The Princess of Wales makes surprise appearance
Kate has made a return to royal garden parties
The Princess of Wales has made a return to royal garden parties by attending her first one in two years.
Kate surprised guests by joining husband the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace
William, dressed in a top hat and morning suit, was hosting the traditional outdoor gathering on behalf of his father, the King.
The princess, who is in remission from cancer, missed the 2024 garden party season while undergoing treatment during what William described as a "brutal" year.
Kate, whose attendance was not announced in advance as is the custom for garden parties, was dressed in a yellow Emilia Wickstead dress and hat by Philip Treacy.
The couple were meeting guests from a number of their patronages, military affiliations and passion projects, including Homewards, Action for Children and Ty Hafan, as well as Duchy of Cornwall tenants.
Also at the event were William's cousins, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall, with Kensington Palace saying the prince and princess had specially invited the younger generation of the royal family to accompany them.
Kate last appeared at a royal garden party in May 2023, just days after the King's coronation when the social event was staged in celebration of the historic occasion.
Some 7,500 guests mingled in the spring sunshine on the neatly manicured lawn of the royal residence on Tuesday, as William, Kate and other members of the royal family stood on the West Terrace for the National Anthem.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present.
The official engagement marks another step in Kate's gradual return to post-cancer public duties.
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