Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Kate joins the Queen and Prince William at Buckingham Palace garden party

Share this:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for their first garden party of the year on Tuesday. The couple joined the Queen at the Buckingham Palace celebration, alongside William's cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

It was all eyes on Kate as she greeted guests from the palace terrace, wearing the cream Alexander McQueen outfit that she famously wore at Prince George's christening back in 2013.

kate middleton garden party© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace

The Duchess accessorised with the same Jane Taylor hat she wore at her son's baptism, but chose to have her hair swept up into an elegant chignon for Tuesday's summery event.

William, who looked dapper in his morning suit and top hat, and his wife Kate mingled with guests at the alfresco bash. The pair were pictured chatting to some of the VIP attendees as they made the traditional tour of the lanes – paths that are manned by staff that the different royals walk down.

kate middleton garden party1© Photo: Getty Images

Kate was spotted in the same outfit she wore to Prince George's christening

The Queen, who was hosting the party, was resplendent in a bright blue Stewart Parvin outfit, paired with a hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan.

Garden parties at Buckingham Palace are a tradition that Her Majesty has kept for years. The 90-year-old invites members of the public to her central London residence, usually as a way of thanking them for their services to the community. Guests are also invited to explore the gardens that are usually not open to the public. 

kate middleton garden party2© Photo: Getty Images

Around 8,000 guests attended

An impressive 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed at each and every party, with a special tea blend called the "Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea" prepared.

The royals traditionally speak to guests in the grounds before heading into the tea tent where they are joined by a select number of VIPs and dignitaries.

kate middleton garden party3© Photo: Getty Images

It was a first for Prince William, who had never attended a garden party before

Members of the British royal family take it in turns to attend the Queen's parties. Last week Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall supported Her Majesty.

The monarch hosts at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace each year and one at her Scottish residence Holyrood House.

More Royalty

See more