A swarm of celebrities descend upon Bee Garden Party

Martha Kearney, Jeremy Paxman, Liz Truss and Rory Stewart MP
Martha Kearney, Jeremy Paxman, Liz Truss and Rory Stewart MP

A swarm of celebrities supporting Monmouth Charity Bees for Development at Bee Garden Party in Royal Palace Gardens - Marlborough House, The Mall, London. There was a hive of activity at Marlborough House on London’s Mall last Wednesday night where the Queen’s Head Gardener Mark Lane has transformed the borders to create a bee-friendly environment in one of Her Majesty’s most beautiful and private palace gardens.

BBC presenters and bee lovers Jeremy Paxman, Andrew Marr and James Naughtie joined forces with the Queen's beekeeper and government ministers to support the Monmouth-based charity Bees for Development at London’s buzziest night of the year - the Bee Garden Party was hosted by Martha Kearney and Bill Turnbull. A jar of Bill's honey raised £650 at the auction!

Sponsored by Rowse honey and The Vodafone Foundation, the event raised thousands for the amazing charity Bees for Development, which helps people in the developing world create a sustainable living from beekeeping.

Hundreds of guests enjoying honeyed canapés and drinks while bidding for bee-themed prizes in the auction.

Martha Kearney and Bill Turnbull, both are Patrons of Bees for Development
Martha Kearney and Bill Turnbull, both are Patrons of Bees for Development

There was an observation hive, beekeeping demonstrations and strolls through the beautiful grounds overlooking the Mall.

Martha Kearney, BBC presenter of The Wonder of Bees and Hive Alive is passionate about bees, their role in lifting families from poverty in developing countries and their role in sustaining the planet and all life thereon! As she said on the evening:

"What could possibly unite Jeremy Paxman, Bill Turnbull, Andrew Marr and thirty thousand buzzing insects? A love of bees of course. It was great to celebrate honey bees and to raise money for this fantastic charity."