Kate Middleton Fills in for Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace's Second Garden Party of the Year

Every year, Queen Elizabeth typically hosts three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland, opening the royal gardens to over 30,000 guests from all different backgrounds. Garden Parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s, and the Queen has been a regular at them over her 70-year-reign.

But this year, due to the Queen's ongoing mobility issues, other members of the British royal family are stepping in to host these parties. Last week, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, stepped in for first one, joined by Princess Anne, and today, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the Queen's first cousin Princess Alexandra are taking over hosting duties.

The Queen's next Garden Party will take place at Buckingham Palace on May 25, and the final one of the year will occur at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on June 29.

Scroll through all the best photos of Kate and the rest of the royals at the second royal Garden Party of 2022.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, looked lovely in a pink Emilia Wickstead dress and Jane Taylor hat. Kate is a pro at Garden Parties: She made her first appearance at the Buckingham Palace event a decade ago, in 2012.

Kate was joined by the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, who has been extremely visible by his mother's side in the past few days.

He joined her yesterday for the opening of the Elizabeth line at London's Paddington Station, and accompanied her to the Royal Windsor Horse Show last week—to watch day two of competition and the "Gallop Through History" performance.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, completed the trio of senior working royals to appear at today's Garden Party. She wore a white floral midi dress and a black and white hat.

The Garden Parry officially began when the royals enter the garden, and the National Anthem is played. The three were joined by the Queen's first cousin, Princess Alexandra (not pictured).

Princess Alexandra also went for a very spring look, wearing a blush pink jacket, hat, and polka dot skirt, complete with white gloves.

Kate and Prince Edward shared a smile as they walked down to enter the party.

Kate is a big fan of this Emilia Wickstead dress—she owns it in green and light blue. She most recently wore the blue version to Easter Sunday services in April.

According to the royal family's website, for a Garden Party, "gentlemen wear morning dress or lounge suits." The morning suit means men wear a top coat and tails, along with a top hat.

Kate appeared without Prince William today; the Duke of Cambridge was at Windsor Castle to present new regimental colors to 1st Battalion Irish Guards. (He has been a Colonel in the Irish Guards since 2011.)

Kate's coral outfit made her stand out in the crowd as she spoke with party attendees.

The majority of Kate's outfit and accessories are rewears. She last wore the fascinator to Trooping the Colour in 2017.

The backdrop of Buckingham Palace makes for a stunning setting for the Garden parties.

A highlight of the annual Garden Parties is the fact that the royal family chats with a large number of guests. Here, Princess Alexandra speaks with a party attendee.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, speaking with two guests who also took a floral outfit route.

Prince Edward looks deep in conversation with two party attendees.

Princess Alexandra's hat was extremely impressive.

A wider shot of the Garden Party, featuring Kate at right speaking with a line of guests.