Zara Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, joined the Prince and Princess of Wales this afternoon for their garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The event marked a celebration of frontline workers from across the UK, aiming to recognise the contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services.
Guests arrived for the party, hosted by Prince William and Catherine on behalf of His Majesty The King, at 4pm on Friday.
Zara made a striking impression in a vivid blue midi dress featuring a belted waist and delicate tonal floral embroidery, and a wide, flat-brim hat.
Princess Anne’s daughter completed her look with coordinating heels and a fascinator, styling her blonde hair in an elegant updo with face-framing curls at the front.
Overall, she cut a sophisticated yet traditional figure as she stepped out for the engagement.
Catherine stunned in £460 white and creme dress by Self Portrait, a £135 wide-brimmed vintage hat, accessorised with a dedicated Princess Diana bracelet and Her Late Majesty The Queen earrings.
William, meanwhile, looked dapper in a black tailcoat over a light blue waistcoat. He paired this with a red flower on his lapel, with a pink tie and black umbrella with a wooden handle.
Their Royal Highnesses met guests from a number of their patronages, military affiliations and passion projects, including Homewards and tenants across the Duchy of Cornwall sites.
One guest includes Rhian Mannings, who met the prince last year.
Mrs Mannings tragically lost her son to a hidden illness, and later her husband to suicide.
Inspirationally, she founded charity 2wish, offering counselling, play therapy, and support sessions to bereaved families.
Zara Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, joined the Prince and Princess of Wales this afternoon for their garden party at Buckingham Palace
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PA
Catherine stunned in £460 white and creme dress by self portrait, a wide-brimmed vintage hat, accessorised with a dedicated Princess Diana bracelet and Her Late Majesty The Queen earrings.
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GETTY
Sam Stables, founder of We Are Farming Minds, was also present at the event.
Mr Stables’s charity works to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community.
William visited young farmers in North Yorkshire earlier this week, where he was praised for understanding “a lot more than you would think”.
A team of three young air cadets – Rowan, Anna and Harry – nicknamed the Three Flying Fish, are also in attendance this afternoon.
The trio became the youngest to tackle the 3,000-mile “World’s Toughest Row” in January.
The royals met with a myriad of guests at this afternoons celebration
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GETTY
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
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PA
This afternoon’s garden party is the second such event of the season.
Wednesday marked the inaugural 2026 Buckingham Palace garden party, attended by an estimated 8,000 invitees along with the King and Queen themselves, the Princess Royal, Prince Edward, and Sophie.
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.
Another Buckingham Palace garden party is scheduled for May 12, with an additional event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland on June 30.
This year also features two special themed occasions: a celebration marking The King’s Trust’s 50th anniversary on May 14, followed by The Not Forgotten Association’s annual gathering on May 19, supporting military veterans’ wellbeing.