King Charles supported by secret royal as he braves rain during rare solo appearance at garden party – best photos

The King held onto his umbrella as he made his way down Buckingham Palace’s steps and into the waiting celebrity crowd for his second garden party of the week

ing Charles stepped out to greet guests awaiting his arrival in the garden of Buckingham Palace for a special party in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The King’s Trust.

The 77-year-old monarch appeared alone on the back steps of the palace and stood to attention while the British national anthem, God Save the King, played over loudspeakers.

Signalling the official start of the Royal Garden Party, the King descended the steps with the help of an umbrella, which he used as a makeshift cane. He arrived alone and proceeded to make his way into the crowd, solo. See all the best pictures…

King Charles III arrives for the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The King's Trust

The King’s solo arrival

He looked dapper in a light grey two-piece suit and a blue and purple-patterned tie as he chatted to star-studded invitees, including actors Helen Mirren and Damien Lewis, and presenting duo Ant and Dec.

King Charles III greets Helen Mirren during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The King's Trust© Alamy Stock Photo

Celebrity guests

Entertaining the crowd without his wife, Queen Camilla, King Charles was filmed as he shook hands with Alister guests and laughed with them, enjoying the dry spell on an otherwise rainy day.

50 years of The King's Trust © POOL/AFP via Getty Images

50 years of The King’s Trust

The celebratory garden party followed a glittering evening of style and celebrity as A-listers and royals gathered at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday in honour of the Trust’s milestone anniversary.

The King’s Trust Celebration marked 50 years of the charity’s work supporting disadvantaged young people, and saw the likes of George and Amal Clooney dazzle on the red carpet, swapping makeup tips and handshakes with the King and Queen later in the evening.

The event recognised the achievements of young people supported by The King’s Trust in the UK and around the world and featured performances from the likes of rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, Jools Holland and singer Rita Ora.

Recipient meet-and-greets © Getty Images

Recipient meet-and-greets

The King stopped to shake hands with Victoria Nightscales, who was the recipient of the King’s Trust England award, while Dame Helen and Damian watched on.

An unexpected cross-over © Getty Images

An unexpected cross-over

Former Strictly star Tasha Ghouri looked regal in a powder blue tulle dress as she chatted with the King. The ex-reality TV contestant is a campaigner for deaf inclusion, accessibility, and awareness.

Big smiles © POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Big smiles

As he continued to chat with guests, the King beamed and appeared to be very much enjoying himself.

Here comes the rain © Getty Images

Here comes the rain

While partygoers got lucky with the weather for the first hour or so, the heavens decided to open as the evening wore on and a brigade of umbrellas wandered through the garden.

Charles on the decks © Getty Images

Charles on the decks

The King joined Christian St Louis and Idris Elba and had a go on the DJ decks.

Supported by a secret royal © Instagram / Fearne Cotton

Supported by a secret royal

Joining the King for his garden party was Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, who stood behind the monarch on the steps of the palace.