She stepped out with her husband Prince Edward by her side, with their niece Zara Tindall also present.

The annual Buckingham Palace garden parties officially mark the beginning of the royal summer social season, with thousands of guests invited each year in recognition of their contributions to communities, charities and public service organisations across the UK. Senior royals traditionally spend the afternoon meeting attendees across the palace gardens while hosting tea on behalf of the monarch.

It has been a particularly demanding few days for the Duchess of Edinburgh. On Tuesday, Sophie attended the Annual Orbis Visionaries Reception in London, continuing her long-standing support for the international eye care charity. Later that same day, she also stepped out for The Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition at Mall Galleries, where she once again showcased her signature understated elegance.

Garden parties in particular have become one of the biggest fashion moments within the royal calendar, with senior royal women traditionally embracing polished occasion dressing complete with statement hats and spring-ready colour palettes.

Meanwhile, the wider Royal Family is entering one of its busiest periods of the year as the summer events season ramps up. Additional Buckingham Palace garden parties are scheduled to take place later this month, before members of the monarchy travel to Scotland for the traditional Palace of Holyroodhouse garden party during Royal Week in June.