The young royal family today showed their support for the king when they organized 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 the responsibility of organizing one of the annual garden parties to family members, or allows them to organize one themselves for charities with which they are closely associated.
William also organized an event last year.
Prince William was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, along with the young royals
Zara looked chic in a white dress, channeling my Fair Lady, paired perfectly with an umbrella
Led by the Prince of Wales, who made his first appearance at Buckingham Palace this summer, the glamorous gathering was also attended by his cousins, Princess Beatrice (pictured)
I can’t rule in my parade! Guests made sure to have umbrellas ready so as not to get in the way of the party
But with his father still undergoing treatment for cancer – as does his wife, the Princess of Wales – William’s presence, alongside the king’s nieces and nephew, will inevitably be seen as a sign of family unity in 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 taken as a sign that they will take on more public engagements or become part-time working royals.
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 wants to maintain.
The 75-year-old Charles has a full agenda with public appointments except for one day this week, despite his wife, Queen Camilla, often urging him to take it easy.
Prince William opted for a classic top hat and tails look to represent his father at the event
Zara was joined by husband Mike Tindall and a number of friends for the occasion
As the king continues to undergo treatment, each assignment is carefully tailored to balance his desire to work and his health.
From 3 p.m., guests began filing in to enjoy the tea tents 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, the military and faith groups.
The royal party will arrive, as usual, at 4pm on the terrace at the back of the palace via The Carnarvon Room.
They stood for the national anthem before being escorted to the lawn before walking through various ‘alleys’ accompanied by gentleman ushers to meet as many members of the public as possible.
During the garden party, William will meet guests from a number of patronages, military connections and passion projects of both himself and his wife, including his Homewards initiative to tackle homelessness, RAF Valley (the Welsh base where the Prince worked as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot ), Swim England and tenants in the Duchy of Cornwall.
The inclusion of people with links to the Princess of Wales suggests that when planning for the garden party began last year, Kate was expected to attend.