The Duchess of Cornwall speaks to guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London
(Picture: PA)Buckingham Palace royal garden party were back on Wednesday for the first time in three years.
Her Majesty chose to skip the occasion due to her mobility issues after she had to miss the State Opening of Parliament for first time in 59 years.
Instead the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal stepped up to the hosting job on Wednesday afternoon.
They were joined by the new “royal author” the Duke of Kent, and his brother Prince and Michael of Kent and his wife.
As many as 8,000 guests were in attendance for the first garden party at Buckingham Palace since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.
There have been no garden parties at Buckingham Palace for three years.
In typical British style, the weather was the talking point on the lips of the invitees as it was a washout.
To avoid getting soaked the 8,000 guests huddled under umbrellas on the Queen’s back lawn.
Others took shelter in temporary tea tents as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall led a party of six members of the Royal Family around the 39-acre garden to meet guests.
They are important events in the royal calendar as those who have served their country or communities receive recognition.
As the rain poured down, Charles and Camilla got out their umbrellas while they mingled with the crowd.
They spoke to a selection of the 8,000 guests in attendance, including representatives from the Royal Shakespeare Company and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Prince Charles, who wore a top hat, was in good spirits as he shook hands and conversed with attendees including military personnel.
He also met representatives from the Turquoise Mountain charity as well as volunteers from the Prince’s Trust.
Camilla wore a blue and white embroidered coat dress by Fiona Clare, with a hat by Philip Treacey, as she made her way around the sea of umbrellas.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty and 11-year-old fundraiser Tobias Weller – known as Captain Tobias – were also among the guests.
The National Anthem was played by a military band as part of a selection of music during the afternoon.
Other events will be staged at Buckingham Palace on May 18 and 25.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will be the venue for a party on June 29.
Last week the palace announced that the Queen would no longer attend the events which involve members of the Royal Family standing talking to guests for two hours.
