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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Kate Middleton leads royals as she attends palace garden party without William

The Duchess of Cambridge was among the hosts at a Buckingham Palace garden party, stepping in for the Queen who pulled out of the sunny event.

Kate was joined by Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex and the Queen's cousin Princess Alexandra at the second garden party of the season this afternoon.

However, her husband Prince William was unable to join the royal group as he had been in Staffordshire earlier today unveiling a new memorial for submariners at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Kate looked stunning in a salmon pink coat dress by one of her favourite designers Emilia Wickstead, which she paired with a hat by Jane Taylor.

Kate with Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex at a Buckingham Palace garden party today (PA)

As is tradition, the royal group appeared on the steps of the palace and the National Anthem played before they mingled with those assembled.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the monarch, 96, would miss the garden party season and that other members of the Royal Family would instead attend.

A spokesman said: “Her Majesty the Queen will be represented by other members of the royal family at this year’s garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course.”

Kate opted for a salmon pink coat dress by Emilia Wickstead (PA)
Kate was without husband Prince William (PA)

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The first party of the year, which was held last week, was hosted by Prince Charles, Camilla and Princess Anne.

This year's parties, which take place at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, will celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and those invited are guests who have been deemed to have made a positive contribution to their communities.

The Queen has missed a number of major events this year - including the State Opening of Parliament and the Commonwealth Day service.

Kate chats to some of the guests at the Buckingham Palace garden party (PA)
It was Kate's first garden party since 2019 (PA)

But she has been carrying out virtual engagements and her other duties.

Courtiers have since suggested the monarch should not be expected at any public events in the future ahead of time and will confirm on the day.

However, she made two appearances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show over the weekend - attending a special performance of the show A Gallop Through History.

Meanwhile, yesterday she made an unexpected appearance at Paddington Station to officially open London's new Elizabeth Line Crossrail project.

Sophie Wessex at the garden party this afternoon (PA)
Sophie was joined by her husband Prince Edward (PA)

Her Majesty met staff key to the Crossrail project, as well as Elizabeth Line staff who will be running the railway - including apprentices, drivers, and station crew.

The Earl of Wessex was due to mark the completion of the line named in honour of Her Majesty but the monarch was aware of the engagement and decided to attend at the last minute.

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