His birthday may be six months away but that hasn’t stopped the royals celebrating Prince Charles’ 70th birthday early.
Thousands of guests packed the luscious gardens of Buckingham Palace for a garden party fit for a future king. As she often is, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was by Prince Charles’ side. The 70-year-old was all smiles as she celebrated her husband on his big day.
On a sunny London day, Camilla opted for a powerful green dress and jacket combo. Her jacket really popped with some intricate white designs on the sleeves, which matched her elegant hat perfectly. The Duchess completed her look with some stunning pearls, perfect earrings and a pair of white gloves.
Camilla happily laughed and smiled throughout the event and spent some time with Meghan Markle. During the event, the pair could be seen giggling and getting along famously. She even stood by Meghan’s side as Prince Harry delivered a moving speech in honour of his father.
During that speech, hilarity ensured when a bee buzzed in Prince Harry’s ear and caused him to lose his train of thought.
“That bee really got me,” he joked as he continued his speech.
As stunning as Camilla looked, the day was all about Prince Charles and all the things he’s accomplished throughout his life.
Bee aside, Prince Harry’s speech moved the crowd as he thanked his father for all his work and for continuing to inspire him and Prince William.
“So, Pa, while I know that you’ve asked that today not be about you, you must forgive me if I don’t listen to you – much like when I was younger – and instead, I ask everyone here to say a huge thank you to you, for your incredible work over nearly 50 years,” Prince Harry told the crowd.
“Work that has given self-confidence and opportunity to thousands of young people who might not have had the best start in life; Or to champion causes like climate change long before almost anyone else was talking about it; and above all, for your vision and ability to bring people together to make change happen.”
Prince Harry added that his father has inspired many more people than those in his immediate family.
“You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone,” he continued. “You have created an incredible body of work that has, and will continue to make such a huge difference to so many people’s lives both here and around the world. With that, Ladies and Gentlemen, please can I ask you to join me in wishing The Prince of Wales a very Happy Birthday – 6 months ahead of his 70th! How very Royal!”
The garden party also marked the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in public as a married couple.