Through the palace gates: an unforgettable evening at Buckingham Palace

I have wanted to visit Buckingham Palace since I was a teenager and over the years I have written about other people meeting the King and Queen but I never thought I would be writing a blog about me meeting them, let alone the first time entering the iconic gates.

I had the privilege of attending the reception for regional media at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday evening. The event was held to recognise and celebrate the important role played by regional media across print, broadcast and online.

I received a cream-coloured invitation embossed with the royal insignia a week before through the post much to my delight. The invitation advised wearing day dress. I opted for a regal emerald green and gold abaya which I thought would be fitting for the setting.

The CEO of NCTJ, Joanne Forbes kindly invited me to the event. I was a recipient of the Journalism Diversity Fund bursary in 2021 and I have remained in contact with the NCTJ ever since.

After a quick photoshoot with Joanne and some familiar faces in the industry, we passed through security and as we were whisked through the magnificent gates, I began to feel both excited and nervous.

Dozens of guests watched the Changing of the Guard in front of the famous landmark and then made their way inside. Phones were secured in the cloakroom, and then staff escorted attendees up a grand staircase. The palace’s walls are adorned with paintings and sparkly chandeliers hang from the ceilings. A warm toned gold and a rich red runs throughout the rooms.

Upon entering the palace, myself and Joanne were greeted by a gentleman who had worked for the late Queen Elizabeth for more than 20 years and is now working under King Charles. Joanne asked if much had changed at the palace since the late Queen’s passing to which he replied no. He shared his fond memories of her Majesty with us. He said she had a remarkable memory. He would brief her with the news believing she wouldn’t be aware of what was happening, but to his surprise she would always be up to date with the latest news and she would remember key dates and events from many years ago. He added the King is very keen to meet journalists.

Staff then lined guests in a row including myself and Joanne ready to meet their Majesties for a pre-reception personal meeting. I had the pleasure of standing next to West Somerset Free Press reporter Tony James, 89, who last year made national and international headlines as possibly the UK’s oldest working journalist. As a reporter working in print, I could resonate with Tony’s passion for traditional printed newspapers and his emphasis on the importance of keeping them alive.

I shook hands with their Majesties who were warm and welcoming. They asked me what newspaper I report for and how long I had been reporting as well as who the paper’s target audience is. I was also honoured to meet the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Ian Jones Photography was on hand to capture this very special and surreal moment.

After this a reception was held in the luxurious Ballroom where an endless supply of drinks and canapés were served. Treats such as salted caramel chocolates and a rounded jelly like mango dessert were also offered to attendees. Guests conversed with other people in their field.

As the evening progressed, more people swarmed into the room eager to get the opportunity to meet the monarchs. Cameras followed them to capture the moment they greeted each person.

Around 400 media employees from across the U.K. joined the event including the MEN’s editorial team, BBC and ITV to name a few. Representatives from journalism organisations like the Society of Editors, the Journalists’ Charity and the National Council for the Training of Journalists were also in attendance.

MPs were also on the guest list including MP for Barnsley South, Stephanie Peacock and Wigan MP and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy who I had the pleasure of speaking with.

It was heartwarming to see hundreds of people from the same industry come together, driven by their passion of reporting on what matters to their local communities and their unwavering commitment to accountability and justice.

The Royals have long been a symbol of national unity and identity. Buckingham Palace is a landmark known across the world and where people travel far and wide to set their sights on the historic building, with one of the most famous and influential families in the world residing there. It is no wonder every journalist felt this event was a monumental moment for both regional media and the country.

Guests appreciated their Majesties genuine recognition of the crucial role local journalism plays in building trust and fostering community cohesion. Significant events such as these are reassuring to both regional journalists and the smaller communities they cover that they are not forgotten.

The heartfelt message issued from His Majesty The King at the event said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.

“As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation.

“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.”

His Majesty continued: “You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes. But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.

“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry. But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”