Where's Christopher Robbin and Alice?

Have to say that yesterday I went to one of the most surreal things I've ever been to. For a variety of reasons I was invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace...

Now, it's really not my kind of thing, but the invitation was for me plus guest and figured it would be sort my Mum would love. Dress code is lounge suit, morning dress or military uniform (no medals) for men, and suitable dress (trousers suits are allowed) and hat for the ladies. Chains of office can be worn!

So, with invitations in hand we join an incredibly over dressed queue and enter the Palace via the front gates. It's a strange event. There are hundreds of people and it's rather like a society wedding without the service. We have a wander and get some sandwiches (cut into fingers, no crusts), some cake (the chocolate cake is lovely and is complete with a little gold crown on top) and a cup of tea (special Twinnings Royal Garden blend). The Queen appears and does a walkabout, chatting with various predetermined people. Mum manages to get quite close and has a good view of the Queen. We are both a little amused that my Mum has the same hat as 3 others standing near her in the crowd - she must be lot more trendy that she thought.

We have a wander round the grounds - which are lovely. Most women, Mum included, take the opportunity when having a stroll to take off their new shoes for a moment. It is a little amusing to see all these women, hatted and in new outfits, nearly all taking off their shoes for a little respite from the standing around.

We wander back to get a cold drink and before you know the National Anthem strikes up and it's time to leave. We walk out through the front gates of the Palace to the bemused looks of gawking tourists and head, along with several others, for a very overdressed stroll through St James Park.

A pleasant afternoon - not really my thing but I'm glad I've been. Weather was warm, and those in military uniform or top hats must have been sweltering - especially the Yeoman of the Guard as many of them weren't exactly in the first flush of youth.

Overall, it is a surreal experience - not least because of the music selection of the band. You'll be stood having a cup of tea listening to some Mozart. That will end and the next tune will strike up - hold on, that's a Beatles medley containing When I'm 64, Sgt Pepper and With a Little Help From my Friends. Then there'll be some more chamber style music, followed by the Lambeth Walk or Living La Vida Loca. The most bizarre was walking through the gardens and suddenly realising the band were playing Staying Alive - perhaps Her Majesty is a secret Bee Gees fan.