The Royal Family attended the first Palace garden party of the season, continuing with business as usual despite Prince Harry's visit to the UK. King Charles III, dressed in a top hat and tails, laughed and chatted with some of the 8,000 guests just 24 hours after it was confirmed he would not meet his son, despite their close proximity.
The King was joined in the spring sunshine by the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Prince William hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The only senior royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales; William had conducted an investiture earlier, while Kate is not undertaking public duties while she undergoes chemotherapy.
The event marked a clear show of solidarity for the 75-year-old King, who returned to public-facing duties last week for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. He appeared in his element, spending time chatting with guests and removing his top hat to wave it in the air as a crowd sang the national anthem. Many well-wishers asked after his health, with one saying, 'So glad you are looking so much better.' Charles replied, 'I'm not doing badly.'
Meanwhile, two miles away, Prince Harry arrived at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Wearing his military medals, he waved to crowds and greeted the Dean of St Paul's. Among the congregation were Princess Diana's siblings Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer, and former Army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as Harry's mentor. Harry sat next to Dyer and exchanged a few words before the service.
The service included a hymn, a bible reading by Harry, and a recitation of the Invictus poem by actor Damian Lewis. An emotional testimony was given by former Invictus Games Team UK vice-captain Michelle Turner, who said, 'Thank you Invictus for giving me my life back.' The congregation responded with a standing ovation.
