A RIGHT royal PARTY

WHY WILLIAM'S COUSINS REUNITING AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE IS A TURNING POINT FOR THE WINDSORS

- Kylie Walters

Greeted by a sea of umbrellas, the Prince of Wales was officially welcomed to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 21 to the tune of 'God Save the King'. But as the rain came down, nothing could dampen the spirits of the 8000 guests when William's cousins stepped out onto the soggy lawns in a surprising twist.

Dressed in varying shades of pink and cream, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall added some much-needed glamour to the event. Zara's popular husband, Mike, and older brother, Peter Phillips, rounded out the group.

The request for them to attend is believed to have come directly from William, 41, who was hosting solo on behalf of his father as the Princess of Wales continues her extended period of sick leave.