7 August 2002: The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations come to a conclusion with a garden party at Balmoral Castle

A garden party at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, brought to an end three months of celebrations for The Queen's Golden Jubilee. The event, held on Wednesday, 7 August 2002, was an historic occasion, as the Aberdeenshire castle is not usually a setting for Royal garden parties.

Nearly 3,000 guests were invited to attend the garden party in the grounds of Balmoral Castle. Those attending included farmers, shopkeepers, estate workers and representatives of the local community in North East Scotland. Accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales, The Queen mingled among the guests. 

The traditional Royal garden party fare - tea, sandwiches and chocolate cake - was served in 12 marquees erected near the castle.

The much-loved home of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle is a private Royal residence. The estate is today the traditional holiday home for The Queen and members of her family during the summer vacation period.

The garden party was the final engagement of a summer of Jubilee celebrations, visits and engagements. During the months of May, June, July and August, The Queen and Prince Philip visited 70 cities and towns in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 50 counties.

Over that period they travelled over 30,000 miles by air around the UK and the world including Jamaica, New Zealand and Australia, and travelled 3,500 miles by Royal Train across the UK.

The Queen also delivered 20 speeches, unveiled 30 plaques and received and replied to 17,500 messages of congratulations.
 
Following the garden party, The Queen and Prince Philip began their summer vacation at Balmoral for August and September, before preparing for a trip to Canada in October.

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