Prince William, the Prince of Wales, hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 21, 2024, standing in for King Charles III who, along with his wife Kate, the Princess of Wales, is currently receiving treatment for cancer. Despite the rainy weather, he interacted with attendees including Rowan Aderyn, an aspiring author and representative of Homewards, a center in Newport dedicated to ending homelessness. Aderyn gave William a self-penned children's book about a boy named Jack experiencing homelessness, to which William promised he would read to his youngest son, Prince Louis, at bedtime.
The event saw the participation of several young royals including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Zara Tindall along with her husband Mike Tindall. Notably absent were William's father and wife. During the engagement, William also highlighted his eldest son Prince George's interest in aviation during a conversation with RAF Squadron Leader Chrissie Lacey, from whom he graciously accepted homemade cookies.
While Prince William engaged with guests at the palace, Prince Andrew was spotted playing golf at Castle Stuart near Inverness, Scotland. Accompanied by three other golfers and several caddies, Andrew’s day was notably more secluded from the royal family activities in London.