Countess of Wessex, Princess Anne and the Queen's cousins visit Chelsea Flower Show - best photos

© Photo: Getty Images

The royals were out in force on Monday night as they attended the first autumn RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

While the Queen missed the opening day of the event for only the third time during her reign, her children and cousins were among the attendees to tour the spectacular gardens and displays.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and the Queen's cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra, turned out to visit the Chelsea Flower Show.

Earlier in the day, Dame Judi Dench officially opened The RHS Queen's Green Canopy Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Dame Judi is a QGC ambassador and supports the initiative to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 by inviting people to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee".

READ: 9 stunning photos of the royals at the Chelsea Flower Show

WATCH: Dame Judi Dench unveils the Queen's Green Canopy Garden at Chelsea Flower Show

© Photo: Getty Images

The Countess of Wessex looked summery in a white cut-out knitted dress from Victoria Beckham with matching wedges as she arrived at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 

MORE: The Countess of Wessex brings the glamour in knitted Victoria Beckham dress at the Chelsea Flower Show

Keep clicking for more photos...

© Photo: Getty Images

The Princess Royal looked elegant in a pale blue floral embroidered coat dress for the occasion. 

MORE: Princess Anne looks blooming lovely in floral embroidered coat dress at the Chelsea Flower Show

© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra, was among the royals to attend the opening day of the Chelsea Flower Show. 

The royal celebrated her granddaughter Flora Ogilvy's marriage blessing with Timothy Vesterberg earlier this month at St James's Church in Piccadilly. 

MORE: Princess Alexandra's granddaughter Flora Ogilvy looks gorgeous at private wedding blessing – photos

© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Michael of Kent wore a navy suit and a blue tie for the outing, while his wife, Princess Michael, donned a light green coat. 

© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were greeted upon arrival at the Chelsea Flower Show. Prince Richard's wife, Birgitte, wore a trench coat and a polka dot ensemble. 

MORE: Rare fact about the Queen's cousin revealed

© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Anne was also joined by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. The couple will celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary in December. 

© Photo: Getty Images

The Earl of Wessex was spotted sharing a giggle with singer Ronan Keating and BBC The One Show presenter, Alex Jones. 

MORE: Alex Jones candidly discusses 'trying day' with sons following baby Annie's birth

© Photo: Getty Images

We love this stunning image of the Countess of Wessex as she took a tour through the gardens. 

© Photo: Getty Images

Edward and Sophie looked very impressed by this autumnal display, complete with a giant pumpkin and bales of hay. 

© Photo: Getty Images

During a tour of the the Guide Dogs' 90th Anniversary Garden, the Wessexes made a four-legged friend. 

In July, Sophie succeeded Princess Alexandra as patron of the charity, Guide Dogs, after 67 years.

MORE: Countess of Wessex takes over incredible new role from the Queen's cousin

© Photo: Getty Images

The Countess carried a new accessory for her outing - the Sophie Hasburg Campo De' Fiori brown suede handbag.