Kate underwent another rite of passage today when she attended her first Buckingham Palace garden party.
She joined Charles, Camilla and the Queen at one of the celebrated events where guests from all walks of life, invited after nominations by institutions, charities and businesses, to take tea and cakes within the grounds of the royal residence.

The Royals looked happy and relaxed as the family prepares for this weekend's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.Kate attended the event without her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, who instead remained at RAF Valley on Anglesey where he is a search and rescue pilot.

The Duchess appeared relaxed and looked stylish wearing a soft pink dress by Emilia Wickstead, with matching Jane Corbett hat.