A surprise guest stole the show at this afternoon’s garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Two-year-old Vegas, a dog trained by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity, made a starring appearance at the event.
The cheeky cocker spaniel managed to leap up at three royals: King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
And not only did the mischievous canine literally jump at the sight of the Royal Family, but he also began digging up the Buckingham Palace lawn, leaving the Princess Royal in stitches.
Vegas was particularly fond of the King, leaping at his pinstripe trousers – though thankfully her small stature meant she couldn’t quite reach the crisp cream waistcoat worn by the monarch, something Vegas’s muddy paws would no doubt have left their mark on.
King Charles was left unfazed by the burst of energy, stroking Vegas on the head and remarking: “They do hearing dogs too, now? Marvellous.”
Vegas attended the prestigious party with owner Kate Wilson, 52, from Horsham, West Sussex.
Two-year-old Vegas, a dog trained by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity, made a starring appearance at the event
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GETTY
Vegas was particularly fond of the King, leaping at his pinstripe trousers
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PA
The pair had a pleasant interaction with the Princess Royal, who was also on the receiving end of a sloppy spaniel welcome. The King’s sister is a patron of the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity.
Anne questioned if it was “everyone or is it just me?” that received such a warm welcome from the four-legged friend.
The royal then asked how old Vegas was and whether owner Mrs Wilson had one before.
“She’s two and no, she’s my first one,” she responded.
The Princess Royal was also on the receiving end of a sloppy spaniel welcome
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PA
The King’s sister is a patron of the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity
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PA
“Does she help you? That’s all working well?” the princess asked.
“Oh, she really helps me. I am a teacher and she has changed my life,” Mrs Wilson replied.
Speaking afterwards, Vegas’s owner said: “She’s a wonderful lady with all the work she does. I’m a teacher and having Vegas has changed everything for me.
“It means she can alert me to things that are going on or alarms going off. And it means my son can leave me alone without worrying. It’s been life-changing.
“She does jump up a little but everyone took it in their stride.”
Vegas and Mrs Wilson were joined by Prince Edward, Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, along with up to around 8,000 invitees this afternoon at Buckingham Palace.
The gathering paid tribute to frontline workers from across the UK, recognising those who serve through voluntary efforts, emergency services, and charitable endeavours.
Garden parties represent a cherished royal tradition stretching back to the 1860s, established as a means for the monarch to express gratitude for public service and community contributions.
More than 30,000 individuals receive invitations to these gatherings across the spring and summer months each year.
Two further Buckingham Palace garden parties are scheduled for May 8 and May 12, with an additional event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland on June 30.