David Lindsay, Lord Lieutenant of Co Down and Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland accompanied The Royal Couple to the Rose Garden. Ms Villiers presented Matt Baggott, Chief Constable, PSNI and Brigadier Ralph Wooddisse, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh also met with a number of PSNI officers and military personnel, as well as Peter Sheridan and a number of guests representing Co-Operation Ireland.

Moving to the main garden, Her Majesty The Queen was invited by Patricia Corbett, Head of Hillsborough Castle, to plant a tree to commemorate her visit. The Secretary of State then invited the Royal party to tour the Garden and meet a number of invited guests.

Over 2000 guests were invited from a wide cross section of the community, including voluntary and sporting groups, charitable organisations as well as local people who play an integral part in their communities. Musical entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Comber Silver Band, and provided gathered guests with a wonderful intimate setting to mingle with the Royal Visitors.