King Charles hosts secret Windsor bash for Duke of Kent, where were royals?

King Charles knows how to throw a royal party even when it’s under wraps. 

The monarch quietly hosted a glittering reception at Windsor Castle this week to celebrate the Duke of Kent’s milestone 90th birthday, proving that even in palace circles, a surprise soirée never goes out of style.

According to the Court Circular, Wednesday evening’s celebration brought together a select circle of royals, including Queen Camilla, the Duke’s siblings, Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra, the Hon. 

Lady Ogilvy as well as Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, plus the Duke of Gloucester.

It was a night of royal nostalgia, honouring one of the monarchy’s most steadfast figures and a beloved cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

But not everyone made the guest list. The Prince and Princess of Wales were notably missing, currently enjoying some well earned family time during their children’s half term break. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh also skipped the Windsor festivities, attending the Country Land and Business Association Reception in London instead.

Prince and Princess of Wales were busy preparing for a big move of their own from their cosy Adelaide Cottage.

Meanwhile, the royal family has been reflecting on one of its most enduring members. 

To mark the Duke of Kent’s milestone birthday on 9th October, the King and Queen, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, shared a touching unseen photo of the Duke shaking hands with Charles at Buckingham Palace on Coronation Day in May 2023.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, celebrated his 90 years with quiet dignity that has spanned seven decades beside the late Queen Elizabeth II.