King Charles praised for US Congress speech at Buckingham Palace's first garden party of the season

The first garden party of the season has taken place at Buckingham PalaceKing Charles praised for US Congress speech at Buckingham Palace's first garden party of the seasonA host of senior royals have joined the King at Buckingham Palace for the inaugural garden party of the year, as Charles was complimented on his speech in the US while an excitable dog dug up the royal lawnByRussell MyersRoyal EditorCharlotte FosterRoyal Reporter11:09, 7 May 2026|commentsThe King was complimented on his speech to Congress as he and Queen Camilla celebrated emergency responders at the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace. Grey skies did not dampen the spirits of the 8,000 guests on Wednesday who were wearing colourful dresses, lounge suits and national dress as they gathered to enjoy tea, cakes and sandwiches at a party attended by Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the King’s official London residence. As they arrives, the royals made their way down lines of invitees, shaking their hands, asking about their work, greeting service dogs and pointing guests in the direction of the tea tent. The King was complimented on his speech to Congress during his US state visit last week. A guest told him: “I loved your speech in America. It was amazing, and it made me laugh so much.” Charles replied with a laugh: “Thank you very much.” While the royals mingled with attendees, there was one major star of the show: Vegas, a two-year-old Hearing Dog for the Deaf. The dog caused fits of laughter as he managed to jump up at three senior royals - Their Majesties and the Princess Royal. And not only did the adorable two-year-old cocker spaniel get away with it, but he decided to go for an encore and start digging up the Buckingham Palace lawn, leaving Princess Anne roaring with laughter and promising not to tell her brother. The King was first to encounter Vegas with her owner, Kate Wilson, 52, from Horsham, West Sussex. The pup didn't stand on ceremony, jumping up and licking the sovereign's hand furiously. He didn’t appear to mind his paws on his morning suit at all, however, and fondly stroked his head. “They do hearing dogs too, now? Marvellous,” he said. The cocker spaniel jumped on its hind legs to get the attention of the King, who said he was a “very nice” little dog as he gave the animal an affectionate pat. After repeating the same routine with the Princess Royal, Vegas began digging up the lawn. “He’s looking for truffles, I think,” his owner joked. The King’s sister replied: “Good luck with that. Let me know if you find any!” 1 of 7The Royal Family arrive for the first garden party of the season (Image:AP)2 of 7Princess Anne mingled with guests at Buckingham Palace (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)3 of 7King Charles met an excitable dog named Vegas (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)4 of 7Camilla wore an elegant pale blue Fiona Clare suit and matching Philip Treacy hat (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)5 of 7King Charles spoke with emergency workers (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)6 of 7Princess Anne bends down to meet Vegas the dog (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)7 of 7Sophie, Duchess of Sussex spoke with guests (Image:Aaron Chown/PA Wire)FollowMirrorFacebookX (Twitter)Comment MORE ONKing Charles IIIQueen CamillaRoyal FamilySophie, Duchess of EdinburghAnne, Princess Royal