King Charles beams as he welcomes thousands of guests at palace party

King Charles looked every bit the proud host as he welcomed over 8,000 guests to a sun-soaked garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday, July 1.

The event, part of the royal family's annual Royal Week in Scotland, saw the 76-year-old monarch dressed in full formalwear — top hat, waistcoat, and tailcoat — as he warmly greeted attendees from across the Highlands to the Borders.

Queen Camilla and Princess Anne joined him in coordinating blue ensembles, with Camilla donning a Fiona Clare dress and Anne opting for a floral print under a matching blazer and fascinator.

The Garden Party is meant to celebrate those who have made positive contributions to Scottish communities.

For instance, Charles offered his support to the first-ever female members of the Royal Company of Archers, his ceremonial bodyguards in Scotland. Among them was 35-year-old Olympian Lady Katherine Douglas, who served on the women's rowing team at the Tokyo Games..

Earlier in the day, Charles was welcomed to Scotland with a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour. 

He also participated in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, symbolically receiving the keys to Edinburgh before returning them "for safekeeping."