The Cabinet Office lawn became one huge garden party yesterday as society women and Hollywood actresses rubbed shoulders with the movers and shakers of Bermuda.

The weather was perfect – a clear blue sky with a temperature so warm that the assembled soldiers of the Bermuda Regiment struggled to maintain their composure.

They were not the only ones, as suddenly hundreds of Bermuda Public Services Union workers filed into the grounds and past the Cabinet building. They marched in silently but their message was loud and clear – we want more pay.

No one had counted on the gatecrashers. And the blue-collar workers, in their t-shirts, jeans and overalls, were in sharp contrast to the suited and booted throng under the white canopy of the manicured lawn.

The slogan on one woman's t-shirt said 'I can ignore you for as long as it takes', but it was hard to disregard the peaceful protest.

As Sir Richard Gozney prepared to read his first Throne Speech as Governor of Bermuda, the public service workers could be heard chanting 'We want our pay now' and singing 'We Shall Overcome' at a distance.

Larry Burchall, the compere providing the commentary on the Island's traditions of governance, did a commendable job in smoothing over the disruption and spinning out his commentary, but the workers had rained on the parade.

The rest of the Throne Speech passed off smoothly enough. One of the highlights of the occasion is of course, the fashion, and yesterday the Island's politicians were looking as sharp as ever.

The Premier, who has reportedly been unwell, donned a dark suit and red tie, while Opposition Leader Kim Swan turned heads in a silver grey top hat and tails.

Deputy Premier Paula Cox's fabulous purple hat caught the eye, as did MP Neletha Butterfield's chocolate-brown long skirt, jacket and gloves, with matching headband.

Meanwhile, Lady Gozneylooked resplendent in a royal blue suit jacket and skirt as she descended from her horse and carriage to attend the proceedings.

Elsewhere, leopard prints were all the rage, as were Jackie Onassis-style twin suits and dark round sunglasses.

US actress Jeniffer Lewis, from Hollywood, was among the guests enjoying the pomp and ceremony of the occasion. Ms Lewis, whose credits include 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'Cars' and 'A Shark's Tale', is holidaying on the Island. She said: "I'm really enjoying the view today. Bermuda is beautiful, the Island is just enchanting."

Dr. Jeffrey Brown, President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Bermuda, emphasised this message in his Prayer for the Convening of Parliament.

Dr. Brown said: "We stand here among buildings that are our best and grounds that are our finest. Our suits are smart, our gowns are attractive, and our headcoverings are regal. But nothing can compare to the freshness of the air that we breathe, the lushness of the grass that we stand on, the fragrance of the flowers that we inhale, or the beauty of this land, this country, this Bermuda, and for these things, Lord of Creation, we give You thanks."

But he added: "Yet our appreciation, Lord, is accompanied by anxiety.

"We recognise that ours is a desperate age, ours is an urgent time. We have educational and environmental challenges, we have financial and social challenges, we have daughters abused and mothers misused, we have sons dying and fathers crying, we have children killing children and parents burying children, and if we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need Him now, and it is into this world, this day, that we present to You these – the leaders of our country.

"Grant them the wisdom to discharge their functions as they decide our futures."