Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace

1. Kate Middleton, Prince Charles and Camilla arrive

Applause broke out as the Queen and Prince Philip, followed by Charles, Camilla and Kate, made their way towards their guests on the first Buckingham Palace party of the summer.

2. The Buckingham Palace party

Ahead of the Diamond Jubilee this weekend, the Duchess of Cambridge joined Queen Elizabeth II and 8,000 guests for tea and cakes on the palace grounds.

3. Queen Elizabeth II mingles

'She [the Queen] was chatting with her guests for nearly two hours this afternoon,' said guest Katie Couric to ABC. 'I had no idea what to expect. She looked beautiful.'

4. The Duchess of Cambridge's dress

Catherine Middleton looked pretty in pink as she enjoyed the sun and mingled with guests. The 30-year-old's Emilia Wickstead dress was elegant and understated, combined perfectly with a Jane Corbett hat.

5. The Duchess of Cambridge meets guests

Although Prince William reportedly remained at the Royal Air Force base in Anglesey, Wales, Kate looked completely at ease with her fellow royal family members. The Duke of Cambridge is a search-and-rescue pilot on the Welsh island.

6. The Duchess of Cambridge talks with guests

Kate is looking more and more confident with making public appearances without her husband.

7. Kate Middleton is the belle of the ball

'She [Kate Middleton] was very confident, beautiful and elegant,' said Bethan Haynes from Anglesey, with whom the Duchess of Cambridge shared stories.

8. Queen Elizabeth II's dress

The Queen wore a lilac and white floral silk dress with a lilac silk wool coat by Peter Enrione, with matching hat by Angela Kelly.

9. The Duchess of Cambridge's outfit

Catherine Middleton wore the same £1,200 dress for the Royal Sovereign’s Lunch in honour of the Queen’s jubilee at Windsor Castle two weeks ago, but the addition of the hat really freshened up the outfit.

10. The sun shines on Buckingham Palace

Those in attendance couldn't have hoped for better weather, with temperatures at around 24C on a beautiful summer afternoon.

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Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace