As music legend lionel richie joins their majesties buckingham palace garden party the king and queen host 8,000 guests at joyful pre-coronation celebration

I n a week when Buckingham Palace played a pivotal part in a historic occasion, the royal residence hosted a very special garden party ahead of the coronation.

Not only did it mark the first of the new monarch’s reign, but it was also the only garden party to take place before King Charles and Queen Camilla were formally crowned, as almost 8,000 guests, including music legend Lionel Richie, converged on the immaculately manicured grounds to celebrate.

Before heading into the crowds to meet guests, many of whom were charity workers and diplomats, the royal couple stood on the steps of the palace as the national anthem played. Camilla looked typically elegant in a favourite navy and white dress by British designer Bruce Oldfield, teamed with a Philip Treacy hat, while the King wore a morning suit.

Sharing hosting duties and also in a morning suit was the Duke of Edinburgh, joined by his wife the Duchess, who was a vision in pink in a fit-and-flare gingham set by Suzannah London and a floral fascinator by Jane Taylor.

THREE TIMES A GUEST

Lionel, 73, who was integral to the weekend as one of the headline acts at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, as well as one of the lucky guests who attended the service at Westminster Abbey, was barely able to contain his excitement at Buckingham Palace, comparing the experience to “Christmas time” and describing it as a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity” before chatting to the King.

“There are a few times in life… the 1984 Olympics [where he performed All Night Long], there were a billion people watching. So, I mean, how many in your career – there are Oscars and then there are Grammys and then there’s a coronation… are you kidding me?” the singer told journalists.

“Come on. Let’s just get serious. Do we have any example of this? No. It’s not like any other time in life or [any other] occasion. So, this is going to be the best thing ever. We’re walking in history right now.”

MAGIC MOMENTS

Told that there would be almost 1,000 years of history behind him at Windsor Castle at the concert, Lionel laughed and said: “Listen, don’t even say that. Now you have me scared. I was doing very well. Once the lights get up and the music sta