All the pictures from Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry's Buckingham Palace tea party

May 13, 2017

Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate held a fun-filled garden party for around 850 very special guests on Saturday (May 13). The royals organized an open-air festival as a treat for the sons and daughters of parents who have died serving their country.

Buckingham Palace’s gardens were turned into a fantastic fair, with face-painting and cupcake decorating stalls, circus acts, break-dancing workshops and magicians to entertain the young guests.

Pop star Jess Glynne and ventriloquist Nina Conti performed for the excited crowd and fun was had by all as the children and teenagers enjoyed all the activities in the palace grounds. The party was thoughtfully held, "to honour those whose mother or father have died fighting for their country," royal sources said.

Click through to see all the best pictures from the magical day...

Prince Harry gave a moving speech to guests, saying: "We're here to celebrate you and to remind you that we as a family, we as a nation, and we up and down the country will never ever forget about the sacrifices that every single one of you have made."
<p>Photo: Getty Images

Prince William had a special connection with one family in particular at the party. Jamie Molyneau, 18, attended with his three younger siblings. Their father, Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, from Wigan, was killed as he tackled armed, drunken guard Ryan Donovan when HMS Astute was docked in Southampton five years ago. Their father was awarded a posthumous George Medal.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

Ready, aim, fire! Kate took a turn using a giant sling shot to shoot water balloons at the children.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

Kate dropped by the cupcake decorating tent.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

Harry joined Rebecca Rigby, 34, and her son Jack, aged six, as they had a go at plate-spinning. The trio giggled as the prince tried to keep his plate in the air. "I can assure you that Buckingham Palace gardens have not seen this much fun, ever," Harry told the party crowd.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge chats to guests at the party.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry goofed around with the kids.
<p>Photo: Getty Images

The mother of two was happy to pose for photographs with everyone who asked.
<p>Photo: Getty Images