Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, hosted the May 10 Garden Party on Sunday at Elisabeta Palace, marking Romania’s national celebration.

This year’s event also highlighted 160 years since the founding of the Royal House and the modern Romanian state, with the celebration dedicated to both Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

The evening opened with the Royal Anthem, performed by the Representative Orchestra of the Ministry of National Defence.

“Welcome for a beautiful day together! You have come from all corners of the country and from the Republic of Moldova. Thank you for your presence, which represents unity and shared joy in celebrating 160 years of the Romanian Crown. (…) Today we celebrate continuity, pride and unity. I wish you a wonderful evening – and may we always remain united. I have confidence in our country,” Her Majesty said in the opening of the evening.

The event, held in a relaxed atmosphere, was attended by Prince Radu, Princess Elena, Princess Sophie, Princess Maria, and Crown Prince Leka of Albania, the Royal Family’s special guest.

Members of the Royal Family mingled with guests throughout the evening. According to the Royal House, more than 4,000 people from all Romanian counties and Moldovan districts attended.

Officials from Parliament, the Government, the Constitutional Court, and the National Bank of both countries were present, alongside members of the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, foreign ambassadors, and prominent figures from civil society, business, arts, science and sport. Representatives of the Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Mosaic and Muslim communities also attended.

The atmosphere was provided by the Representative Orchestra of the Ministry of National Defence, with support from the ‘Mihai Viteazul’ 30th Guards Brigade and the National Gendarmerie Cavalry. Royal suppliers from Romania and Moldova offered products to guests, and a stand with royal publications from Curtea Veche Publishing was available.

From 1866 to 1947, May 10 was Romania’s National Day, celebrated with great ceremony. After the Royal Family’s return to the country, the date was reinstated symbolically through the annual Garden Party at Elisabeta Palace, marking both the national celebration and the birthday of modern Romania. For several years after 2010, the event was hosted by King Mihai, later represented by Her Majesty Margareta and members of the Royal House. Over time, the Royal House has marked the day with public events including wreath-laying ceremonies, distinctions, concerts and the Royal Marathon.