Pregnant Kate Middleton joined the Queen and other members of the royal family for the annual summer garden party on Wednesday afternoon. The Duchess of Cambridge, who is seven months pregnant, attended the highly-anticipated Buckingham Palace event alongside her father-in-law Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Philip.The mum-to-be looked radiant in an on trend lemon yellow Emilia Wickstead dress coat. The New Zealand born, London-based designer is one of the fashionista royal's first stops for elegant outfits. Kate wore a pretty pink pleated design from the same label to last year's event.With her glossy brunette locks in a semi updo, the 31-year-old accessorised the summery outfit with a sophisticated cream hat and carried a nude patent clutch bag and wore matching heels. The famously thrifty dresser wore the same Jane Corbett hat at the Royal Order of the Garter procession at Windsor Castle in June 2012.
All eyes were on expectant Kate and her baby bump, and she charmed her fellow guests who gathered around eagerly waiting for their chance to talk to her. The royal party were welcomed into the garden at 4pm to the rousing sound of the national anthem played by one of the two military bands providing the soundtrack for the event.
Around 8,000 guests from all walks of life were invited, including Olympians, Paralympians and officials from London 2012. Guests. Their names are put forward by the government, the armed forces, charities and societies.
Two bands play alternately throughout the festivity. Attendees are privileged to be able to explore the gardens which are not normally open to the general public.
They will drink more than 270,000 cups of tea and eat 20,000 sandwiches and slices of cake as they mingle with the royals on the plush lawn of Buckingham Palace. A special tea blend called 'Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea' is used for the event.
Kate attended her first summer garden party last year, and it is considered a highlight of the Queen's calendar. There are three royal garden parties held at Buckingham Palace each year and one at the Queen's Scottish residence Holyrood House.
