Royal cousins join Prince William at 'rainy' Buckingham Palace party
What's the story
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was recently seen bonding with his cousins at the annual Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
The event highlighted his close ties with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Peter Phillips, and Zara Tindall.
This gathering took place amid Kate Middleton's ongoing battle with cancer.
Despite the gloomy weather, Prince William appeared to be in high spirits as guests huddled under umbrellas to extend their well wishes to his wife.
Garden party
Royal tradition continues despite Middleton's absence
The Buckingham Palace Garden Party is a royal tradition dating back to Queen Victoria's time and became synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year reign.
The event serves as an opportunity for the British Royal Family to interact with charity workers and community representatives in the scenic surroundings of the Palace grounds.
This year, with Middleton's absence due to her health, the tradition continued under rainy skies.
Weather woes
Rain failed to dampen spirits at royal garden party
Despite the torrential downpours, approximately 8,000 guests attended the summer event.
Some attendees were soaked while others sought refuge in tea tents.
William engaged with guests from several of his patronages, including Homewards, a homeless project he launched last year, and members of the military.
Author Rowan Aderyn gifted him a self-penned children's book about a homeless boy named Jack.
Upon receiving the book, William said, 'This is great, so inspirational. I'll read this to Louis tonight at bedtime."
Royal succession
Meanwhile, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie may assume prominent roles
In light of Middleton's absence from royal duties, King Charles III is reportedly considering a more "prominent" role for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (daughters of Prince Andrew) in the royal family.
Insiders described Beatrice as "ambitious, confident and fashionable," suggesting that Charles is keen to introduce new faces into the monarchy.
Both princesses attended the garden party, with Beatrice donning a vibrant pink gown and Eugenie opting for a refined nude midi dress.
Family support
Phillips and Tindall attended the royal gathering, too
Son of Anne, Princess Royal, Phillips—described as "like an older brother" to Prince William—was also present at the event.
He has reportedly been a steady support for William, particularly since Prince Harry's move to America.
Tindall, another of Princess Anne's children, attended the event with her husband Mike.
A royal source previously stated that the Tindalls are very much the glue of their generation of royals.