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King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace© Alamy Stock Photo

King Charles opens doors to private home for first palace garden party of the year - best photos 

Their Majesties played host at Buckingham Palace  

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Emily Nash - London
Royal EditorLondon
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Senior Evening Writer
Updated: May 7, 2025
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The King and Queen were on good form as they welcomed guests to the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year.

In the middle of a busy week to mark VE Day commemorations, Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, stepped out to mingle with attendees, who have made a positive impact in their community.

Their Majesties were joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the afternoon soiree.

Upon arrival, the royals stood at the top of the garden steps to observe the national anthem, before dispersing into the crowd.

See the best photos from the Buckingham Palace garden party…

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla stand at the top of the Garden steps, as the National Anthem is played© Getty Images

Royal arrival

Thousands of guests were in attendance, as the royals made their entrance from the top of the steps.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla stand at the top of steps© Getty

Standing for the national anthem

The King looked smart in a grey morning suit with a black top hat, while the Queen matched her millinery to her teal outfit.

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King tipping his hat and Queen Camilla in teal dress© Alamy Stock Photo

Making their entrance

The King was pictured tipping his hat to the crowd after the national anthem was played.

The Queen looked beautiful in a teal blue crepe silk dress with a cream lace inset by Christian Dior and a hat by Philip Treacy.

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The Princess Royal, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Duke of Edinburgh attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace© Alamy Stock Photo

Senior royals

The Princess Royal brought back one of her favourite coat-dresses by Shibumi, while the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a black and white floral dress from Erdem. 

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Princess Anne in a green outfit© Alamy Stock Photo

Anne's glamour

Anne looked as stylish as ever as she attended the garden party.

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Queen Camilla meets guests© Getty

Greeting the crowds

At every garden party, the royals are introduced to different sections of the guests, from all walks of life.

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King Charles meets with guests© Getty

Busy schedule

The garden party was one of the King's many engagements of the day. Earlier on Wednesday, he travelled in a hybrid Thames Clipper down the river to visit Thames Tideway Tunnel project.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh speaking to guests© Alamy Stock Photo

Chats with the Duchess

The Duchess of Edinburgh was seen smiling and laughing as she spoke with guests.

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King Charles laughing with a group of guests© Getty Images

Laughter all around

Charles and his guests were full of joy and the monarch was seen laughing with a group during the event.

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Queen Camilla laughing by a guide dog© Alamy Stock Photo

Camilla and the pooch

The Queen patted a guide dog, saying she was "honoured" to meet him, as she and the King hosted thousands of guests at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Camilla, in a teal blue crepe dress with a cream lace insert by Christian Dior, matching hat by Philip Treacy and turquoise and diamond brooch, bent down to tickle Haworth's tummy after spotting him in the crowd.

"I've had him seven years, he's my fifth guide dog, but he's the first one to meet the Queen,” said his owner Jeanette Binns, an equalities and cohesion officer at Lancashire County Council.

"Well I'm very honoured to meet him," replied the Queen, smiling.

"He did pile it on a bit," Jeanette said of Haworth afterwards. "He knows how to impress. I've always said he's an attention seeker, he's gone up a notch with this."

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Queen Camilla talking to a woman in a mini dress with My Little Pony tattoos© Alamy Stock Photo

Camilla admires tattoos

The Queen also commented on a striking pair of My Little Pony shoes worn by China Morgan, yard manager at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, South London.

"Oh look at that, very cool," said Camilla, who is President of the charity.

Sid Holdsworth, the charity's COO said: "It's really exciting to be here, we are extremely grateful for the invitation. The Queen is a very supportive President."

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King Charles speaking to beefeaters© Alamy Stock Photo

Charles's conversations

The King, who wore a cornflower in his buttonhole and a blue tie, stopped to chat to the Venerable James Ridge, who was appointed as a Chaplain to the King in January, and the Reverend Ruth Ridge.

He also chatted to Messenger Sergeant Major William Tuffs, of the King's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, who is retiring after a 56 year military career.

"I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1969 aged 15 and have been in the Body Guard for 28 years," he said after meeting the monarch.

During his time as a Beefeater, William participated in the funerals of the Queen Mother, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, as well as King’s Coronation.

Yeomen of the Guard also provide symbolic security at events such as Garden Parties.  

"It's fantastic, it's such a pleasure to work at a garden party because people here are enjoying themselves," William said.

"The King was saying about the many years I have served the Crown. He said 'enjoy your retirement'."

William, who attended with wife Ceri, also served with the Territorial Army and Bedfordshire Police and now volunteers as a lifeguard at the swimming pool at Keech Hospice Care in Luton, Bedfordshire.

What happens at palace garden parties?

Every year, the Sovereign traditionally hosts three garden parties at Buckingham Palace in London, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

Historically, garden parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutants, but have evolved into an event, which recognises and rewards public service.  

The dress code stipulates morning dress or lounge suits for men, and day dresses for women, with hats or fascinators. National dress and uniforms can also be worn.

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