Invitations From and To The Queen

Invitations from The Queen

The Queen's invitations are sent by:

-The Lord Steward of the Household to a state banquet.

-The Lord Chamberlain to all major court functions such as a garden party, wedding, funeral or memorial service.

-The Master of the Household to all domestic functions given by The Queen at Buckingham Palace, or where The Queen is resident.

All invitations from The Queen are commands, and a suitably worded reply should be addressed to the member of HM's Household who issued the invitation:

How to Accept an Invitation from The Queen

'Sir Henry and Lady Smith present their compliments to the Master of the Household, and have the honour to obey Her Majesty's command to luncheon on May 10th at 12.30 o'clock.'

Non-Acceptance of an Invitation from The Queen

The reason for non-acceptance should be stated (a 'prior engagement' is not considered to be a sufficient reason for failing to obey The Queen's command).

'Colonel and Mrs John Brown present their compliments to the Master of the Household, and much regret that they are unable to obey Her Majesty's command to luncheon on May 10th owing to the illness of Mrs Brown.'

Garden Parties

An invitation to a garden party comes with an admission card which states that an acknowledgement is not required unless the guest is unable to attend, in which case the admission card must be returned.

A Letter of Thanks

When appropriate, for example after a state banquet, but not after a garden party, a letter of thanks may be addressed to the member of the Household who issued the invitation, asking him to convey his thanks to Her Majesty for etc etc.