Duchess of Cambridge Hosts Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, took on the role of Queen Elizabeth II as she hosted a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

The event was organized alongside Prince Edward, Earl of Essex, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

The Queen, who traditionally oversees four garden parties each summer, had bowed out of this year's engagement due to ongoing mobility issues.

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

The royal hosts are required to spend more than an hour on their feet as they make their way through the crowd.

Catherine, who looked every inch the future Queen Consort, wore an all-pink outfit by Amelia Wickstead with coordinating heels, a bright pink fascinator, and a light pink hat by Jane Taylor.

She greeted many of the thousands of guests who were invited to the Palace's gardens to recognize their public service.

The Countess of Wessex, one of the Queen's most trusted confidantes, was typically elegant in a white dress with a pink and purple floral pattern, while her husband, Prince Edward, was dapper in a morning coat and top hat.

The Queen was also represented by her cousin, Princess Alexandra, who stepped out in a soft shade of pink.

The garden party was the first to be held since 2019, after they were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As in tradition, the Royal Group appeared on the steps of the Palace and the National Anthem played before they mingled with those assembled.

The Queen increasingly relies on senior royals including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William to stand in her stead at high-profile engagements.

Yesterday, the Queen was joined by Prince Edward as she made a surprise appearance at the opening of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station, a week after she missed the State Opening of Parliament.

The Buckingham Palace garden parties, started in the 1860s by Queen Victoria, are a way of recognizing and rewarding public service and see people from all walks of life enjoy high tea on the lawn to the sounds 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 20,000 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.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the monarch would miss the garden party season, and other members of the Royal Family would attend instead.

A spokesman said, “Her Majesty the Queen will be represented by other members of the Royal Family at this year's garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course.”

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, proved a glamorous stand-in for the Queen as she joined to host a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince Edward, Earl of Essex and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in London on Wednesday.

However, her husband Prince William was unable to join the Royal Group as he had been in Staffordshire earlier today unveiling a new memorial for submariners at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Looking stunning in her coral ensemble, Catherine greeted many of the thousands of guests who were invited to the Palace's gardens to recognize their public service.

She completed her outfit with pale pink stiletto heels and an enveloped clutch bag in white, embroidered with a green, pink, and blue detailing.

Her make-up matched her outfit as she wore a subtle pink lip and a touch of light brown eye shadow.

The garden party was a resounding success, and the Royal Family members present were able to mingle with guests and celebrate their public service.

It was a fitting tribute to the Queen, who has been unable to attend due to health issues.

The Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace is a cherished tradition that recognizes the contributions of those who have distinguished themselves in public service, and it will continue to be so for years to come.