Wednesday 18 May 2022 05:04 PM Kate Middleton and Sophie Wessex represent the Queen at Buckingham Palace ... trends now
The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a coral coat dress as she teamed up Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex to host a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The trio stood in for the Queen, 96, who traditionally hosts four garden parties each summer but has bowed out of this year's engagements amid ongoing mobility issues.
The annual garden parties, which are held between Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, are a way for the monarch to celebrate and reward those who have distinguished themselves in public service. They require the royal hosts to spend more than an hour on their feet as they make their way through the crowd.
The Queen, who will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee next month, is increasingly relying on senior royals including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William to stand in her stead at high profile engagements.
Yesterday the Queen made a surprise appearance at the opening of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station, a week after she missed the State Opening of Parliament.
Today she was represented by the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Edward, and the Countess of Wessex, one of Her Majesty's most trusted confidantes.
Kate, 40, who wore a monochrome Emilia Wickstead ensemble, appeared perfectly poised as she joined the Wessexes on the steps of the palace before making their way down to the lawn to greet guests.
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Coral queen! The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a coral version of an Emilia Wickstead coat dress she has worn on a number of previous occasions
Meet the Duchess! Kate spent time speaking to guests at the garden party, which recocognises those who have distinguished themselves in public service
Prince Edward, left, and the Countess of Wessex were on hand to meet hundreds of guests in the Buckingham Palace garden
Pink perfection! Displaying her love of colour blocking, Kate wore her coral coat dress with a hat in the same shade
The Duchess of Cambridge looked resplendent as she joined Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex at the second Buckingham Palace garden party of the summer
The Duchess of Cambridge, left, and the Countess of Wessex spent time meeting guests on the palace lawn this afternoon
The Duchess of Cambridge spoke to a group of women and a young girl who brought a sign along to the party
