Prince William and Kate Attend Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. The couple greeted guests, smiled while chatting with some of them, and hosted the afternoon event on behalf of the King. Kate wore an all-white ensemble consisting of a white skirt with polka dots and a tailored white peplum jacket with black buttons and a 3D floral detail, accessorized with a black and white hat, pearl jewelry, nude pumps and a raffia clutch.

William wore a morning suit with a top hat, red tie and red flower at the lapel. " Leanne Lucas, a yoga teacher who survived the July 2024 attack in Merseyside that killed three young girls and injured eight children and two adults, met the couple again.

She had previously met them in Southport while an inquiry was ongoing. Ms Lucas, who campaigns against knife crime through her Let's Be Blunt initiative to replace pointed-tip kitchen knives, described the encounter as like meeting an old friend. She said the prince was really keen to learn about her campaign efforts and also asked about her personal welfare.

"William wants to check that I'm also keeping an eye on my wellbeing as well as all the knife crime campaigning we're doing," she said. Ms Lucas added that the day was magical and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Princess of Wales told Ms Lucas she was happy to see her full of energy and passion again.

Kate noted it was nice to see her back to the way she was before the attack. The garden party also included other guests connected to the royal family's charitable work. Rhian Mannings, who had spoken with William previously about her husband's suicide and her son's death, described him as always so supportive.

Maria Butler from Buckinghamshire presented the Princess of Wales with items crafted by a knitting group.

Britain's royal family has historically hosted at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace each summer and one at Holyroodhouse in Scotland. Approximately 10,000 guests are invited to each event. Guests enjoy music, tea, and the chance to explore the palace gardens, which are normally closed to the public.

The palace states that garden parties evolved from presentation events for debutantes into a way of recognising and rewarding public service. "Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community," the palace website says.

Invitations are nominated through the royal family's network of sponsors including lord lieutenants, societies, associations, government departments and local governments.

The last garden party Prince William and Kate attended was held in May 2025. Friday's event marked their first joint appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party since then.