The Princess in Soft Yellow for Buckingham Palace Garden Party

The Princess of Wales brought back a familiar ensemble for her first garden party in two years. 

More from Simon Perry’s People story.

Per tradition, the royal family members arrived around 4 p.m. local time, standing on the steps of the palace while the national anthem, “God Save The King,” was played.

They then headed onto the famous lawns to mingle with the guests, who had been treated to mini cakes, sandwiches and tea. The guests are invited to the royal residence in recognition of their public service and their links to some of the causes that William and Kate, as well as other royals, support throughout the year.

The Princess greeting guests.

Prince William with guests. 

Other Royal Family members at today’s party included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Eugenie, and Zara Tindall. Here you see the Duchess of Edinburgh speaking with guests. 
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Below, the Duchess of Gloucester.
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Zara Tindall and Princess Eugenie.

Here is more background on garden parties from this Rebecca English story in The Daily Mail. 

…figures invited to garden parties are nominated by state and local government departments, religious figures and official societies.

Each garden party – and there are normally around three or four held each year – see up to 8,000 specially-invited guests including community stalwarts, charity campaigners and military heroes invited to take tea and enjoy the palace gardens. 

While the bands continue to play a selection of music, members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through ‘lanes’.

You can see those “lanes” in this photo and the Princess in the center.

And a ground-level shot, where it doesn’t feel nearly as crowded.

Another view. 

Among today’s guests, the family of Liz Hatton, mother Vicky Robayna, stepfather Aaron, and her younger brother, Mateo.

Liz died at age 17 from Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, a very rare abdominal sarcoma. Below is a social media post from October 2024, the day the Prince and Princess met Liz at Kensington Palace.

Another view of the Princess with Liz Hatton’s family.

Prince William joined the group.

We return to The Sun’s piece.

Kate…was handed jelly cat toys in the shape of lemon pie and pickled onion – which Liz used to give to people that made her happy.

William said, “My children will love these. They are children’s currency.”

Kate said: “It matches my dress, how did you know? We talked about it. When I see the fish and chips Jellycat, I think of her.”

In this image, you can see Matteo holding the plush toys. 
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And here you see the Princess thanking Matteo for the gift. We return to The Sun’s article one more time. 

Speaking about Liz …. the princess said: “She really made the most of everything. I loved her creativity all the way through. If you need any help fundraising, maybe I can help. Please stay in touch, really.”

Vicky told Kate: “You changed her life for the better, you changed ours too because our memories are all positive.”

Afterwards Liz’s parents said: “We had such a lovely day. She would have loved to have shared it. Mateo has lots of pictures to share at school.”

The family has launched a new charity called Capture, supporting those with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. 

Also at today’s party, Holocaust survivor Steven Frank.

More from Danielle Stacey’s Hello’s piece about the party. 

Kate hugged Mr Frank and said: “I feel like we’re old friends now. It’s good to see you looking so well.”

The pair discussed the Holocaust survivor’s work talking to young people about his experience. 

She said: “It’s amazing to be able to go out and do those talks. George and Charlotte really found going to the VE Day this year so interesting.”

Some readers will recall that the Princess first met Mr. Frank when photographing him for a series of portraits that were part of an exhibition showcasing 75 Holocaust survivors and their family members. It was a collaborative effort of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, along with The Jewish News and the Royal Photographic Society. The Princess is Royal Patron of the RPS.

The Princess stayed in touch with Mr. Frank after the photo sessions. You see her with him at the Imperial War Museum in November 2021, viewing the exhibition “Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors.”

This image shows the Princess hugging Mr. Frank at a Holocaust Memorial Day reception this past January. 

The Princess hugging Mr. Frank today. 

And being given a hug by a young woman, I believe, who is Mr. Frank’s granddaughter. 
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Here is one more image from today’s party. 

Now, for our look at what Kate wore for the party today.

She was in an Emilia Wickstead design, the Elta Crêpe Midi Dress ($1128). The dress features a fit and flare silhouette, with “wrap-inspired waist detailing,” long sleeves, zippers at the wrist, and an invisible back zipper. These images show the off-the-rack version of the dress.

The dress was first worn for the June 2022 Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The style is offered in an array of colors, including steel blue, watermelon, green, and navy blue. 

The Princess chose a Philip Treacy hat for today’s party, the style initially worn to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in May 2018, then seen again at Trooping the Colour 2019. The design is from Philip Treacy’s S/S 2018 Collection.

Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo.

The Princess brought back the same bag she carried to the Jubilee Service, the Lili Woven Clutch (sold out) by Australian brand Forever New. 

She repeated her Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Sling Pumps ($895) in the 85mm heel height. The slingback style features a 3.3″ heel, pointed toe, and the signature “GR” ribbon buckle on the strap (inset photo below right). The shoes were first worn at Wimbledon in July 2023. The image shows a leather version of the shoe, as the Princess’s pair is custom-made.

We also saw the return of the Robinson Pelham Acorn earrings worn by the Princess on her wedding day. 

I will see you on Thursday, when the Prince and Princess will be in Scotland to take part in the naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow, the UK’s newest Type 26 anti-submarine frigate. 

NOTE: The post originally included a quote from The Sun saying Liz Hatton died from an inoperable brain tumor, which is incorrect. The tumor was in her abdomen. I apologize for the error.