Rachel enjoys a party with royalty (From Penarth Times)

Rachel enjoys a party with royalty

A DINAS Powys reveller had a right Royal time at Buckingham Palace's Jubilee celebrations on Monday, June 3.

Rachel Lewis, 28, of Elmgrove Road, heard about the Party in the Palace and wanted to go.

Logging on to the BBC home page, Rachel followed the simple instructions to apply for entrance to the gig.

The PR consultant and her husband Rob set off on the train to Westminster. They booked into a small hotel within walking distance of the palace.

She said: "On arrival we were given a hamper with all sorts of goodies, chocolate, champagne, strawberries and cream. They even gave us a poncho in case it rained. We went through one section of the palace to the garden, where everyone sat enjoying their hampers during the pre-show entertainment."

As the couple waited for the performance to start, several members of the Royal Family arrived. Rachel said: "There was a sudden increase in security, and Prince Andrew arrived with his two daughters, followed by Prince Charles, William and Harry. Then came Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie.

"It was a wonderful night. There were all types of performers and a wide audience, with a bit of something for everyone. The older stars put the younger ones to shame. Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey were fantastic, and there were a lot of Welsh flags flying."

The crowds didn't leave until gone 11.30pm, but Rachel thinks it was well worth it: "It's not often Buckingham Palace is open to the public, and I'm glad I can say I went when I had the chance. It's something I will always remember."