NDA Staff Celebrate at First Royal Garden Party Since King’s Coronation
On Tuesday 9 May, four National Decommissioning Authority (NDA) staff attended the first Royal Garden Party following the King’s coronation. The exclusive event was held in the stunning gardens of Buckingham Palace, welcoming 8,000 guests from across the UK.
Royal Hosts and Proud NDA Nominations
The party was hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. Garden Parties are a long-standing tradition for the Royal Family, offering a chance to meet people from all walks of life who have made a positive impact in their communities.
The NDA nominated Arun Khuttan (Sustainability Manager), Tim Cook (Major Projects and Programmes Manager), Lucy Austin (Government Relations Manager), and Michael Calloway (Head of Programme Nuclear Liabilities Assurance) for their vital work. Their mission? Safely and securely decommissioning the UK’s earliest nuclear sites — one of the world’s most important environmental programmes.
Michael Calloway: “A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience”
“It was a genuine honour to be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party,” said Michael Calloway.
“Being an attendee this year was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I felt proud to be nominated and to represent the NDA alongside my colleagues.
When I started with the NDA, I never imagined spending an afternoon at Buckingham Palace in the company of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It’s a professional experience I will never forget.”
The Garden Party Atmosphere
The Palace gates opened around 3pm, with the party officially kicking off at 4pm as guests entered the gardens amid the playing of the National Anthem by one of two military bands. Royals mingled freely, moving among guests while live music set a lively tone.
Guests then gathered at the Royal Tent to meet more members of the Royal family, enjoying free food, drink, and leisurely strolls through the palace gardens.
