Buckingham Palace invitation

[OurManInTangier]

Firstly, I'm not quite sure where to put this so please move it if there is a more appropriate place here.

I've received an invitation to a Buckingham Palace garden party and have no idea why!

I was due to be invited to photograph on behalf of the St John Ambulance who have some of their high ranking members going along but have since been told that I will not be needed in that capacity. However a personal invitation has been extended regardless. I am utterly clueless as to why. I imagine that there are plenty of members from the St John Ambulance who would be better suited if this is where the request came from as despite doing quite alot of work for them, I am not involved with them in any other capacity or have any great personal relationships with their top brass. Clearly I'm not about to be Knighted or receive any kind of award type thing so it seems a bit of a waste of an invitation as I'm a bit of a scruffy jobbing snapper with no great achievements or history of 'good works' benefitting mankind.

Perhaps its an oversight and I'll be politely asked to leave if I do turn up!

My reason for posting is infact simple and photography related; does anyone here have any experience of a Buckingham Palace garden party and if so, would it be deemed acceptable to take my camera along for some discreet photography of what will no doubt be a once in a lifetime opportunity...or would this be seen as a terrible faux pas leading to loss of citizenship and a good long stretch in The Tower without any dinner.

I'm a lowly commoner with no experience of such high faluting things but know that many people are invited for their good works and am hoping that maybe someone here has some experience of the 'what to do's and what not to do's' of such events. Even if someone knows where there may be some info on such things it would help me out.

...and this isn't an opportunity to crow, whilst not being a staunch republican I'm no more than apathetic about Royalty really...I just don't want to look like a complete idiot if I do go along😱

 

[Tuolumne]

Just stick a camera in their kisser and dare them to throw you out!

/T

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Simon,

Try writing to (or telephoning) the office that sent the invitation -- and remember that our own dear Queen uses Leicas.

My father's been to plenty (he used to be the Electrical Officer on the Royal Yacht, a good trick for a steam engineer) but he was never a keen photographer, unlike his father (killed when HMS Gloucester was sunk off Crete) and his elder son. Unfortunately he's sailing to New York at the moment so I can't ask him for any tips. I've never been invited, and in the unlikely event that I were, I'd probably decline: too far to go, and I hate uncomfortable clothes,

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Assume you can take a camera. I'm sure if they say you can't, they'll hold it for you till time to head home (or to the tower).
Sounds like a wonderful opportunity that you will remember, with or without the camera...better with.

 

[FPjohn]

Go with your camera and photograph the SJA. Environmental portraits.

I suspect the camera is a minor indiscretion.

yours
FPJ

 

[Silva Lining]

You can take your camera, but you will be very politely (but firmly) asked to leave it in safe-keeping until your departure..

Also remember not to wear anything above the knee or too low cut 😉

 

[FrozenInTime]

I recall only a month or so ago walking past the garden party guest entrance at Holyrood Palace and noting the sign, just up for that day, saying something like strictly no cameras.

I guess you would need prior permission in writing.

 

[Silva Lining]

I recall only a month or so ago walking past the garden party guest entrance at Holyrood Palace and noting the sign, just up for that day, saying something like strictly no cameras.

I guess you would need prior permission in writing.

Its a definite no-no.. Still it makes for a very interesting day none the less.

You'll be fully 'briefed ' on protocol / etiquette beforehand and if you to meet the queen in person , will be told. Otherwise you'll be part of the crowd. Still its a very interesting experience and a part of London that not many people see.... The garden has some very interesting plants as well as flamingoes IIRC

 

[johannielscom]

Simon, has it occured to you The Queen might be visiting this forum and has found your shots to be an inspiration?

If you would meet her at the tea party and she would comment on your initial post in this thread, you know, I guess!

So:
Good evening Your Majesty, if it's worth anything from a foreign commoner, I feel OurManInTangier has quite the eye and a distinctive style in his outstanding work. We would greatly appreciate it if he were allowed to bring his camera along, and maybe have a picture of you and him together taken with it?

Best regards from William of Orange's native country,

Johan

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

I bet A.K. has been there.....he's shot all the top people!! 😀

 

[helen.HH]

Follow Michelle Obama's Protocol...
Rush up & Give the Queen a Hug 😀
OR
keep to Your Traditional British Ways
Keep a Stiff Upper Lip & Bow

Tres Exciting Simon /or as I affectionately know YOU as
'Our Man in Tangiers'

Don't be Intimidated...Conduct Yourself Bigger than Life and Shine

Cheers- H

 

[raid]

Take along a nice camera and a permanent marker. Make sure Her Majesty signs your camera. Then rush online to ebay and make a killing!

Have a good visit and tell us about it.

 

[MickH]

Only guessing Simon, but I doubt you'll be let in with a camera, or mobile phone for that matter. I reckon you'll be frisked on the way in for that sort of thing, and on the way out for half-inched cutlery. 😉

I'd be more concerned about finding a comfy monkey-suit for the day.

Have a great time.

 

[John Robertson]

Just stick a camera in their kisser and dare them to throw you out!

/T

They would, without even blinking!!😛

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Simon:

Congrats! Well, we hope, right?

I'd be all pumped up. Nervous? Oh, yeah. But happy.

 

[robin a]

Take along a nice camera and a permanent marker. Make sure Her Majesty signs your camera. Then rush online to ebay and make a killing!

Have a good visit and tell us about it.

Great Idea !!!

 

[back alley]

Just stick a camera in their kisser and dare them to throw you out!

/T

you wouldn't be from joisey, wouldja?

😉

 

[mjflory]

Only on RFF! Joe, maybe this thread should be preserved. After all, where else could the itinerant photog get such advice?

 

[lorriman]

Cut a hole in your tophat and stick the lens through it.

Disguise the sound of the shutter when you shake the Queen's hand by sneezing.

Remember to nod as you do this as otherwise you'll only get a picture of her coiffure.

 

[35mmdelux]

I think you're supposed to curtsy or whatever and say "May I inquire about using the laboratory (not the toilet)." And, remember to keep one hand in your coat pocket as you high brow and enjoy a glass of Sherry. oh, yea, back in the day.