The Prince and Princess of Wales stunned this afternoon as they hosted a royal garden party.
Prince William and Catherine stepped out at the event in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on Friday on behalf of King Charles.
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.
William, 43, was dapper in morning dress, complete with a blue waistcoat and red tie.
To the delight of the 8,000-strong crowd they were accompanied by William’s cousin, Zara Phillips, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Both women were in different shades of blue.
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
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.
