Members of the Royal Family stepped out in unity today, as they hosted the last Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for 2022.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester all hosted the party on behalf of The Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the final Buckingham Palace Garden Party with Prince Edward and Sophie, Princess Beatrice and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Many attendees of today’s celebrations were recipients of The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service.
Catherine wore a mint green dress that she last wore for her father in law’s investiture anniversary in March 2019. She paired it with a matching fascinator for the garden party.
Meanwhile her husband, Prince William, looked smart in tails and a top hat, as did The Earl of Wessex and Duke of Gloucester.
Sophie repeated an outfit from a previous year, seen at Ascot, wearing a blue midi gown by designer Emilia Wickstead. HRH also carried a unique bag featuring rattan detailing and floral embroidery.
Princess Beatrice wore a monochrome checked dress for the occasion, which she paired with a matching headband.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Garden parties are hosted to recognise contributions across society, from charity workers and volunteers to members of the civil service. 30,000 guests are welcomed across the four events, three in London and one in Edinburgh.
The function took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, which ceased in the 1960s, but evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service. Guests are nominated by a network of sponsors, including government departments and the Armed Forces.
Royals arrive promptly at 4pm, and the National Anthem plays. Guests arrive an hour before to enjoy music, as well as tea and cakes from the palace kitchens on the lawns.
Buckingham Palace has previously stated The Queen would not be attending any garden parties, but instead would be represented by other members of the Royal Family.
The Queen, who is 96 and recently encountered ‘episodic’ mobility problems, has cut back on numerous engagements in recent months. By attending Garden Parties would mean she would have to stand for more than an hour and move down rows of gathered guests to chat.
The Queen pulled out of the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month, and instead was represented by The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cambridge as her Counsellors of State.
However, she has made numerous appearances over the past few weeks, from opening the Elizabeth Line to attending the Royal Chelsea Flower Show.
