Release Date 09 May 2012

The University of Reading is delighted to announce that its Henley Business School Greenlands campus has been chosen as the venue for one of the region's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

On Monday 25 June, around 4,000 guests will join Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh for a summer garden party, hosted by the Lords Lieutenant of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire on the beautiful lawns of the historic Greenlands campus, home to Henley Business School, a key part of the University of Reading. The stunning Thames-side setting, just outside Henley on Thames, is close to where the three counties converge and will provide the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

See photos of the beautiful Greenlands campus >>>

The event will commence with a river pageant marking the role and impact of the River Thames on the Thames Valley region for more than 1,000 years. Over 30 boats including a Viking boat crewed by the University of Reading rowers will feature in the pageant showcasing all aspects of the River.

Her Majesty will be introduced to individuals from across the three counties including those representing business and the public and voluntary sectors as well as senior University and Henley Business School staff. Her Majesty and other guests will also be invited to view a specially created exhibition charting the history of Greenlands featuring items from the University's WH Smith archive, the estate having been the former home of the Smith family.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, who will greet Her Majesty on her arrival at Greenlands, said: "It will be a great privilege to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to Henley Business School as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. I am sure Her Majesty, The Duke of Edinburgh and their guests will enjoy visiting the stunning grounds which were actually a favourite of Elizabeth I during her reign. Our world renowned Henley Business School enjoys strong ties with the region, which makes it a fitting venue for a Royal celebration of the Thames Valley."

The event is part of HM The Queen's UK-wide Diamond Jubilee tour. It will also form part of a major Jubilee Fund raising appeal for the four Thames Valley Community Foundation charities (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes), which exist to strengthen communities and enrich local life by inspiring and supporting charitable giving.

The Hon. Mrs Bayliss, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, said: "We are deeply honoured that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a garden party that will be a celebration of life in the three counties, and the part Her Majesty has played over the last 60 years. We are delighted to be working with the University and the Henley Business School and believe the Greenlands campus is the perfect venue for what will be a wonderful event to mark this astonishing anniversary."

Professor John Board, Dean of Henley Business School, said: "Henley Business School is extremely proud to be working with the Lords Lieutenant of the three counties to support our region's celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Henley Business School, founded in 1945 at Greenlands, by business for business, is one of the oldest and most respected schools in Europe. The School continues to play a crucial role in supporting our region by providing leadership training for many individuals, businesses and other organisations."

Henley Business School is a world-class global business school with a unique profile, including most notably the Henley MBA and its renowned Schools of Finance and Real Estate & Planning. It is one of the few global business schools to maintain triple accredited status and is highly ranked in the world's major league tables and rankings.

The results of the public ballot for places to attend the Diamond Jubilee Garden Party will be announced, today, 9 May.  

ENDS

Further information about Henley Business School from University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 7391/7115

For media enquiries with regard to the Diamond Jubilee Garden Party and the public ballot, please contact: Andrea Jenkins - andrea.jenkins@wokingham.gov.uk / 0118 974 6010

For media enquiries about the Community Foundations please contact Jane Rawnsley, Director of Communications - jrawnsley@communityfoundations.org.uk / 020 7713 9326

Notes to editors:

Images of Henley Business School are available from the University of Reading press office on 0118 378 7391/7115

Henley Business School's Greenlands House has been home to a series of notable families and individuals throughout its lifetime. These include Thomas Chaucer, son of Geoffrey Chaucer, Robert D'Oyley, Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1573 and most recently WH Smith, who bought the existing house in 1871. Find out more information about Henley Business School - http://www.henley.reading.ac.uk/

There are four Community Foundations in the three counties: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes. They exist to strengthen communities and enrich local life by inspiring and supporting philanthropy and charitable giving. Find out more details - www.communityfoundations.org.uk