PRINCE William and Kate Middleton were all smiles today as they stepped in for the Queen to host her Royal Garden Party.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge refused to let the rain get them down as they mingled with guests in place of Her Majesty this afternoon.
The Queen, 96, traditionally hosts four garden parties each summer, taking place between Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House in Edinburgh.
But the monarch, whose parties require her to stand and mingle with guests for around an hour, made the decision to bow out earlier this month due to ongoing mobility issues.
Buckingham Palace released a statement last month revealing she would not attend – although it did not offer a formal explanation at the time.
William and Kate, who stepped in for today’s event, were joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex as well as Princess Beatrice this afternoon.
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Kate, who wore an elegant mint green gown and matching fascinator, chatted with invited guests while sheltering under an umbrella in the drizzling rain.
Meanwhile, Wills could be seen smiling and laughing from under a large umbrella as water poured around him.
Sophie Wessex looked stunning in a blue Emilia Wickstead gown while Princess Beatrice wore a tan coloured midi dress for the occasion.
Today was the first time any of the royal garden parties have gone ahead since 2019 after they were cancelled during the Covid pandemic.
Queen Victoria started the annual soirees in the 1860s as a way of recognising and rewarding public service.
They see people from all walks of life enjoy high tea on the lawn to the sounds of a military band and each year, the Queen invites around 30,000 to attend.
At each Garden Party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are eaten.
Her Majesty has made a number of appearances in recent weeks ahead of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2.
Last week, the Queen used a walking stick as she joined youngest son Edward for the opening of the new Elizabeth line at Paddington Station.
Her visit, which was kept a surprise, delighted royal fans as she topped up her Oyster card.
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It came just two days after she got her Jubilee celebrations off to a flying start as she rubbed shoulders with Hollywood royalty in Windsor.
And yesterday, the monarch toured the Chelsea Flower Show by buggy.
