King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have hosted their first garden party as monarchs at Buckingham Palace.
The royal couple were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as they welcomed thousands of guests into the manicured grounds – among them, Lionel Richie and his girlfriend, Lisa Parigi.
The US singer was captured on camera sharing a friendly chat and giggle with both Camilla and Charles, three days out from their coronation at Westminster Abbey.
“Such a great party, thank you very much for having us here,” Richie was overheard telling the King in footage shared on Twitter by journalist Rebecca English.
Charles’ response, which wasn’t clear in the clip, sparked a huge laugh from Richie, who was asked by the King to perform at Sunday night’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
He was also seen mingling with Camilla, who was heard saying she was “very excited”, presumably about the upcoming event, before Richie cracked a joke
Camilla jokingly grimaced as he added: “Did I say that?”
“Lovely to see you,” she then told the pair as she was whisked away to greet other guests.
The Queen Consort was regal in a navy and white coat dress by Bruce Oldfield – the same designer who is reportedly creating her coronation gown.
The royal family’s annual summer garden parties are a beloved tradition dating back to Queen Victoria.
They came to be closely associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her reign, and marked an opportunity for the monarch to meet with charity workers and key members of the community in a festive setting.
It was certainly a busy day for Charles and Camilla: prior to the garden party, they were photographed arriving at Westminster Abby for coronation rehearsals, accompanied by Prince William, his wife Kate and children George and Charlotte.