Kate Middleton leads royals as she attends palace garden party without William

Kate Middleton was joined by fellow royals Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex and Princess Alexandra in hosting the second garden party of the summer at Buckingham Palace after it was revealed the Queen would not be attending them this year

The Duchess of Cambridge was among the hosts of a garden party at Buckingham Palace, standing in for the Queen, who retired from the sunny event.

Kate was joined by Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex and the Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra at the second garden party of the season this afternoon.

However, her husband Prince William was unable to join the royal group as he was in Staffordshire earlier today for the unveiling of a new memorial to submariners at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Kate looked stunning in a salmon pink coat dress by one of her favorite designers, Emilia Wickstead, which she paired with a Jane Taylor hat.

As is tradition, the royal group appeared on the palace steps and the national anthem was played before mingling with the congregation.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the 96-year-old monarch would miss the garden party season, with other members of the royal family attending instead.

A spokesman said: “Her Majesty The Queen will be represented at this year’s garden parties by other members of the Royal Family, with details of attendance to be confirmed in due course.”

do you love the royals Sign up for Mirror’s daily newsletter for the latest news on the Queen, Charles, Kate, Wills, Meghan, Harry and the rest of The Firm. Click here to login .

The first party of the year, held last week, was hosted by Prince Charles, Camilla and Princess Anne.

This year’s parties, being held at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the invited guests are guests believed to have made a positive contribution to their communities.

The Queen has missed a number of important events this year – including the State Opening of Parliament and the Commonwealth Day service.

But she has done virtual engagements and her other duties.

Courtiers have since suggested that the monarch should not be expected prematurely at public events in the future, and will confirm this on the day.

However, she did make two appearances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show over the weekend – in a special performance of the show A Gallop Through History.

Meanwhile, she made an unexpected appearance at Paddington Station yesterday to officially open London’s new Elizabeth Line crossrail project.

Her Majesty met key staff on the Crossrail project, as well as Elizabeth Line staff who will run the railway – including apprentices, drivers and station staff.

The Earl of Wessex was due to mark the completion of the line named in Her Majesty’s honour, but the monarch, aware of the engagement, decided to attend at the last minute.