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The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) was honoured to be invited by His Majesty The King to attend the first Buckingham Palace Garden Party of the year in recognition of its voluntary services supporting older people in care.

Representing the Association at the prestigious royal occasion were Andy Cullum, NACC Midlands Deputy Chair; Sophie Murray, NACC Training Academy Officer; Joyce Frankish, NACC Scottish Deputy; and NACC National Chairman, Neel Radia.

As part of the celebrations, the group was invited to enjoy a unique experience in the Royal Tea Tent, joining fewer than 100 guests from charitable organisations for tea, cake and conversation with Their Majesties The King and Queen, as well as other members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Neel Radia, NACC National Chairman, said: “We were very honoured to have been given the opportunity to speak and enjoy tea directly with Their Majesties. We spoke about the progress the Association is making towards raising standards in care catering, and the importance of good nutrition and hydration. It has been incredible for the NACC to be recognised again this year by Their Majesties for the work our members do for those in our care.”

Reflecting on the occasion, Sophie Murray, NACC Training Academy Officer, commented: “This was a memory to last a lifetime. I felt honoured, proud and utterly exhilarated to stand in the grounds of Buckingham Palace chatting to our King and Queen in the Royal Tent, surrounded by other volunteers being thanked for their contributions. I am so grateful and will never forget today or why I volunteer.”

Andy Cullum, NACC Midlands Deputy Chair, added: “It was wonderful and a privilege to be invited to the Palace. The King and Queen were amazing, and being welcomed into the Royal Tea Tent was an overwhelming and truly special experience. Being a member of the NACC is both a privilege and an honour, and I am proud to represent the Midlands and the important work we do. Thank you to the NACC for nominating me to attend this event.”

The invitation follows the NACC’s attendance at Clarence House in November 2025 during National Meals on Wheels Week, where Her Majesty The Queen was presented with Honorary Lifetime Membership of the Association.

The NACC continues to champion excellence in care catering across the UK, promoting the importance of nutrition, hydration and dining experiences for older and vulnerable people in care settings.