Teresa Elford, of Sudbury Town Council, enjoys King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

A former Sudbury council worker, who enjoyed a royal reception in honour of her decades of service, has described the experience as ‘beyond her wildest dreams’.

Teresa Elford – who retired from Sudbury Town Council in 2024, after 41 years – said she would treasure the memories of the recent King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for the rest of her life.

The former mayor’s secretary and events coordinator was invited to the prestigious occasion after being nominated by Clare, Countess of Euston, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Having not had the chance to properly mark her retirement and after undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Teresa said she was ‘blown away’ when she received the invitation.

“I felt so humbled,” she said. “I never thought in my wildest dreams this could happen. It made my 41 years at the council all worthwhile.

“Everyone who was invited has their own stories for being there, which made me think, ‘why me? Why am I here?’ It was such an honour and a privilege.”

Teresa attended the event with long-time friend and former colleague Jodie Budd, who also spent 28 years employed at the town council before taking on the role of Bury St Edmunds clerk in 2023.

They were in the company of members of the Royal Family including William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – and even had the chance to speak directly to Zara Tindall.

“I will treasure it for the rest of my life,” added Teresa, who now spends her retirement running a canine retreat, in support of Lead The Way Dog Training.

“We had a walk around the palace gardens and it just seems so surreal.

“We went into the tea tent and the lady says ‘welcome to Buckingham Palace, would you like some tea?’ I never thought I would hear those words.

“I’m so honoured and thankful to Lady Clare for nominating me.”