During 2014 over 340 receptions, luncheons and dinners were held at Buckingham Palace, at which nearly 11,500 people were entertained.

These ranged in scale from an intimate lunch for a few guests to the annual Diplomatic Reception for 1,000 people.

In the nineteenth century court events were restricted to the aristocracy. Today a much broader group of people are invited to events at Buckingham Palace. Often such events are used to recognise achievement in a particular field.

On 17th February 2014 The Queen and The Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception to celebrate the dramatic arts.

On 6th November 2014 The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry hosted the Recovery Pathway Reception for 350 people. This event was held to recognise military and civilian professionals who have helped members of the Armed Forces afflicted by physical or psychological injuries in the line of duty.

Some events at the Palace continue to serve a political purpose in strengthening relations between different countries.

Diplomatic Receptions, generally held in November each year, are the largest annual receptions at Buckingham Palace, with a guest list numbering around 1,000. The invitation list is coordinated by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and invitations are sent to all the ambassadors and high commissioners at the foreign missions in London, as well as past Prime Ministers, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and other public figures.