The Duchess of Cambridge made an unexpected appearance at The Queen's First Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
Catherine, who is around seven months pregnant, attended the event along with Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Gloucesters. The royals joined around 8,000 guests including diplomats, Olympians, Paralympians, and officials from London 2012. As an ambassador for the games it seems fitting Catherine chose to attend today's garden party. After the playing of the national anthem at 4 p.m. the royals separated and mingled with the crowd to ensure as many guests as possible had the opportunity to meet a member of the Royal Family.
Her Majesty hosts at least three garden parties every year at Buckingham Palace, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The parties are considered one of the royal highlights of the year since the 1860s when Queen Victoria instituted what were known as 'breakfasts' (although they took place in the afternoon).
According to the royal website:
"Garden Parties take place between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm, although the Palace gates are open from about 3.00 pm. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, enter the garden at 4.00 pm, when the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands playing selections of music during the afternoon. After the playing of the National Anthem, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, together with other members of the Royal Family, circulate among the guests through 'lanes' which are peculiar to Royal garden parties. Each takes a different route and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to Her Majesty and members of her family. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family eventually arrive at the Royal tea tent, where they meet further guests.
There are tea tents for other guests. Tea and other refreshments are served from long buffet tables. The quantities served are enormous. At a typical garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. Some 400 waiting staff are involved in the serving.
At about 6.00 pm, The Queen and other members of the Royal Family leave the garden, when the National Anthem is played to mark the end of the party."
Guests had the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, a wealth of wildlife and the summer house. Unlike the state rooms the gardens are not open to the public, so it is a real treat for guests.
A closer look at a particular treat from the party.
Paralympian Mark Colbourne shared a photo of his invitation via his twitter feed. I would like to thank Mark for sharing this, as it is always wonderful to see an invite to a royal affair.
Also attending the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace were the world's longest married couple.
Karam Chand, 107, and his wife Katari, 100, have been happily married for a staggering 87 years. The couple have eight children and twenty eight grandchildren. Mr Chand says the secret lies in their sense of humour "My trick is to make Katari laugh. I like to tell jokes and make her smile. Being funny is my way of being romantic."
The Duchess appeared to have a lovely time and enjoyed mingling with guests.
Guest Jo Tomlin shared this photo of Catherine on the lawn.
Kate met Marie Curie nurse Susan Bradley who said afterwards:
'She instantly recognised my uniform and the daffodil in my lapel and told me that she had great admiration for the work the charity does as our staff cared for her own grandfather in his home when he was terminally ill'.
The Duchess also revealed the effect the weather was having on her pregnancy:
'She said that the one benefit of the weather was that it was keeping her temperature down. She said she was thankfully rather cool'.
It is the second time the Duchess has attended one of the Queen's garden parties. She wore a pink Emilia Wickstead coat dress to her first bash in May 2012.
The Duchess chose a Ms. Wickstead piece again today, electing to wear a pretty yellow and white Marella Silk Coat - perfect for a garden party and the season. The abstract check coat is collarless with an open front and three quarter length sleeves. It is available for €1,522 at Matches.
The product description;
'Taking inspiration from 1950's society swan Marella Agnelli, Emilia Wickstead's silk coat is elegant and classic with a hint of playfulness. This perfectly polished, precisely cut piece wouldn't look out of place strolling down Park Avenue.'
A hat is a must for a garden party, and Catherine went for her favored fascinator style with the Jane Corbett headpiece she wore for last year's Garter Day ceremony, with her hair in a half-up style.
The royal completed her look with Russell and Bromley Park Avenue Shoes and a matching clutch. The £165 court shoes are very similar to Catherine's Sledge pumps but eagle-eyed Ashley Marie noticed them very quickly.
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