Prince William Is Joined by His Royal Cousins at Rainy Buckingham Palace Garden Party

At Buckingham Palace today, Prince William hosted a Garden Party on behalf of his father, King Charles.

It is the fourth Garden Party of 2024 so far; King Charles hosted the first one of the season, joined by other senior working royals including Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne. At today's fête, Prince William was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and he invited younger non-working members of the royal family as well: his first cousins, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, and Peter Phillips. His younger cousins Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, both of whom are in school, were not in attendance.

The Garden Parties are an annual royal family tradition. Per the official royal family's website, "Over the course of each year, over 30,000 guests are invited to spend a relaxed summer afternoon in the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse." They add, "Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community."

According to Kensington Palace, at today's event, Prince William will meet guests from his and Kate Middleton's patronages, military affiliations, and passion projects. The Princess of Wales will not be in attendance as she continues to receive treatment for cancer; yesterday, a senior aide revealed that she will "return to work when she has had the green light from doctors," which has not happened yet.

Here, see all the best photos of Prince William and his royal cousins at today's rainy Garden Party at the Palace:

Guests stood under umbrellas as they waited for the royal family to arrive.

Prince William adjusted his top hat upon his arrival.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie walked in together for the Garden Party; Beatrice wore a striking fuchsia dress.

The Duke of Gloucester, Queen Elizabeth's first cousin, joined William at the Garden Party.

Prince William, along with the Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester (on right), listened to the National Anthem. The three of them were the only senior working royals present.

The Prince of Wales wore a white flower on his lapel.

Due to the weather, Beatrice (center) and her cousins all carried black umbrellas.

Zara Tindall, center, looked lovely in a white dress and pink hat. Her husband, Mike, is on the far left in this photo.

The Prince of Wales, too, held an umbrella as he spoke with guests.

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