The King and Queen were on good form as they welcomed guests to the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year.
In the middle of a busy week to mark VE Day commemorations, Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, stepped out to mingle with attendees, who have made a positive impact in their community.
You may also like
Their Majesties were joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the afternoon soiree.
Upon arrival, the royals stood at the top of the garden steps to observe the national anthem, before dispersing into the crowd.
See the best photos from the Buckingham Palace garden party…
1/12
© Getty Images
Royal arrival
Thousands of guests were in attendance, as the royals made their entrance from the top of the steps.
2/12
© Getty
Standing for the national anthem
The King looked smart in a grey morning suit with a black top hat, while the Queen matched her millinery to her teal outfit.
3/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Making their entrance
The King was pictured tipping his hat to the crowd after the national anthem was played.
The Queen looked beautiful in a teal blue crepe silk dress with a cream lace inset by Christian Dior and a hat by Philip Treacy.
4/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Senior royals
The Princess Royal brought back one of her favourite coat-dresses by Shibumi, while the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a black and white floral dress from Erdem.
5/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Anne's glamour
Anne looked as stylish as ever as she attended the garden party.
6/12
© Getty
Greeting the crowds
At every garden party, the royals are introduced to different sections of the guests, from all walks of life.
7/12
© Getty
Busy schedule
The garden party was one of the King's many engagements of the day. Earlier on Wednesday, he travelled in a hybrid Thames Clipper down the river to visit Thames Tideway Tunnel project.
8/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Chats with the Duchess
The Duchess of Edinburgh was seen smiling and laughing as she spoke with guests.
9/12
© Getty Images
Laughter all around
Charles and his guests were full of joy and the monarch was seen laughing with a group during the event.
10/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Camilla and the pooch
The Queen patted a guide dog, saying she was "honoured" to meet him, as she and the King hosted thousands of guests at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Camilla, in a teal blue crepe dress with a cream lace insert by Christian Dior, matching hat by Philip Treacy and turquoise and diamond brooch, bent down to tickle Haworth's tummy after spotting him in the crowd.
"I've had him seven years, he's my fifth guide dog, but he's the first one to meet the Queen,” said his owner Jeanette Binns, an equalities and cohesion officer at Lancashire County Council.
"Well I'm very honoured to meet him," replied the Queen, smiling.
"He did pile it on a bit," Jeanette said of Haworth afterwards. "He knows how to impress. I've always said he's an attention seeker, he's gone up a notch with this."
11/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Camilla admires tattoos
The Queen also commented on a striking pair of My Little Pony shoes worn by China Morgan, yard manager at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, South London.
"Oh look at that, very cool," said Camilla, who is President of the charity.
Sid Holdsworth, the charity's COO said: "It's really exciting to be here, we are extremely grateful for the invitation. The Queen is a very supportive President."
12/12
© Alamy Stock Photo
Charles's conversations
The King, who wore a cornflower in his buttonhole and a blue tie, stopped to chat to the Venerable James Ridge, who was appointed as a Chaplain to the King in January, and the Reverend Ruth Ridge.
He also chatted to Messenger Sergeant Major William Tuffs, of the King's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, who is retiring after a 56 year military career.
"I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1969 aged 15 and have been in the Body Guard for 28 years," he said after meeting the monarch.
During his time as a Beefeater, William participated in the funerals of the Queen Mother, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, as well as King’s Coronation.
Yeomen of the Guard also provide symbolic security at events such as Garden Parties.
"It's fantastic, it's such a pleasure to work at a garden party because people here are enjoying themselves," William said.
"The King was saying about the many years I have served the Crown. He said 'enjoy your retirement'."
William, who attended with wife Ceri, also served with the Territorial Army and Bedfordshire Police and now volunteers as a lifeguard at the swimming pool at Keech Hospice Care in Luton, Bedfordshire.
What happens at palace garden parties?
Every year, the Sovereign traditionally hosts three garden parties at Buckingham Palace in London, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
Historically, garden parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutants, but have evolved into an event, which recognises and rewards public service.
The dress code stipulates morning dress or lounge suits for men, and day dresses for women, with hats or fascinators. National dress and uniforms can also be worn.
ROYAL FAN? JOIN THE CLUB
Welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club, where thousands of royal fans like you get to delve deeper into the wonderful world of royalty every day. Want to join them? Just click the button below for a list of club benefits and joining information.
JOIN THE CLUB
