Release Date 26 June 2012

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View pictures of the Diamond Jubilee Garden Party

Henley Business School at the University of Reading was delighted to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh for a summer garden party on Monday 25 June.

Hosted by the Lord Lieutenants of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, over 4,000 guests attended the event held on the beautiful lawns of Henley Business School's historic Greenlands campus.

The stunning Thames-side setting, just outside Henley on Thames, is close to where the three counties converge and under glorious skies provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

Guests included people from all walks of life from each of the three counties including representatives from public life, business and commerce, the armed services, the arts and sports and media. Over a quarter of the guests were members of the public selected by a public ballot in all three counties.

The event commenced 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 featured in the pageant showcasing all aspects of the River.

Her Majesty was 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.

Guests enjoyed a fly past of RAF helicopters before Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque and cut a celebratory cake.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, who greeted Her Majesty on her arrival at Greenlands, said: "We were honoured and delighted to be the venue for the visit of her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. The event gave the University an opportunity to showcase the outstanding facilities at our Henley Business School and It was clear to all the visitors on the day that the Royal party enjoyed the event immensely."

The event was part of HM The Queen's UK-wide Diamond Jubilee tour. It also formed 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.

Professor John Board, Dean of Henley Business School, said: "Henley Business School was 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 oneof 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.

ENDS

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

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