Prince William and Kate Middleton are smiling despite the rain as they fill in for Queen at the Royal Garden Party

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton were all smiles today as they stepped in for the Queen to host her Royal Garden Party.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge refused to let the rain get them down as they mingled with guests in Her Majesty’s place this afternoon.

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The Queen, 96, traditionally hosts four garden parties each summer, held between Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House in Edinburgh.

But the monarch, whose parties require her to stand and mingle with guests for around an hour, made the decision earlier this month to step down due to ongoing mobility issues.

Buckingham Palace released a statement last month revealing she would not be attending – although it did not offer a formal statement at the time.

William and Kate standing in for today’s event were joined this afternoon by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Beatrice.

Kate, wearing an elegant mint green dress and matching fascinator, chatted to invited guests while hiding under an umbrella in the drizzle.

Meanwhile, Wills could be seen smiling and laughing under a large umbrella as water poured around him.

Sophie Wessex looked stunning in a blue Emilia Wickstead dress, while Princess Beatrice wore a tan midi dress for the occasion.

One of the royal garden parties took place today for the first time since 2019 after being canceled during the Covid pandemic.

Queen Victoria introduced the annual soirees in the 1860s to recognize and reward public service.

You’ll see people from all walks of life enjoying high tea on the lawn to the tune of a military band, and every year the Queen invites around 30,000 to attend.

Around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 pieces of cake are eaten at each Garden Party.

Her Majesty has made a number of appearances over the past few weeks leading up to her platinum anniversary celebration on June 2nd.

Last week, the Queen used a walking stick as she joined youngest son Edward for the opening of the new Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station.

Her visit, which was mistaken for a surprise, delighted royal fans as she topped up her Oyster card.

It came just two days after she got her anniversary celebrations off to a flying start as she rubbed shoulders with Hollywood royalty in Windsor.

And yesterday the monarch toured the Chelsea Flower Show in a buggy.

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