Devon nursing home owners met King Charles at Buckingham Palace after they were invited to attend a Royal Garden Party in recognition of their contributions to social care.
Southern Healthcare’s managing director Geoffrey Cox and his wife, the director of nursing and compliance, Margot Whittaker, attended the prestigious garden party at the Royal Family’s historic residence in London earlier this month.
The husband and wife team shook hands with the King and spoke with him briefly during the first Royal Garden Party of the 2026 season, which Queen Camilla also attended along with other members of the Royal Family.
Geoffrey said: “It was an incredible honour to attend the Royal Garden Party and to represent the social care sector at such a prestigious occasion.”
The event brought together guests from charities, healthcare, voluntary organisations and social care services, celebrating the dedication and compassion of those working to support vulnerable people and improve lives every day.
Geoffrey and Margot found themselves at the front of a line of guests waiting to greet the King and Queen. He recalled: “He made eye contact and I put my hand out to shake the King’s and he asked me where we were from. I said ‘Devon’ and he replied, ‘it’s a lovely county, a beautiful place.’ It’s an experience I won’t forget.”
The party featured traditional afternoon tea and two household cavalry bands; the bands of HM Royal Marines Collingwood and the Coldstream Guards.
Among those invited were care workers, service managers, community leaders and advocates from the social care industry, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality care and support within their communities.
The National Care Association nominated Geoffrey and Margot for their outstanding contribution to social care over the past 25 years.
Southern Healthcare own four highly rated nursing homes in Exeter, Seaton, Plymouth and Dawlish.