Schools officer reflects on ‘surreal’ King’s Garden Party
13 August 2025
PC Charlotte Doherty attended the event earlier this summer after being nominated for an invitation by colleagues in Nottinghamshire Police.
Working as a school's early intervention officer, Charlotte received the nod for her dedication after connecting students with the wider community.
“Seeing that I had been invited to the King’s Garden Party was surreal – you think that stuff doesn’t really happen to regular cops like me, so I didn’t believe it was real at first,” said Charlotte, who admits she was caught ‘off-guard’ when receiving the email.
PC Charlotte Doherty at Buckingham Palace.
“There are only three garden parties a year – mine was focused on services to education – so it was definitely a special feeling to know I would be going to one of them.
“I take a lot of pride in my job and the relationships I have within it, so to be nominated by my team meant a lot to me.”
Attending alongside her mum, Dawn, Charlotte arrived at Buckingham Palace and says she felt a sense of privilege as soon as the three-hour event began.
“I’ve stood outside of the Palace many times before, but I’ve never even seen the gates open – let alone walked through them,” continued Charlotte, who is also committed to being a police cadet leader.
King Charles
“A brass band played the national anthem as we stepped onto the grounds and the atmosphere was just lovely. You could tell everyone was so happy to be there.
“Then, it was through to the garden, and guests are grouped together to mingle and enjoy food and drink while you wait for the King Charles and Queen Camilla to make their way around.
“There was tea, sandwiches, ice cream and plenty more, and although I didn’t speak to either of them directly at first, I did manage to shake Camilla’s hand and have a brief chat with her as they were leaving, which was a pleasure.”
Beyond the formal arrangements of the party, Charlotte was also able to explore the Palace gardens in their entirety and catch up with other attendees she knew from within Nottinghamshire’s education system.
PC Charlotte Doherty with mum, Dawn.
Part of Charlotte’s success in her role has been due to sessions ‘breaking down barriers’ and fostering a better perception of the police among local young people.
After starting as an officer in 2018, the now-33-year-old previously worked on response, but says she is very happy with where her career is at now, especially when her hard work is recognised with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I did love my time on the frontline, but I am really happy in the department I’m in now. It’s been a big change of pace, but the end goal is the same,” she continued.
“Something like the King’s Garden Party is not why I do my job, but it has certainly reinforced the idea that I made the right decision in changing roles.
Proud
“It was almost overwhelming to be there, but in the best possible way, because I was made to feel so important and valued for the work I do.
Branch chair Mark Lee said the Federation was ‘extremely proud of Charlotte’
“We are so proud to see Charlotte, one of our dedicated schools intervention officers, recognised for her incredible work with children,” he said.
“These officers are often the unsung heroes - working proactively to guide young people down the right paths. While their impact may not always be easy to measure, their work is truly pivotal.
“I’m immensely proud of Charlotte and all our schools officers for the difference they make every day.”
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