King Charles is in his element at first royal garden party of the year

• The monarch, 75, was joined by other senior royals at the important event
• READ MORE: Prince Harry waves to crowds as he arrives at St Paul’s Cathedral for Invictus Games service 

King Charles looked in his element at Queen Camilla’s side as the royal couple hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon.

The monarch, 75, who had taken a break from public duties amid his treatment for cancer, appeared in very good spirits as he spoke to guests.

Aides are keen that the monarch is protected as much as possible from anything that could lead to infection – but the gathering was allowed to go ahead due to being outdoors.

Charles joined other senior royals for the first royal party of the summer season, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

At the same time just two miles away in St Paul’s Cathedral, Charles’s son Prince Harry attended a service of thanksgiving to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games.

King Charles appeared back to his usual chuckling self as he hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday

The King, who had taken time off work amid his cancer treatment, looked in his element by Queen Camilla’s side

A spokesperson for the Duke Of Sussex previously confirmed the monarch’s ‘full programme’ meant a get-together between Harry and his cancer-stricken father would not be happening.

Charles – known for his sense of humour – seemed to be back to his usual personable self as he joked with the guests and was pictured in and amongst the crowd.

Wearing a grey suit, light blue waistcoat and top hat, he could be seen smiling to the crowds as he ventured out into the sun with the Queen by his side.

The King returned last week to public-facing duties after taking time away from engagements during his treatment with cancer, in what many have seen as a positive sign.

Camilla herself looked the part in an elegant white dress by Fiona Clare, a hat by Philip Treacy and a heart-shaped diamond brooch which previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

His Majesty was also joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Princess Anne looked as classy as ever in a royal blue ensemble, adding an elegant chain of pearls as she too mingled with guests.

And Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also looked radiant in a pale pink long-sleeved dress with matching accessories.

Charles – known for his sense of humour – seemed to be back to his usual personable self as he joked with the guests

Charles wore a grey suit, light blue waistcoat and top hat, while Camilla was by his side in a white dress

Just two miles away, Prince Harry arriving at St Paul’s Cathedral for a service to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stand with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (right) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (left) for the Buckingham Palace garden party today

King Charles III speaks to guests attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace today

King Charles III mingles with the crowds as he showcased his easygoing nature at the first party of the year

The only working royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales. William had conducted an investiture in Windsor earlier in the day, while Kate is not undertaking public duties due to her health – along with the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, who are both carrying out fewer engagements due to their increasing frailty.

During the garden party celebrations, the King took off his black top hat as he observed the national anthem, where he was met with cheers from the crowd.

His attendance at the garden party with other royals today was a clear sign of solidarity for Charles, 75, who has been given permission to carry out more forward-facing public duties by doctors amid his own ongoing cancer battle.

While the monarch continues to undergo treatment, each engagement is being carefully calibrated to balance his desire to meet as many members of the public as possible with his health.

Aides are particularly keen he is protected as much as possible from picking up any colds or bugs.

Although there are 8,000 guests present today, the event was deemed appropriate as it takes place outside on the palace lawn.

It is likely, however, that interactions will be carefully monitored, or the amount of time the King spends meeting and greeting the public slightly shortened.

Guests began to file in from 3pm in order to enjoy the tea tents and palace grounds amid glorious sunshine and balmy temperatures.

Aides are particularly keen the King is protected as much as possible from picking up any colds or bugs – but it was deemed appropriate given he is outside

The King has only just returned to public duties but appeared in great spirits

The king took a keen interest in everyone he met and was seen engaging in conversation

King Charles was joined by many senior royals include Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie

Princess Anne looked as classy as ever in a royal blue ensemble, adding an elegant chain of pearls as she too mingled with guest

Meanwhile Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh opted for pale pink hues at the popular event

The King shook hands with guests as he arrived at the event, before hearing a rendition of the national anthem and being met with cheering crowds

The King and the royal party arrived, as usual, at 4pm on the terrace from The Carnarvon Room.

They stood for the National Anthem, played by one of the two military bands present, before being escorted by the Yeoman of the Guard down to the lawn.

There was also a spontaneous round of applause for the King after the National Anthem had concluded.

While the bands continued to play a selection of music, the royal party then circulated among the guests through ‘lanes’ which are cordoned by top hatted ushers.

Each senior royal normally takes a different route and random presentations are made so that guests have an equal chance of speaking to a member of the royal family.

The meet and greets normally last around an hour as the party makes its way towards the Royal Tea Tent, close to the palace lake, to meet further guests and VIPs.

The first garden party was held by Queen Victoria in June 1868, who declared the afternoon ‘splendid and not too hot’… quantities of people on the lawn whom I had to recognise as I went along… it was very puzzling and bewildering’.

The King and Queen Camilla walk to meet guests at Buckingham Palace today

Guests attending the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon

While garden parties historically took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, they have since evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.

Sponsors such as Lord Lieutenants, Government departments, charities, the military and faith groups nominate guests who have served their organisations or communities to be send a coveted invitation.

The King undertook official engagements both yesterday morning, as well as this morning, at Buckingham Palace.

He is also likely to have seen his medical team at some point, as well as undergoing his regular cancer treatment.

Charles has not been able to find time to see his son Harry this afternoon despite them being just two miles apart at different events in London.

The Duke of Sussex has flown into London for the Invictus engagements and there were hopes that he would see the King.

But a spokesman for Harry said yesterday that the monarch’s ‘full programme’ meant the get-together would not happen.

Harry is also not expected to see his estranged brother Prince William who held an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle this morning.

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