King Charles and Queen Camilla Carry Umbrellas Despite Sunny Weather at Palace Garden Party

King Charles and Queen Camilla were granted sunshine for the second garden party of the season, but they still kept a handy accessory nearby.

On Wednesday, May 14, the royal couple welcomed approximately 7,000 representatives to Buckingham Palace in London for a special event celebrating those working in education across the U.K. After the King, 76, and Queen, 77, entered the garden party, they stood while a band played the national anthem. The pair then headed out onto the lawn to greet some of the guests.

Queen Camilla wore a white crepe silk dress by British designer Anna Valentine, adorned with the late Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jardine star brooch, and a Philip Treacey hat. Meanwhile, King Charles looked sharp in a suit and top hat, accessorizing with a blue tie featuring a fun design of cartoon submarines.

Both the monarch and his wife also carried umbrellas — despite sunny weather! They did the same last week when they hosted the first garden party of the season. Even if there was no rain in the forecast, the umbrellas may have been on hand to provide shade if needed.

While chatting with a guest in 2019, Queen Elizabeth once said that the weather was a concern at garden parties.

“Well, you do rather hope the sun shines as when you invite 8,000 people to have tea on your lawn. It can be a bit of a worry,” the history-making monarch commented.

The garden parties go on rain or shine, and last year, Prince William was joined by some of his cousins — Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall and Zara’s husband, Mike Tindall — for an event where the weather did not exactly cooperate. However, they carried on while holding umbrellas.

Zara came extra prepared for the rainy outdoor appearance, wearing protective stoppers on the heels of her shoes to prevent her from sinking into the wet grass.

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In addition to three King’s garden parties scheduled for the season — two at Buckingham Palace, with the next taking place on May 20, and one at the Palace of the Holyroodhouse in Scotland on July 1 — there are also a handful of special themed garden parties taking place this year.

Aside from today’s “Education and Skills Garden Party,” the Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party will take place on Friday, May 16, hosted by Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester.

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