KING CHARLES 'DELIGHTED' AT GARDEN PARTY DESPITE HARRY VISIT

• The monarch, 75, was joined by other senior royals at Buckingham Palace
• READ MORE: Prince Harry waves to crowds as he arrives at St Paul's Cathedral for Invictus Games service 

King Charles looked to be having a great time as he hosted a garden party alongside his wife Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon.  

The monarch, 75, who recently took a break from public duties amid his treatment for cancer, appeared in good spirits as he spoke to guests. 

His high spirits contrasted starkly with his son Prince Harry, who was attending a service of thanksgiving to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral just two miles away. 

Body language Judi James told FEMAIL that the contrast between their separate appearances - which came as a spokesperson for the Duke Of Sussex claimed his father was too busy to see him - could 'hardly have been greater'. 

While Charles was surrounded by senior royals including his wife Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Harry seemed to make for a 'solitary' figure at St Paul's. 

Judi said: 'It’s clear Charles was enjoying himself enormously here and happy to show his delight visually despite the controversy of his younger son’s visit. 

'His face was wreathed in smiles, with enough crinkling and skin-pleating to suggest authentic good humour. 

'His mouth was part-open and we can see his tongue tucked behind the lower teeth in a playful gesture. 

'This is endorsed by the one raised index finger, which is a signature Charles "tell" that he is either cracking a joke or sharing a humorous comment.'

Meanwhile Harry, who has returned to the UK this week from his home in Montecito, California, where he lives with Meghan Markle, appeared to cut a very lonely figure as he waved to crowds. 

While his father looked 'relaxed', Judi said that Harry's body language seemed to suggest he was 'wary'.

Judi explained: 'The contrast between Harry and his father’s appearances could hardly have been greater. 

'While Charles stood beaming and wreathed in smiles, surrounded by loving family and guests, Harry was making his very solitary arrival at the church his mother and father were once married in.

'Harry looked as wary as Charles looked relaxed. He appeared to take his lead from the crowd and when there were sounds of cheers he glanced towards them with a grin, throwing two friendly waves to either side then one afterthought wave over his shoulder at the top of the steps.

'His head was held down and his waves were modest rather than regal, performed as he was in transit and with the hand held relatively low and the palm displayed.' 

As Harry emerged from his car, his hand came up to button his jacket and stayed in place as he entered the church. 

Judi added that this telling gesture 'suggested possible inner anxiety or a desire to self-protect or self-comfort.' 

Charles joined other senior royals for the first royal party of the summer season, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.  

A spokesperson for the Duke Of Sussex previously confirmed the monarch's 'full programme' meant a get-together between Harry and his cancer-stricken father would not be happening. 

Charles - known for his sense of humour - seemed to be back to his usual personable self as he joked with the guests and was pictured in and amongst the crowd. 

Wearing a grey suit, light blue waistcoat and top hat, he could be seen smiling to the crowds as he ventured out into the sun with the Queen by his side.

And analysing Charles's conversations, Judi added: 'The chats looked equally good-humoured, with his brows steepled and some bouts of avid eye-attention to show active listening rather than just socially polite signalling.

'Charles clearly seemed to love being back in more dapper clothing, too. He held his brolly and hat in one hand and tucked his other thumb into his waistcoat pocket.'

The King returned last week to public-facing duties after taking time away from engagements during his treatment with cancer, in what many have seen as a positive sign.  

Camilla herself looked the part in an elegant white dress by Fiona Clare, a hat by Philip Treacy and a heart-shaped diamond brooch which previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. 

His Majesty was also joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Princess Anne looked as classy as ever in a royal blue ensemble, adding an elegant chain of pearls as she too mingled with guests. 

And Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also looked radiant in a pale pink long-sleeved dress with matching accessories.  

The only working royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales. William had conducted an investiture in Windsor earlier in the day, while Kate is not undertaking public duties due to her health - along with the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, who are both carrying out fewer engagements due to their increasing frailty.

During the garden party celebrations, the King took off his black top hat as he observed the national anthem, where he was met with cheers from the crowd. 

His attendance at the garden party with other royals today was a clear sign of solidarity for Charles, 75, who has been given permission to carry out more forward-facing public duties by doctors amid his own ongoing cancer battle.

While the monarch continues to undergo treatment, each engagement is being carefully calibrated to balance his desire to meet as many members of the public as possible with his health.

Aides are particularly keen he is protected as much as possible from picking up any colds or bugs.

Although there are 8,000 guests present today, the event was deemed appropriate as it takes place outside on the palace lawn.

It is likely, however, that interactions will be carefully monitored, or the amount of time the King spends meeting and greeting the public slightly shortened.

Guests began to file in from 3pm in order to enjoy the tea tents and palace grounds amid glorious sunshine and balmy temperatures.

The King and the royal party arrived, as usual, at 4pm on the terrace from The Carnarvon Room.

They stood for the National Anthem, played by one of the two military bands present, before being escorted by the Yeoman of the Guard down to the lawn.

There was also a spontaneous round of applause for the King after the National Anthem had concluded.

While the bands continued to play a selection of music, the royal party then circulated among the guests through 'lanes' which are cordoned by top hatted ushers.

Each senior royal normally takes a different route and random presentations are made so that guests have an equal chance of speaking to a member of the royal family.

The meet and greets normally last around an hour as the party makes its way towards the Royal Tea Tent, close to the palace lake, to meet further guests and VIPs.

The first garden party was held by Queen Victoria in June 1868, who declared the afternoon 'splendid and not too hot'… quantities of people on the lawn whom I had to recognise as I went along… it was very puzzling and bewildering'.

While garden parties historically took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, they have since evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.

Sponsors such as Lord Lieutenants, Government departments, charities, the military and faith groups nominate guests who have served their organisations or communities to be send a coveted invitation.

The King undertook official engagements both yesterday morning, as well as this morning, at Buckingham Palace. 

He is also likely to have seen his medical team at some point, as well as undergoing his regular cancer treatment.

Charles has not been able to find time to see his son Harry this afternoon despite them being just two miles apart at different events in London.

The Duke of Sussex has flown into London for the Invictus engagements and there were hopes that he would see the King. 

But a spokesman for Harry said yesterday that the monarch's 'full programme' meant the get-together would not happen.

Harry is also not expected to see his estranged brother Prince William who held an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle this morning. 

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2024-05-08T21:10:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd