Kate Middleton.Photo: Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty
Kate Middletonattended her first royal garden party since 2019 — and she brought some springtime cheer with her outfit.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 40, joinedPrince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex andQueen Elizabeth’s cousin Princess Alexandra for Wednesday’s garden party at Buckingham Palace, while her husbandPrince Williamhad another outing at the Dedication of the Submariner Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex.Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty
Prince Edward, 58, looked dapper in a morning suit and top hat, while his wife Sophie, 57, opted for a floral printed dress and a whimsical fascinator.
The royals even had a special treat for the outdoor event: good weather! At thefirst garden party of the yearlast week,Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne carried umbrellas as they battled bouts of rain. (In fact, the Queen has said in the past that the weather “can be a bit of a worry” when it comes to throwing these parties.)
Prince Edward.Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty
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Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s as a way for the monarch to recognize public service. In addition to mingling with members of the royal family, guests are treated to tea and cake. (According to the royal family’s website, around 27,000 cups of tea are served and 20,000 slices of cakes are consumed!)
Kate Middleton, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty
After canceling garden parties in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are back in full swing this season — however,Queen Elizabethannounced shewould not attend the gatheringsthis year.
The Queen, 96, has been absent from a number of public outings in recent months amid a series ofhealth setbacksandmobility issues. The garden parties would require the monarch to be on her feet for a long duration to greet attendees on the lawn.
DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP/Getty
Another garden party at Buckingham Palace is scheduled for this month, as well as one being held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 29.
source: people.com
