Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Brave Rain for Final Royal Garden Party of the Year

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently stood in for the Queen at the final Royal Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace.

The event was attended by a host of royals, including the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Beatrice.

The Queen traditionally oversees four garden parties each summer, but due to ongoing mobility issues, other members of the Royal Family have represented her this year.

The annual garden parties are held between Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House in Edinburgh and are a way for Her Majesty to celebrate and reward those who have distinguished themselves in public service.

This year's previous garden parties took place on May 18 and May 11 and were the first since 2019, after being cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the Queen rolls back on her in-person appearances, she is increasingly relying on senior royals, including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William, to stand in her stead at high-profile engagements.

However, the Queen has made several appearances over the past week, including visiting the Royal Chelsea Flower Show and opening the Elizabeth Line.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended Wednesday's event in the run-up to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, the royals chatted with invited guests while huddled under umbrellas.

Catherine wore a mint green gown, which she last wore for Prince Charles' investiture anniversary in March 2019, paired with n^de accessories and a matching fascinator.

Sophie Wessex repeated an outfit from a previous event, opting for a stunning blue midi gown, which she previously wore to Ascot.

Princess Beatrice wore a pretty cap-sleeved tan-coloured midi dress for the occasion, which she paired with a matching headband.

Meanwhile, Prince William looked dapper in a top hat, double-breasted waistcoat and tailcoat, as Prince Edward looked equally as smart.

The annual Buckingham Palace garden party, started in the 1860s by Queen Victoria, is a way of recognising and rewarding public service and sees people from all walks of life enjoy high tea on the lawn, to the sound of a military band.

Every year, the Queen invites 30,000 people to attend the parties.

At each garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20 slices of cake are consumed.

For the occasion, men are asked to wear morning dress or lounge suits, while women are invited to wear a day dress, usually with hats or fascinators.

Three garden parties will be held at Buckingham Palace in May, followed by a party at Holyrood House in August.

Buckingham Palace released a statement last month revealing the Queen would not attend the annual events, but did not offer any explanation.

Speaking on the monarch's absence from the parties, royal expert Angela Levine said it was a shame the monarch did not host the events, as she did previously, but it was a decision made in Her Majesty's interests.

She said, it's a good decision for the Queen not to attend garden parties, as there would be too much standing.

Despite the Queen's absence, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with other senior royals, have stepped up to represent her at these high-profile events.

The rain may have dampened the mood, but it did not stop the royals from enjoying themselves and chatting with guests.

The garden parties remain an important tradition and a way for the Royal Family to connect with the public.