On Wednesday 28th March 2012, I was invited to Buckingham Palace with ninety other young people from up and down the country in recognition for completing the Grand Prior Award – the highest achievement a St John Ambulance Cadet can accomplish. On the day we assembled at Buckingham Gate and paraded outside Buckingham Palace, where we were greeted by hundreds of tourists who were enjoying the sweltering heat of London. After having our photos taken by a professional photographer, HRH The Princess Royal was driven in to the palace first and we paraded in after her. For the rest of the afternoon we were privileged to converse with Princess Anne, whilst being served light refreshments by royal footmen. She showed a keen interest in where we were from, what we had done to complete the award and what opportunities there were for public duties in our area. Whilst we were there her brother Prince Andrew landed in a helicopter in the garden! The whole experience was surreal and it felt a great honour to be there. A once in a lifetime opportunity!
On Wednesday 28th March 2012, I was invited to Buckingham Palace with ninety other young people from up and down the country in recognition for completing the Grand Prior Award – the highest achievement a St John Ambulance Cadet can accomplish. On the day we assembled at Buckingham Gate and paraded outside Buckingham Palace, where we were greeted by hundreds of tourists who were enjoying the sweltering heat of London. After having our photos taken by a professional photographer, HRH The Princess Royal was driven in to the palace first and we paraded in after her. For the rest of the afternoon we were privileged to converse with Princess Anne, whilst being served light refreshments by royal footmen. She showed a keen interest in where we were from, what we had done to complete the award and what opportunities there were for public duties in our area. Whilst we were there her brother Prince Andrew landed in a helicopter in the garden! The whole experience was surreal and it felt a great honour to be there. A once in a lifetime opportunity!