often in the presence of The Queen.

The Lieutenancy is also closely involved in special County Services of Thanksgiving to commemorate significant events. The most recent of these services were held in October 2021. A County Service of Thanksgiving for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. See the ‘County Services of Thanksgiving ’ page for more details.

© Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire 2023 | Office of the Lieutenancy for Berkshire, Berkshire Record Office, 9 Coley Avenue, Reading, Berkshire RG1 6AF | Telephone 0118 937 2281 | lord.lieutenant@reading.gov.uk