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ROYAL EVENTS 2008
APPLICATIONS FOR ROYAL EVENTS IN 2008 HAVE NOW CLOSED.
INFORMATION ON APPLYING FOR ROYAL EVENTS IN 2009 WILL BE POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE IN MID-FEBRUARY 2009.
The deadlines for submission of applications are normally well before the event takes place, so you are advised to check this website in mid-February.
Each year the Australian High Commission receives an allocation of invitations to three Royal Events – Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot Race Meeting and Royal Garden Parties.
Only Australian citizens who are bona fide visitors to the United Kingdom are eligible to apply. Australian citizens who are permanently settled in the U.K. are not eligible to apply.
Permanent residents of Australia, who have emigrated but are not naturalised citizens, are not eligible to apply.
Due to the limited number of invitations allocated to the High Commission applicants can only apply to attend one Royal Event. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATION FORMS FOR MORE THAN ONE EVENT.
As applications received normally exceed invitations available, a ballot system is used in the allocation process. Advice will be sent to successful applicants only.
Please read through the following information carefully before filling out the application form which can be accessed at the end of this page. If you do not fill out your form correctly your application will be disqualified.
MARITAL STATUS
Married couples should use the same application form. Information regarding children is given in the section Conditions for Each Royal Event.
De-facto or common law couples should complete separate applications which can be cross-referenced to enable them to attend a Royal Event together.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
• One original letter of recommendation is required to accompany each application made for Royal Ascot and two original letters of recommendation are required to accompany each application made for Royal Garden Parties. Letters of recommendation cannot be returned to applicants.
• Letters of recommendation are an important part of your application. They should provide a character reference and testify to your good reputation, character and general suitability to attend Royal Events. They must include full contact details for your referee and be addressed to the Royal Events Secretary. Letters of recommendation which do not comply with these requirements or are poorly presented will result in your application being rejected.
• Letters of recommendation must be from prominent or professional Australian citizens who have known the applicant at least two years, e.g. Members of Parliament, Justices of the Peace, public servants, military personnel, doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers etc. Letters written by members of the applicant's immediate family and employment references are not acceptable.
• Applicants who have previously attended Royal Ascot must ensure their letter of recommendation indicates a proven involvement in horse racing e.g. membership of a racing club or organisation, ownership of a racehorse etc.
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted with your application form.
• If a married couple is applying for an event, they do not need separate letters of recommendation but the letters must refer to both husband and wife.
APPLICATIONS TO AGENTS GENERAL
Applications can be made for invitations to the Royal Events with either your Agent General (South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, or Western Australia) or Australia House. Applicants who apply to both will automatically be disqualified.
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS
Applications will be accepted up until close of business on
7 March – Buckingham Palace Garden Parties (July 8, 15, 22)
13 February – Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Garden Party (July 1)
4 April – Trooping the Colour
18 April – Royal Ascot Race Meeting
Please ensure your application is received on time. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
CANCELLATIONS
Please do not apply for a Royal Event if there is any possibility you may not be able to attend. If after lodging an application, you are unable to attend you must notify this office as soon as possible and return your invitation to this office.
CONTACT ADDRESSES
Please ensure this office is notified by email of any change of address and/or telephone number. Applicants who do not reply promptly to correspondence or cannot be otherwise contacted will be disqualified from the ballot.
CONDITIONS FOR EACH ROYAL EVENT
TROOPING THE COLOUR
If you have previously attended a Trooping the Colour Ceremony you cannot apply again.
The Trooping the Colour ceremonies are held between 11.00am and 12.30pm at Horse Guards Parade opposite St. James's Park. You are required to be seated at 10.00am.
The Colonel's Review (7June) is a dress rehearsal which the Queen does not attend. In 2008 Prince Charles will take the salute.
The Queen's Birthday Parade (14 June) is attended by the Queen.
Successful applicants only will be advised by letter in April.
Tickets are limited to two per family. Children and babies must have their own ticket as seating does not allow space for children to sit on their parent's knees.
The dress required for men is a lounge suit or armed services uniform (although dress slacks and blazer is acceptable) and for women a day dress. Cameras and video cameras are permitted. Security checks are in operation.
ROYAL ASCOT RACE MEETING
If you have previously attended Royal Ascot you cannot apply again unless you can prove a racing interest (refer to Letters of Recommendation).
Each application to attend Royal Ascot must be supported by one letter of recommendation. (Refer to Letters of Recommendation).
Successful applicants only will then be mailed a "Badge Request Form" from Australia House in late May.
Badge Request Forms must then be returned to the Royal Ascot Office with payment, indicating the day(s) you wish to attend. Full instructions will be issued with the Badge Request Forms. Badges give admission to the Royal Enclosure.
Children aged 10 to 16 may accompany adults who have Badges on Friday and Saturday. Prior application is not necessary, children's Badges can be obtained free of charge from the racecourse on the day.
Ladies Day is on the Thursday of the meeting.
Dress code:
For ladies: Formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and/or mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour.
For gentlemen: Either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat and top hat
For children: Girls must wear a dress or skirt, boys a suit or jacket and smart trousers with a tie. Jeans and trainers are not permissible.
Anyone not complying with the dress code will be asked to leave the Royal Enclosure and relieved of their Royal Enclosure badge.
Cameras are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. Car parking facilities will be available at the racecourse at a cost of approx £20.00 per day.
Married couples should note that Badges are issued in the husband’s name e.g. Mr William Smith and Mrs William Smith.
ROYAL GARDEN PARTIES
If you have previously attended a Garden Party you cannot apply again.
Each application to attend a Royal Garden Party is restricted to immediate family members: husbands, wives and unmarried sons and daughters aged 18 to 25 years. Children under the age of 18 cannot be considered. Each application must be supported by two letters of recommendation. (Refer to Letters of Recommendation).
The Garden Parties take place in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse Edinburgh, normally between the hours of 4.00pm to 6.00pm.
The majority of men wear morning dress or uniform but a dark suit is acceptable. Women are required to wear a day dress with hat or uniform, trousers suits are permitted. Cameras are not permitted and mobile phones must be switched off.
Successful applicants only will be notified by letter in April.
In a change to previous practice, married women can use their own name e.g. Mr William Smith and Mrs Susan Smith or Mr William Smith and Miss/Ms Susan Jones.
SUBMITTING APPLICATION FORMS
• Please include the self addressed envelopes (postage not required) as described on each application form. Applications which are not accompanied by envelopes will be rejected.
• Applications for Royal Garden Parties and Royal Ascot Race Meeting must be accompanied by correct Letters of Recommendation (see above).
• Applications for Royal Ascot Race Meeting: If you have not previously been issued with a Royal Enclosure Badge by an application to the Australian High Commission, your application must include a photocopy of the front page of your Australian Passport (to show photograph, signature and passport details).
• You can only apply for one event.
• Please return the completed form to:
Royal Events
Public Affairs Branch
Australia House
Strand
London WC2B 4LA
Please note due to security restrictions you cannot hand deliver your application in person to the High Commission. It must be received by mail as above.
• Further enquiries can be directed to GeneralEnquiries.LhLh@dfat.gov.au
Please read all of the above information on Royal Events before you send an email enquiry. Emails which enquire about information which is included on this page will not receive a response.
• Do not contact this office to confirm receipt of your application. If you are concerned about postal services we advise you to send your application by recorded or registered mail to ensure delivery.
Click on the name of the event to download the application form:
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ROYAL ASCOT RACE MEETING 17 – 21 June Daily Badge: £82.00 / Juniors (17 – 25 years): £56.00 (£26.00 on Sat) Weekly Badge: £310.00 / Juniors: £190.00
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Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Buckingham Palace
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