Amid the vibrant backdrop of Washington, D.C., an extraordinary event unfolded: a visit from the British monarchy. The occasion was marked by the presence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who were welcomed with open arms in a region that seldom encounters such royal grandeur.
“You read about them, and hear about them, but rarely do you get to see the King and Queen of England,” shared Virginia McGregor, a resident of Lackawanna County.
Virginia and her husband, Robert, were among the distinguished guests enjoying the exquisite greenery of the U.K. ambassador’s residence during a garden party held in honor of the royal visit, celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence from Great Britain.
The royal couple’s arrival marked the beginning of a four-day tour across the United States, a gesture commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence from British rule, as reported by NPR.
The garden party, hosted at the embassy located on Massachusetts Avenue NW, featured a guest list that was politically diverse, reflecting a bipartisan spirit. McGregor, who serves as the Democratic National Committee treasurer, believed her invitation was a nod to this inclusivity.
Adding to the significance, McGregor is actively involved in America 250 Pennsylvania, a commission focused on celebrating Pennsylvania’s crucial role in American history since 1776.
The event saw an eclectic mix of attendees, including cabinet secretaries, members of Congress from both political parties, and a significant media presence. McGregor noted, “It was cabinet secretaries … Congress people from both sides, senators from both sides, a lot of media that were there socializing.”
Interestingly, McGregor and her husband were the only representatives from Northeastern Pennsylvania, adding a unique regional touch to the event.
Alex Brandon
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Associated Press
Visit comes as tensions run high
This royal visit comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.K. and the U.S., particularly following President Trump’s criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s stance on U.S. military action in Iran, as documented by NPR and PBS.
Despite calls from British Parliament members urging King Charles to cancel the visit, the monarch proceeded, as highlighted by PBS. He travels at the behest of the elected government, with the trip seen as a diplomatic effort by Starmer’s administration.
The monarchy, traditionally neutral, is seen as a “tool of the U.K.’s soft power,” which could appeal to Trump’s admiration for the royal family, as noted by NPR.
Security concerns were brought to the forefront after an incident at the Washington Hilton, where an alleged attacker targeted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, leading to an evacuation of President Trump and other officials. WIVA reported that this incident heightened security discussions for the royal visit.
Despite the tensions, McGregor felt the event was secure, well-organized, and notably devoid of political discourse. “There was no talk of politics,” she noted. “It was really just talking about how great it was that this visit was happening during our nation’s birthday.”
The royal couple mingled with guests without delivering a formal speech, reminiscent of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s style. McGregor described the interaction as relaxed and informal, with Charles stopping to converse with familiar faces.
What does one wear to a royal garden party?
The invitation Virginia McGregor received bore the royal crest and came with specific instructions on attire. Guests were advised to wear lounge suits and day dresses, with hats being discouraged—an American twist compared to the more traditional British garden parties where elaborate hats are the norm.
McGregor and her husband opted for classic American elegance, with her in a deep purple dress and him in a dark suit and tie.
The culinary offerings at the event were unmistakably British, with a menu featuring Scottish smoked salmon, roasted British beef, West Country Cheddar, and classic tea-time treats such as scones, Bakewell tarts, and Victoria sponge cake.
Making lasting memories
Reflecting on the historic occasion, McGregor recalled her childhood memories of the Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, and she anticipated that the 2026 royal visit would be a memorable chapter in the story of America’s Semiquincentennial celebrations.
She reminisced, “When we look back years from now, as I look back to 1976, this will be something I’ll remember and make sure my children remember.”
