Kate Middleton and Prince William Host a Dreamy Buckingham Palace Party: See Photos

This year's garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the royal couple, is set to honor individuals connected to their personal projects. Among the guests are Rhian Mannings, founder of the charity 2wish, which supports bereaved families, and Sam Stables, founder of We Are Farming Minds, which addresses mental health stigmas in the farming community. This marks their second time leading the festivities, following a similar event in 2025 that acknowledged community contributors, including the family of the late Liz Hatton.

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived at the party an hour late, while their guests were already enjoying mini cakes and sandwiches. Their entry was marked by playing the national song, which officially kicked off the festivities.

The Prince and Princess of Wales put up a united front as a couple before facing the most anticipated solo trip. Princess Kate is scheduled to visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, on May 13 for a fact-finding trip focused on supporting children and caregivers in early years education. This will be her first official overseas trip since her cancer journey.

For the occasion, the Princess of Wales turned to her favorite designer and stunned the crowd in a black and white Self-Portrait dress. The polka dot pleated midi dress also featured a large floral appliqué. She paired the outfit with a vintage, matching colored, wide-brimmed Mitzi Lorenz hat and the late Queen Elizabeth II's delicately fashioned Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, as a tribute.

True to her compassionate persona, the Princess of Wales was captured interacting with Leanne Lucas, a dance teacher injured during the Southport attack in July 2024. Since the incident, Kate and William have visited the town twice, including a new playground honoring two young girls who lost their lives.