The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out to host the latest garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, on behalf of the King.
Ahead of their joint trip to Glasgow on Thursday, Prince William, 42, and Kate, 43, mingled with guests, who have made a positive contribution to their communities, including a touching reunion with the family of Liz Hatton, the teenage photographer who captured the hearts of the nation with her brave cancer fight.
The couple were joined by William’s cousins, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
It marked Kate’s first appearance at a royal garden party since 2023, after undergoing chemotherapy in 2024.
Upon arrival, William and Kate stood at the top of the garden steps to observe the national anthem, before dispersing into the crowd.
See the best photos from the Buckingham Palace garden party…
© Alamy Stock PhotoColour of the season
The Princess of Wales looked gorgeous in an on trend butter yellow Emilia Wickstead dress with a hat by Philip Treacy.
© Alamy Stock PhotoImportant entrance
William posed with his wife ahead of starting the garden party. They were joined by William’s aunt and uncle, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesLook of love
The couple shared an inimate moment before greeting guests.
© Alamy Stock PhotoSpecial present
During their touching reunion, Liz Hatton’s younger brother, Mateo, nine, gave the Princess of Wales two yellow Jellycat toys, in the shape of a lemon pie and a pickled onion.
William said: “My children will love these. They are children’s currency.”
Kate said to Liz’s family: “It matches my dress, how did you know?
“We talked about it. When I see the fish and chips Jellycat, I think of her.
“She really made the most of everything. I loved her creativity all the way through.
“If you need any help fundraising, maybe I can help. Please stay in touch, really.”
© Alamy Stock PhotoTouching meeting
Before her passing, Liz managed to photograph Prince William. The royal couple spent a few minutes chatting to Vicky Robayna, and stepfather, Aaron Robayna Thompson, who were special guests at the party for 7,500 people.
© Getty ImagesA warm hug
Other attendees included Holocaust survivor Steven Frank, who was photographed by Kate in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, and fundraising youngster Tony Hudgell.
Kate hugged Mr Frank and said: “I feel like we’re old friends now. It’s good to see you looking so well.”
The pair discussed the Holocaust survivor’s work talking to young people about his experience.
She said: “It’s amazing to be able to go out and do those talks. George and Charlotte really found going to the VE Day this year so interesting.”
© Alamy Stock PhotoZara Tindall
Meanwhile, Zara Tindall opted for a cream and red floral dress from Anna Mason with a wide-brimmed hat by Jenny Roberts.
© Alamy Stock PhotoPrincess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie opted for a classic navy and white polka dot dress – which appeared to be from Rixo – along with a matching hat and striking diamond earrings.
© Getty ImagesPretty in pink
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a pink floral dress by one of the royals’ favourite brands, Beulah London, along with a pink and white bow-style hat by Jane Taylor.
© Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Gloucester
The Duchess of Gloucester joined the Waleses and the Edinburghs at the garden party. Birgitte is married to the late Queen’s cousin, Prince Richard.
© GettyBird’s eye view
The royals spent time speaking with different sections of the crowd.
The history of royal garden parties
Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s when Queen Victoria began what were known as “breakfasts”, although they took place in the afternoon.
Guests queue in tea tents and take their seats on nearby chairs, and around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed at each party.
Yeomen of the Guard, dressed in their red and gold ceremonial costumes, form part of the proceedings, and people are free to stroll around the vast expanse of the gardens while a military band plays background music.
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