A Right Royal Afternoon: Brilliantly Brave at The Kings Garden Party

Last week, somehow, we were walking through the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Waving. At the King.
Still feels weird to type that.

The Invitation We Nearly Deleted

When the email first landed, we assumed it was spam. We’ve had plenty of “exclusive invitations” that turn out to involve PowerPoint and sale-pitches. But this one? Genuine. I’d been invited to the King’s Garden Party in recognition of work in mental health and the impact Brilliantly Brave is having across rural Scotland. A proper royal summons. Cue mild panic about the hats and shoes rules!

Sunshine, Brass Bands and Very Polished Shoes

On the day, Edinburgh had blue skies, brass bands, pipers, and the faint scent of freshly cut grass. His Majesty was in residence for Royal Week, joined by Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, meeting people from across Scotland who’ve quietly made big differences in their communities.

It was surreal and wonderful in equal measure, the sort of afternoon that reminds you just how much good is happening quietly, everywhere. I even bumped into familiar Moray faces: the lovely Helen Avenell, former and current Lord-Lieutenants Air Commodore Alistair Monkman and Seymour Monro, plus Sandy, the Lord-Lieutenant’s lady. Somehow seeing people from home in the middle of all that royal splendour made the whole thing feel grounded, not just glittery.

From Kitchen Table to King’s Garden

Standing on immaculate lawns, surrounded by people quietly doing good, felt full-circle. Brilliantly Brave began because we saw brilliant people in overstretched systems, trying to keep others afloat without enough support. We wanted to build a self-sustaining way to fund help where it’s needed most: no grants, no donations, just creativity paying it forward.

Now, every card we sell funds free mental health support across the north of Scotland, from one-to-one coaching and counselling to peer groups and Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid training.

Cards in → care out.
Simple, sustainable, slightly miraculous.

In under two years, our customers have helped to:

• Train 170+ Mental Health First Aiders
• Fund 25+ free coaching sessions
• Launch new peer groups for menopause, mental health, and LGBTQ+ support


So when I say it was an honour to be invited to Holyroodhouse, I mean it literally. An honour shared with everyone who’s ever bought, stocked, or supported one of our cards.

Why It Matters

Moments like this aren’t about fancy invites or photo ops (though yes, the gardens were immaculate). They shine a little light on what we’re trying to do: fund real mental health support through design, not donation.

Visibility leads to understanding. 
Understanding leads to sales. 

Sales fund care.

It’s a virtuous circle powered by purpose, community, and the occasional royal garden party.
Recognition doesn’t change what we do.
 It just helps us do more of it.

About Brilliantly Brave
Brilliantly Brave is a purpose-driven greeting card publisher based in Moray, Scotland. Founded in 2024, the business creates beautifully designed cards that celebrate diversity, promote mental wellbeing, and directly fund community mental health initiatives. By channelling 100% of profits into local support services, we're pioneering a new model of social enterprise that proves commercial success and social impact can go hand in hand.