When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Canadians living in the U.K. who work in public service can apply for an invitation to the illustrious event.

The Changs were among the 30 individuals chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime honour out of over 700 hopefuls. "I was just elated when the email said, 'Congrats, you've been successful in being invited to the Royal Garden Party," Megan said. Megan Kirk Chang and Brandon Chang represent the Commonwealth at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London, U.

K., on Tues., May 21, 2024.

(Courtesy: Megan Kirk Chang) But things haven't always been so grand for the couple, whose home in Barrie was destroyed when a tornado touched down in 2021. RELATED | Barrie couple overcomes challenges of tornado and long-distance to pursue dreams "I think this is one of the common human experiences, with the experience of grief. The world continues to move forward and I'd be lying if I said we didn't reflect on that horrific day back in July 2021 often.

It still does deeply affect us, but since then we've tried to live with more intention," she explained. Megan now works for Oxford University and, this week, represented the Commonwealth for the High Commission of Canada. She prepared for th.