Charles steps in (again) for Palace party
DRIZZLE couldn’t dampen guests’ spirits yesterday as Buckingham Palace hosted its first garden party since 2019.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall led the way in the Queen’s absence, fresh from stepping in at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday.
Some 8,000 attendees in the 39acre garden were greeted by the future king in top hat and tails, while Camilla wore a Fiona Clare coat dress and Philip Treacy hat kept dry by her brolly. They were joined by Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. while guests included England’s chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and staff from a string of charities.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, officials confirmed that royal occasions have kept up with changing times. Following the news that Royal Ascot will allow gender-fluid racegoers to use the title ‘Mx’, a Palace spokesman said guests were addressed ‘according to their preference’ under a policy which has been in place ‘for many years’. They added: ‘There is a dress guide for the day and... guests interpret it as they wish.’
Aides said they believed Charles met at least one transgender guest at the Palace yesterday.
It was announced last week that the Queen, 96, would not attend this summer’s four royal garden parties, which typically involve standing for two hours.