Prince William is joined by Princess Beatrice for his first garden party of 2024 without Kate by his side as they brave the rain at Buckingham Palace

The young royals put on a show of support for the King today as they hosted a garden party in his absence.

Led by the Prince of Wales, making 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 organise one of their own for charities they are closely associated with.

 William also hosted an event last year. 

 But with his father still undergoing treatment for cancer – as is 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 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 start to undertake more public engagements or becoming part-time working royals.

Both have other jobs and charitable interests outside of 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 the king intends to maintain.

Charles, 75, has a packed diary with public engagements on all but one day this week, despite his wife, Queen Camilla, often urging him to slow down a little.

While the King continues to undergo treatment each engagement is being carefully calibrated to balance his desire to work with his health.

Guests began to file in from 3pm in order to enjoy the tea tents and palace grounds, despite grey 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 arrive, as usual, at 4pm on the terrace to the rear of the palace via The Carnarvon Room.

 They stood for the National Anthem before being escorted down to the lawn before circulating through distinct ‘lanes’ under the guidance of gentleman ushers in order to meet as many members of the public as possible. 

During the garden party William will meet guests from a number of both his own and his wife’s patronages, military affiliations and passion projects including his Homewards initiative to combat homelessness, RAF Valley (the Welsh base where the prince worked as an RAF Search and rescue pilot), Swim England and tenants across the 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 it had been expected that Kate would attend.