Queen Camilla recycles US state visit look alongside cheerful King Charles for Buckingham Palace garden party

British royals have gathered for the third garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 12 May and the photos are stunning

Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
Updated: May 12, 2026
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King Charles and Queen Camilla kicked off garden party season on Wednesday of last week with an incredible celebration at Buckingham Palace, followed by Prince William and Princess Kate hosting one two days later. Both events were masterclasses in the art of hosting and summer dressing with incredible canapes, endless champagne and a sea of floral dresses as far as the eye could see. 

Today, Tuesday 12 May, the monarch and his wife have stepped out for the third and final garden party at the palace. Gates opened at 3pm and at 4pm the royals arrived to kick start the festivities. Charles and Camilla were also joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Two military bands provided the soundtrack for the hundreds of guests to mingle and possibly get the chance to chat to a royal. We have the best photos from inside the event. Keep scrolling to see…

King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the garden steps before the start of a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England. The garden party celebrates frontline workers from across the United Kingdom and recognises the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services© Getty Images

The royal couple kick started the celebrations

A royal welcome

King Charles and Camilla stood at the top of the stairs for the National Anthem. Behind them, stood the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The monarch looked smart in top hat and tails while Queen Camilla recycled an Anna Valentine outfit she first wore in 2025 for the Thanksgiving Service for VE Day and also wore on her recent visit to the US.

Stepping out in style© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The royal couple headed to the lawn to greet guests

Stepping out in style

King Charles and Queen Camilla walked down the steps to greet the garden party goers 

The King's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard work during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in London, on May 12, 2026© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

British Armed Forces veterans serve a ceremonial role at royal events

Ceremony in full swing

What a sight to behold! The King's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard pictured during the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the garden steps before the start of a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England. The garden party celebrates frontline workers from across the United Kingdom and recognises the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The party is a huge affair

Guests galore

The guests gathered in anticipation of King Charles and Queen Camilla's arrival 

Britain's King Charles III attends a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in London, on May 12, 202© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Charles was happy to be greeting guests

A royal handshake

The King appeared in great spirits as he got to work shaking the hands of his guests and mingling like a pro.

Britain's Queen Camilla attends a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in London, on May 12, 2026© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The royal re-wore a favourite hat of hers

Hats off to Camilla

Queen Camilla chose to rewear her gorgeous Philip Treacy hat with its striking monochrome design, which perfectly matched her white dress with black detailing. 

Queen Camilla is presented with a book by Penny Pepper (R) at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England.© Getty Images

Queen Camilla has got a new book to read

Gift for the Queen

Writer Penny Pepper took the opportunity to present Queen Camilla with her own book, knowing Her Majesty is an avid reader.

King Charles III greets guests at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England. The garden party celebrates frontline workers from across the United Kingdom and recognises the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services© Getty Images

King Charles commanded the attention of four women

Laughs with the ladies

The monarch sent a ripple of giggles through a group of women during his chat. 

Brigitte, Duchess of Gloucester poses during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England. The garden party celebrates frontline workers from across the United Kingdom and recognises the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services. (Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)© Getty Images

Duchess of Gloucester, 79, looked glowing at the event

Duchess of Gloucester joined the party

Brigitte, Duchess of Gloucester was in attendance wearing a mink-hued hat, cream jacket and pearls.

Guests watch on as King Charles III greets guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 12, 2026 in London, England. The garden party celebrates frontline workers from across the United Kingdom and recognises the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)© Getty Images

Guests snapped pictures as Charles was spotted on the lawns

Cameras at the ready

Party guests pulled out their phones as the royal came into view - imagine having a snap of Charles on your camera roll! 

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