Regina Symphony Orchestra Sponsors Mr. Elmer Brenner, Dr. Roberta McKay, and RSO Music Director Gordon Gerrard; Front row: Board Chair Kama Leier, Executive Director Tanya Derksen are shown in this handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO
Republished May 23, 2018 - 9:11 AM
Original Publication Date May 22, 2018 - 5:21 PM
REGINA - It was sweet music to the ears of five members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra when they heard they would have a chance to mingle with royalty at a very private party.
The five were at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday after being invited to the 70th birthday celebration for Prince Charles.
It was also the first official appearance for Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, since their wedding on Saturday.
Executive director of the orchestra, Tanya Derksen, says they received the invites because Charles, the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, is its royal patron.
It is the only orchestra in Canada to have that honour.
About 2,000 people from around the world were expected at the garden party, where Harry gave a speech to honour his father.
Derksen said it's quite an honour to be in the garden, which she called "a special place."
"You have to be personally invited to attend. It's not something that an average tourist can do when they are in London."
The orchestra invitees flew to London on the weekend so they would have time to get settled in before the party.
(CJME)
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said 100 people were expected at the garden party.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018