The event was laid on by The Duchess in her role as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland to recognise the valuable contribution that volunteers and carers make to the local community.
The garden party was staged at The Alnwick Garden and 300 volunteers and carers were invited, along with their partners/guests.
Fittingly, the event took place during National Carers Week, which aims to raise awareness of the UK’s six-million unpaid carers, as well as celebrating the incredible contribution they make.
During the event, and on behalf of the Queen, the Duchess presented The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to volunteers from Bell View in Belford.
The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work done in their local communities.
37. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Afternoon tea if you please..... Picture by Jane Coltman
fternoon tea if you please..... Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
38. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Guests from Blyth Star Enterprises. Picture by Jane Coltman
Guests from Blyth Star Enterprises. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
39. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Harry and Sandra Norman volunteer for the National Trust at Seaton Delaval Hall. Picture by Jane Coltman
Harry and Sandra Norman, volunteers for the National Trust at Seaton Delaval Hall. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
40. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Paul Havelock fron SSAFA and Stacey Mollon. Picture by Jane Coltman
Paul Havelock fron SSAFA and Stacey Mollon. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman