The Prince and Princess of Wales returned to royal duties on Tuesday to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II on her 100th birthday.
William and Kate joined King Charles and Queen Camilla, who earlier viewed the designs for the late monarch's memorial at the British Museum, for a reception in the Marble Hall at Buckingham Palace.
Also present were the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Gloucesters, Princess Alexandra, and the Duke of Kent. The couple's children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, who turns eight later this week, did not accompany them.
The Princess looked stunning in an A-line light pink dress from Emilia Wickstead, with her brunette locks falling in waves, appearing to accessorise with a string of pearls belonging to the late Queen. The couple looked solemn as they remembered William's grandmother, with whom they shared a close bond.
Tuesday's events mark their return to public duties after a three-week break for Easter, aside from attending church on Easter Sunday.
See the best royal photos from Tuesday's outing below.
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© Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate have returned to duties after a month away from the public eye due to the Easter holidays.
The future King and Queen were seen arm in arm as they attended a reception at Buckingham Palace.
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© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Princess of Wales received guests, including centenarian John Jervois, with warm conversation and a handshake.
During the reception, the royal family met guests from Queen Elizabeth's patronages.
There were representatives from Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross Society, Jockey Club, Royal Kennel Club and the Army Benevolent Fund.
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© Getty ImagesKate chatted with guests, wearing a stunning shade of lilac beloved by the late Queen.
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© Getty ImagesThe Princess accessorised with pearls, while her lilac dress gathered at the front.
Kate and the Queen also shared a mutual trust and respect for one another, and the monarch "looked out" for her when she joined the royal family in 2011 after marrying William.
"Right from the off, the Queen was really interested in Catherine as a person, and really interested in being able to support her and mentor her as well," royal editor Russell Myers recalled in a recent interview.
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© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesPrince William greeted a delighted Joan Illingworth, one of the guests at the reception.
William and his grandmother shared an unbreakable bond during her lifetime, often seen sharing jokes and giggles together.
He and Kate even made a big move to Windsor to be closer to her Majesty before her passing in 2022, and he stepped up to take on more of her royal duties.
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© Getty ImagesRoyal mother-of-three Kate, 44, was as stylish as ever in a floaty pink gown.
She appeared to have chosen a string of pearls belonging to the late Queen for the occasion.
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© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceHer close embrace and hug were a sign of closeness with the guests on a poignant occasion.
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© AlamyThey were also joined by centenarians who, like the late Queen, are celebrating their 100th birthday today.
The party enjoyed a slice of cake and received their special cards from King Charles in person.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Prince and Princess were joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.
Also present were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, and Princess Alexandra.
