A Wolverhampton businesswoman has told of her fantastic day at Buckingham Palace after attending a garden party to celebrate The Prince’s Trust’s 30th birthday.

Sally Lawson, managing director of lettings agents, Lawsons, based in Chapel Ash, and her husband Darren were invited to meet Charles and Camilla at the event on Friday (July 14) in recognition of her work with the charity.

Sally, who has been a Prince’s Trust mentor for 16 months shared the gardens with celebrities including Alan Titchmarsh, Duncan from Blue, Darius Danesh and Clive Anderson as well as the Prince, Camilla, Sarah Ferguson and Eugenie.

She said: “The royals certainly know how to throw a party. There was exquisite food and drink including cucumber sandwiches, little cakes with the Prince of Wales emblem on, Sandringham Estate apple juice and Royal Windsor ice cream.

“We arrived and left through Buckingham Palace itself and walking through the lower rooms was fantastic – as grand as you would imagine. All the house staff were exceptionally friendly and made you feel as though you were a family friend!

“We then had free reign to wander around the gardens and its statues and lake. Everyone was made to feel very welcome and comfortable.

“There was a big line up for the royals when they arrived at 3pm, and Prince Charles and Camilla tried to talk to everyone, taking over an hour to walk down the garden in the blistering heat.

“The national anthem marked the end of an excellent day. It’s definitely something that will stick in my memory.”

Since 1976, the Trust has helped half a million young people, which is equivalent to the population of Edinburgh and each day 100 more people are helped.

It is aimed at young people who’d otherwise not have the opportunity to develop their self confidence, achieve economic independence, fulfill their ambitions and contribute to the community through self employment.

Sally added: “I wanted to give something back to the community and youngsters struggling to start in business. I was fostered as a child and know what it was like to start from nothing. You have to think quick and find ways to get ahead.

“Being a volunteer mentor is a hugely rewarding thing to do so the event was a bonus.”

Issued by Linda Jones at Passionate Media (01902 791809) for more information please contact Sally Lawson on 01902 428008.