King chats with Wellington couples at Buckingham Palace Garden Party

THREE couples from the Wellington area chatted with the King on Wednesday while attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Clinton Rogers attended in his role as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Jeanette Bird and Gemma Basson were invited because of their fundraising work for charities including St Margaret’s and the Royal British Legion.

Clinton was accompanied by his wife Joanne, Jeanette by her husband Ken, and Gemma by her husband Garryn.

In the Buckingham Palace grounds. Pictured (left to right): Garryn and Gemma Basson, Clinton and Joanne Rogers, Jeanette and Ken Bird (Image: Contributed by Ken Bird)

The Royal Party included the King and Queen, along with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

During a walkabout among the 8,000 attendees, the King stopped to chat with the local group.

Clinton said: “It was always going to be a special day but to see the King there made it even more memorable.”

The Queen making her way to meet other guests (Image: Contributed by Ken Bird)

Jeanette added: “I was very honoured to be invited and it was a wonderful occasion – unforgettable.

Gemma added: “We were on such a high when we came home. It was an amazing day.”