It was a regal visit like no other. Representatives from Roysia Women’s Club were cordially invited to Buckingham Palace where they were lunched, invited to the infamous garden party, and got to stand within touching distance of the Queen.

Chairman Joan Hill and club member Jan Brooks were there for Buckingham Palace’s first garden party of the year to celebrate 80 years of the National Association of Women’s Clubs with 16 other members from various societies around England.

Joan said: “It was a most remarkable day and an honour to be picked to represent the club on the 80th anniversary.

“The whole day was wonderful but the highlight was standing right next to the Queen for both of us.”

The pair even caught a glimpse of the rest of the royal party including Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Wessex and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

About 8,000 people were invited into the palace gardens for the party and a total of 27,000 cups of tea were consumed between them.

Other guests included Holocaust survivors, heads of charities and members of parliament.

The Roysia Women’s Club meet at Royston Town Hall in Melbourn Street on Mondays from 8pm until 10pm.

The group is both social and educational, with different speakers taking turns to discuss major issues.

For more information on how to join, email roysia10@yahoo.co.uk.