The young royals today gave a show of support for the King as they hosted a garden party in his absence.
Led by the Prince of Wales, who made his first appearance at Buckingham Palace this summer, the glamorous party also included his cousins Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall – accompanied by her husband, Mike – and Peter Philips .
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present.
The monarch often assigns responsibility for hosting one of the annual garden parties to family members, or allows them to host one of their own for charities with which they are closely associated.
William also hosted an event last year.
Prince William was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester along with the young royals.
Looking elegant in a white dress, Zara channeled my Fair Lady, perfectly accessorized with an umbrella.
Led by the Prince of Wales, who made his first appearance at Buckingham Palace this summer, the glamorous party also included his cousins Princess Beatrice (pictured).
I can’t reign in my parade! Guests made sure umbrellas were up so as not to get in the way of the evening.
But with his father still undergoing cancer treatment, as is his wife, the Princess of Wales, William’s presence, along with the king’s nieces and nephew, will inevitably be seen as a sign of family unity at a difficult time. .
Sources have previously indicated that the presence of the Duke of York’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, should not be seen as a sign that they will begin undertaking more public engagements or becoming part-time working royals. .
They both have other jobs and charitable interests outside the institution, but were always invited by their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to occasionally attend garden parties or larger receptions at Buckingham Palace. It is a custom that the king intends to maintain.
Charles, 75, has a packed schedule of public engagements every day except one this week, even though his wife, Queen Camilla, often urges him to slow down a bit.
Prince William opted for a classic top hat and tails look to represent his father at the event.
Zara was accompanied by her husband Mike Tindall and several friends for the occasion.
As the King continues to receive treatment, each commitment is carefully calibrated to balance his desire to work with his health.
Guests began arriving from 3pm to enjoy the tea shops and palace grounds, despite the gray skies and rain.
Around 8,000 people are invited to each party, nominated by sponsors including Lord-Lieutenants, government departments, charities, military and religious groups.
The royal party arrives, as usual, at 4:00 pm to the terrace at the rear of the palace via The Carnarvon Room.
They stood to listen to the National Anthem before being escorted to the grass before moving through different “lanes” under the guidance of gentlemen ushers to meet as many people as possible.
During the garden party, William will meet guests from his and his wife’s various sponsors, military affiliations and passion projects, including their Homewards initiative to combat homelessness, RAF Valley (the Welsh base where the prince worked as RAF search and rescue pilot). ), Swim England and tenants on Duchy of Cornwall sites.
The inclusion of those with links to the Princess of Wales suggests that when planning for the garden party began last year Kate was expected to attend.