The Princess of Wales delighted Three Peaks adventurers earlier this month with a surprise tea party at Windsor Castle – hosted by none other than herself.
The warm and welcoming afternoon was held at the King's Berkshire home nearly two weeks ago, with one subtle detail suggesting King Charles himself had helped to support his daughter-in-law.
Kate, 44, was seen using special tea party china sold by the Royal Collection Trust Shop, which contributes to the care and conservation of the Royal Collection.
Guests sipped tea from the Chelsea Porcelain teacup and saucer, pouring milk from a matching jug.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe Royal Collection is held in trust by the King on behalf of the nation and for his successors.
As Patron of the collection, King Charles plays a very active role in supporting its work, so it's not surprising that the china sold by the shop was seen at his Windsor home.
While we don't know for sure if the King personally provided the crockery for Kate's event, it's a nice thought that perhaps he did!
© Royal Collection Trust ShopKate and Charles's close relationship
Prince William's wife is known to share a very close bond with her royal in-laws, King Charles and her stepmother-in-law, Queen Camilla.
Kate was introduced to the royal family while dating William during their university years, including his father, King Charles.
In her engagement interview, she said: "I was quite nervous about meeting William's father, but no, he was very, very welcoming, very friendly; it couldn't have gone easier really for me."
© Getty ImagesJust six months after her royal wedding, Charles asked Kate to host a private charity dinner at Clarence House on his behalf.
They have much in common, including an interest in art and environmental issues, with Charles once calling her "my beloved daughter-in-law".
Kate and the King can often be seen side by side at major royal events throughout the year, such as Trooping the Colour in the summer, and the Christmas and Easter services.
Inside Princess Kate's very special tea party
Last Friday, the princess, who announced in January 2025 that she was in remission from cancer, was seen in a social media video sitting down with her guests, including schoolboy Ted Haslam, a wheelchair user who completed the challenge with the help of family and friends.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe royal mother of three looked elegant in a plum-coloured belted dress with matching heels, wearing her beloved sapphire engagement ring on her finger.
In a personal message shared on the Kensington Palace social media accounts, she said: "It was a pleasure to welcome other Three Peaks Challenge participants and their families to Windsor Castle. Behind every summit was a personal story of resilience, determination and hope.
Signing the note with her personal initials, she added: "Listening to their experiences of the challenge and their reasons for taking it on was a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely a journey we make alone, and of the importance of the people who walk alongside us along the way. C."
