Thornbury man attends Buckingham Palace coronation party 

Chris Lee, from Alveston, was one of 8,000 guests who were welcomed into the grounds of Buckingham Palace for a garden party on Tuesday, May 9.  

Chris, who is currently chair of Thornbury u3a Space and Astronomy Group, was invited due to his ongoing work in promoting the UK space sector. 

Thousands of charity representatives and volunteers met with members of the royal family, including William and the Princess of Wales, who represented the King alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as well as The Duchess of Gloucester and The Princess Royal. 

Chris, who recently retired as Chief Scientist of the UK Space Agency, was previously invited by the Queen to a similar garden party in 1997.

He said: “I was honoured to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. However 26 years ago I also attended the Queen’s Garden Party. 

“Attending twice at one of these events is not something that happens very often!

Chris Lee at the Buckingham Palace garden party, yesterday Tuesday, May 9 (Image: Chris Lee)

“I was honoured to attend for my academic and industry work in supporting and promoting the UK Space Sector, especially the Bristol region where I have worked for over 40 years, and where I recently retired as Chief Scientist of the UK Space Agency.

“When it was noted that I had also attended the event in 1997 palace staff reviewed the request and allowed it to pass based on the length of time between the two and also the fact that it was now a new monarch. Phew!

“Sadly the King and Queen were not able to attend due to their exertions over the Coronation Weekend, so I was delighted that their Highnesses William, Kate, Anne, Edward and Sophie all stepped in to make it a truly wonderful occasion for both myself and my wife.”

“Naturally I had to wear my space tie for the occasion!” 

The Prince of Wales during the garden party yesterday at Buckingham Palace (Image: PA)