Local Media Celebrates Ukrainian Couple’s Royal Garden Party Appearance
A Ukrainian couple from Milton Keynes invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace came away with a new, informal name - The Ukrainian Bridgertons.
MKFM, local media in Milton Keynes, has highlighted the inspiring participation of Ukraine Appeal team members at the Royal Garden Party, recognising it as an achievement not only for our Ukrainian community but for the wider Milton Keynes family. A Ukrainian couple from MK invited to Buckingham Palace last week were Viktoriya and Dmytro, who lead the Ukraine Appeal charity and the Ukrainian School Sunflower in Milton Keynes. They earned a charming new nickname — “The Ukrainian Bridgertons” — thanks to their elegant and beautifully traditional attire that captured the attention of visitors. Their presence at this prestigious event reflects the growing contribution, cultural pride, and resilience Ukrainians bring to local life, and celebrates the strong support shown by residents across the city, MKFM reports.
Originally from the Sumy region of Ukraine, Viktoriya and Dmytro have called the UK home for more than two decades. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the couple became key organisers of humanitarian support for Ukrainians in the region and went on to co‑found our charitable organisation, Ukraine Appeal.
Their tireless efforts have led to the creation of the first Ukrainian school in the area — Sunflower School — as well as the establishment of the Ukrainian Unity Centre, the founding of a parish of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and the organisation of psychological support for displaced Ukrainians.
The invitation to Buckingham Palace was a recognition of these significant contributions to the Ukrainian community and their ongoing support for Ukraine.
The MKFM team was impressed not only by the couple’s community achievements but also by their stunning attire. “Viktoriya and Dmytro attended the Garden Party in matching outfits designed in collaboration with Ukrainian designers. The colours — blue and yellow — reflected both the UK Crown and the Ukrainian national flag. Their striking attire drew the attention of fellow guests and the media, resulting in the affectionate nickname that quickly spread,” writes MKFM.
“I was surprised,” Viktoriya told MKFM about the name. “But why not? It is one of my favourite series!”
Hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the event was a deeply meaningful moment for the couple.
“It was better than rewarding — it was out of this world,” Viktoriya said. “Absolutely unique, exquisite and phenomenal.”
She described their attendance as: “A powerful symbol of Ukraine and a striking example of modern cultural diplomacy. We are proud to support our homeland through humanitarian efforts, while also helping to shape a positive image of Ukraine on the international stage.”
Source: MKFM
