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King Charles Hosts First Garden Party for Public Servants

Published 6 May 2026

King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, honoring thousands of emergency responders, frontline workers and community volunteers from across the United Kingdom.

Around 8,000 guests attended the event under grey skies, dressed in colorful outfits, lounge suits, national dress and uniforms. The King and Queen were joined by Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. All working royals except the Prince and Princess of Wales were present. The gathering marked the third anniversary of the King's coronation and followed his recent state visit to the United States and Bermuda.

The royal party appeared on the palace's West Terrace as the national anthem played. The King wore a morning suit with a pale yellow waistcoat and top hat, which he removed before greeting guests. The Queen selected a pastel blue embroidered coat dress by Fiona Clare, paired with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and a moonstone and diamond brooch. They descended steps into the gardens, where military bands performed wartime classics and jazz, and Yeomen of the Guard processed in red and gold...

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