Duchess Kate joins the Queen, Prince William and Prince Harry to welcome Olympic and Paralympic heroes
The Queen was joined by her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, and her elegant granddaughter-in-law Kate as she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to honour the Olympic and Paralympic heroes on Tuesday night.
The Duchess chats with @TeamGB Olympic Champion @NicolaAdamsMBE at tonight's #GBHeroesLDN reception pic.twitter.com/4RfgYA5NGP
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
They royals mingled with many of the stars of the Rio 2016 Olympic games, circulating the palace's State Rooms, discussing victories and congratulating the athletes on their successes.
Kate stunned in Alexander McQueen, wearing a floor-length white gown emblazoned with patriotic red poppies.
The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are meeting #Rio2016 @TeamGB & @ParalympicsGB at the #GBHeroesLDN reception. pic.twitter.com/VRUjHHyebC
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
The Princess Royal, who is president of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee, also joined the celebrations, as did Prince Andrew.
The Queen looked splendid in green as she greeted British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Sporting stars including boxer Nicola Adams, diver Tom Daley, and swimmer Ellie Simmonds looked delighted to be chatting to their royal admirers. Mo Farah, Bradley Wiggins, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Laura Trott and Jason Kenny were absent from the event. Laura and Jason are currently on their honeymoon, so were also forced to miss parades in Manchester and London today.
Prince Harry shares a joke with @EllieSimmonds1 at the #GBHeroesLDN reception at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/hbeSV7kfmR
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
The Queen, who previously praised the Team GB squad for the "magnificent" performance in Rio, hosted a similar celebration after London 201
Although Kate, William and Harry were not able to attend the events in Rio this summer, they did record a video wishing the athletes the best of luck at the games.
"Our athletes are an inspiration to us all and we need the whole country to get behind them and cheer them on as they take to the world stage," said Harry.
William added: "We have some of the most passionate supporters in the world and we can't wait to cheer on our athletes together this time in Rio."
