King Charles and Queen Camilla host garden party© Getty

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla joined by Edward and Sophie at Buckingham Palace garden party - best photos

The King and Queen Consort hosted the first garden party of their reign on Wednesday

Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: May 3, 2023

The King and Queen Consort hosted the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year, just three days ahead of the coronation. The couple were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 

Members of the royal family enter from the West Terrace and stand for the National Anthem, before circulating down lanes of people on the lawn. See their arrival in the clip below...

WATCH: The King and Queen Consort host first Buckingham Palace garden party

More than 8,000 guests gathered on the lawns of the monarch's official London residence, including many of the 500 Coronation Champions, recognised for their volunteering by the Royal Voluntary Service of which Camilla is patron. 

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The royal couple's arrival at the party

Charles donned a morning suit and top hat, while his wife, Camilla looked lovely in a navy and white ensemble. Sister-in-law Sophie opted for a pink fit and flare dress. 

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The King and Queen Consort greeting members of the public

Yeomen of the Guard, dressed in their red and gold ceremonial costumes, form part of the proceedings, and guests are free to stroll around the vast expanse of the gardens while a military band plays background music.

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The King and Queen Consort greeted their guests

HELLO! is bringing you all the best photos from the garden party...

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Thousands of guests gathered in the sunshine

Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s when Queen Victoria began what were known as "breakfasts", although they took place in the afternoon.

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Camilla looked stunning in navy and white

Guests also queue in tea tents and take their seats on nearby chairs, and around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed at each party.

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It was a beautiful day for a garden party

Members of the public and the royal family weren't the only people in attendance, though - American singer Lionel Richie and his partner Lisa Parigi also enjoyed the hospitality. 

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Lionel Richie and his partner Lisa Parigi were among the honoured guests

Charles and Camilla's garden party comes just hours after they joined a rehearsal for their joint coronation at Westminster Abbey.

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Yeoman of the Guard during the garden party

They were pictured arriving at the church with the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Camilla's grandsons, who will be among her pages of honour, and the Princess Royal.

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Sophie chatting with members of the public

The coronation service is set to begin at 11am on Saturday, with the King and Queen Consort making their way to the Abbey from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

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The King enjoying the event

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The royals received a warm welcome

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Around 8000 guests were in attendance

Following the ceremony, the newly-crowned King and Queen will begin their coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach. Here's where you can spot them on the route…

After arriving back at the palace, Charles and Camilla will receive a royal salute from the military in the gardens.

The King and Queen will then be joined on the palace balcony by members of the royal family to watch the flypast.

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