Kate Middleton.Photo: Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare stepping in forQueen Elizabethfor a party at the palace.
The royal couple led other members of the royal family in hosting the third garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace in London on Wednesday. Kate, 40, andPrince William, 39, greeted many of the thousands of guests who were invited to the royal residence’s gardens in recognition of their public service.
Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s as a way for the monarch to recognize public service. In addition to mingling with members of the royal family, guests are treated to tea and cake. (According to the royal family’s website, around 27,000 cups of tea are served and 20,000 slices of cakes are consumed!)
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
After canceling garden parties in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are back in full swing this season — however,Queen Elizabethannounced shewould not attend the gatheringsthis year.
The Queen, 96, has been absent from a number of public outings in recent months amid a series ofhealth setbacksandmobility issues. The garden parties would require the monarch to be on her feet for a long duration to greet attendees on the lawn.
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After Wednesday’s event, there is one garden party left on the royal calendar, but the final one of the year will take place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 29.
source: people.com
