MEMBERS of staff from Royal Star & Garter, who attended a Buckingham Palace garden party on Victory in Europe Day, were proud to be there on behalf of all the veterans cared for by the charity.
Surbiton Home nurse Hazel Agustin and Solihull Home physiotherapist Nickie Harrison attended the afternoon event – 79 years after Nazi Germany’s surrender and the end of war in Europe.
Among the members of the royal family attending the event were Their Majesties The King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Hazel and Nickie were part of 14 frontline staff selected by the National Care Forum, a membership group which represents not-for-profit organisations in the care and support sector, including Royal Star & Garter.
It was both Hazel and Nickie’s first time at Buckingham Palace, and at a royal garden party.
Hazel said: “It was a special day and I am really very honoured and proud to have been there representing Royal Star & Garter and our wonderful residents. And for it to also be on VE Day made a special occasion that little bit more special.”
Nickie added: “VE Day is an important day at Royal Star & Garter, and when I told the Solihull residents that I would be attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, they were very excited and happy for me. It was a great occasion with just the most amazing atmosphere. I felt great pride in representing our residents on a day that means so much to them.”