Buckingham Palace honour for Isabel Hospice charity champion Renée Friend

Isabel Hospice champion Renée Friend bought a handbag from the charity’s Bishop’s Stortford shop to complete her outfit for a Buckingham Palace garden party.

She wore a dress from Goddards in The Chantry and a navy blazer from Friends Dress Agency in North Street for the royal event.

Renée was invited to the party – which was attended by King Charles, his sister Princess Anne and daughter-in-law Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh – after she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours at the start of 2025.

She has been a stalwart supporter of Isabel Hospice for 38 years, raising thousands of pounds.

The married mother of four and grandmother of seven was accompanied by her daughter, Shelly.

She said: “It was an amazing afternoon in an iconic setting. We met so many wonderful people and enjoyed afternoon tea while strolling around the beautiful gardens. The weather was blustery but dry.”

In March, Renée was presented with her BEM by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, at Moor Park Mansion in Rickmansworth.

She said: “It has already been quite an overwhelming year. I have made many special memories to treasure always.”