King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Magnificent garden party in the pouring rain
King Charles III and Queen Camilla during her rainy garden party in Edinburgh.
© JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla celebrated one of their garden parties in the persistent rain of Edinburgh. Princess Anne was also there.
King Charles III (74) and Queen Camilla (75) invited to one of their infamous royal garden parties on Tuesday at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition to Charles and Camilla and around 6,000 invited guests, Princess Anne (72) was also there as a royal hostess. In the steady rain, Camilla appeared in a chic white coat under a matching umbrella.
These parties have a long tradition in the British monarchy. As a rule, several of them are celebrated in Buckingham Palace, but one is also celebrated annually in the official royal residence in Scotland. This year’s first party took place on May 3rd in London. Established during the reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), garden parties are an important opportunity for members of the royal family to connect with a wide range of people from all walks of life.
The invitations go out to members of the military, politicians, clubs and associations, government agencies, community representatives, the church and religious groups, among others. It is hoped that this will reach a representative cross-section of society.
More celebrations are taking place in Edinburgh tomorrow
Every year around 30,000 people gather at the garden parties and spend a summer afternoon there with the royal couple and other high-ranking representatives of the British royal family. Again, as at any party, Charles and Camilla walked through a line of guests and chatted with many of those in attendance. After these public talks, the members of the royal family retire to a tea tent to socialize over tea and later a meal.
Tonight’s party in Edinburgh took place as part of a special Royal Week in Scotland. Charles is continuing his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s (1926-2022) tradition of spending Holyrood Week in Scotland. The most recent garden party also came the day before another round of coronation celebrations. On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the heir to the throne Prince William (41) and his wife Princess Kate (41) are expected in Edinburgh.