Kate and William Delight Guests at Royal Garden Party for King Charles

The Prince and Princess of Wales captivated onlookers today as they played hosts at an elegant royal garden party.

Prince William and Princess Catherine made a charming appearance at the event held in the picturesque grounds of Buckingham Palace on Friday, representing King Charles.

Catherine, 44, dazzled in a sophisticated black and white hat paired with a chic Self Portrait dress and heels. She accessorized with a bracelet from her personal collection and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth.

William, 43, looked exceptionally stylish in traditional morning attire, featuring a blue waistcoat and a striking red tie.

Their presence thrilled the crowd of 8,000 as they were joined by William’s cousin, Zara Phillips, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Both ladies opted for different shades of blue, adding a delightful touch to the gathering.

The King and Queen held a similar event earlier this week, and were joined by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Their Royal Highnesses met guests from a number of both their patronages, military affiliations and passion projects including William’s Homewards campaign to end homelessness and tenants across Duchy of Cornwall sites.

The couple had also asked for invitations to be sent to Rhian Mannings, who the Prince met last year.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have this afternoon hosted a royal garden party to celebrate Britain’s frontline workers

The Prince and Princess of Wales during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London

Catherine, 44, wore a pretty black and white hat with a matching Self Portrait dress and heels, a bracelet from her own collection and a pair of earrings belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth

Prince William greets guests at the Buckingham Palace garden party on Friday

Prince William kisses one blushing guess on the cheek during today’s event

Princess of Wales meets guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

The events is celebrating frontline workers from across the United Kingdom

The Prince and Princess of Wales walk side by said during the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

To the delight of the 8,000-strong crowd they were accompanied by William’s cousin, Zara Phillips also made an appearance  

Rhian tragically lost her young son to a hidden illness and subsequently her husband to suicide, and went on to found 2wish to support bereaved families.

Also invited was Sam Stables, founder of We Are Farming Minds who works to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community.

The Three Flying Fish – Rowan, Anna and Harry, a team of three young Air Cadets who became the youngest trio to tackle the 3,000-mile ‘World’s Toughest Row’ in January, were also honoured with invitations.

The Prince and Princess of Wales moved through the crowd greeting some of those in attendance – with William even pausing to kiss one blushing guest on the cheek.

Every summer, the King and royal family host a series of garden parties in London, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

Historically they served as presentation parties for the debutantes of high society, but now recognise and reward public service instead. 

The Princess of Wales greets guests in the garden of Buckingham Palace on Friday

Yeoman Warders march during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, to celebrate frontline workers from across the United Kingdom

Today’s party took place under grey but dry skies, and came after the King hosted a similar event earlier this week

The party begins with the national anthem, before members of the royal family take to the lawns and greet guests. 

Typically more than 30,000 people are invited to the events each year.

It’s estimated that in total, guests consume 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake at each party. 

Today marks the second garden party of the year, with a third event at the palace to take place on Tuesday, May 12. 

The Edinburgh party will take place on June 30. 

There will also be two special events this summer, one on Thursday, May 14, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King Charles’ foundation The King’s Trust, and a second the following week to support veterans’ charity The Not Forgotten.