Kate Makes It Back to the Palace in Time For Prince Philip's Birthday Party

The Duchess of Cambridge may have been busy attending to her royal duties earlier on Tuesday morning, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity to attend Prince Philip's 93rd birthday party at Buckingham Palace later in the day. Kate Middleton traded the black and white Jaeger dress that she wore to a breakfast reception for the America's Cup earlier in the day for a peach-colored Alexander McQueen frock and matching hat by Jane Taylor. She stayed by Queen Elizabeth II and Philip's side as they greeted a few of their party guests at the palace's impressive gardens. The guest list is said to have numbered into the thousands and was made up of people who, as the palace puts it, have made a "contribution to the UK and the Commonwealth." Other royal guests included Princess Anne and Princess Eugenie.

Kate's royal duties aren't over just yet as she will join the royal family on Sunday for the annual Trooping the Colour event in London. The event is meant to serve as the sovereign's official public birthday celebration, despite the fact that the queen's actual birthday is on April 21. While the tradition sounds a bit confusing, it is actually meant to allow the public to celebrate the sovereign's special day during a time when there is good weather. (Fingers crossed!) Avid royal watchers will remember that last year's Trooping the Colour was the duchess's last official appearance before going on maternity leave to await the arrival of Prince George. Scroll down to see more pictures from Philip's birthday bash, and be sure to check back for more photos as they come in! Source: AP