King Charles & Queen Camilla Host Palace Reception
3 February 2026
Royals Honour Unsung Heroes of Local Communities
3 February 2026
King Charles and Queen Camilla Host Reception at St James's Palace Honouring Local Government Workers
On February 3, 2026, King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed over 350 dedicated public servants to a special reception at St James's Palace in London. The event celebrated the vital contributions of employees from local and regional governments across the United Kingdom, recognising them as the 'unsung heroes' who support communities every day.
The King and Queen were joined by the Duchess of Edinburgh, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, in what proved to be a warm and engaging gathering. Guests included a diverse group of frontline workers such as social workers, headteachers, public health specialists, disability services coordinators, and those leading efforts to protect women and girls from violence—a cause particularly close to Queen Camilla's heart, which she has championed for many years.
Watch the Highlights below
Courtesy of youtube.com/@royalchannel
Dedicated public servants
The reception highlighted the essential role these professionals play in delivering public services, from education and health to community safety and support for vulnerable individuals. King Charles, appearing in excellent spirits, mingled with attendees, chatting animatedly and expressing genuine appreciation for their hard work. Queen Camilla also engaged warmly with guests, underscoring the royal family's commitment to acknowledging those who often work behind the scenes.
The Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh, known for her elegant style and dedication to public service, added to the occasion's grace. She wore a sophisticated chocolate-hued maxi dress by Giorgio Armani (described in some reports as taupe satin), exuding regal poise as she spoke with attendees and helped shine a spotlight on their efforts.
Community resilience and public service
Photographs from the evening captured smiles all round, with the royals moving through the historic rooms of St James's Palace to thank individuals from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The event aligned with the monarchy's ongoing emphasis on community resilience and public service, reinforcing the importance of local government in maintaining the social fabric of the nation.
This reception comes amid a busy period for the royal family, following other recent engagements and coinciding with broader recognitions such as World Cancer Day messages from the King. By personally hosting such events, King Charles and Queen Camilla continue to demonstrate their appreciation for the dedicated individuals who make a tangible difference in people's lives across the UK.
As reports of the evening circulated, royal watchers praised the inclusive and heartfelt nature of the gathering, seeing it as a fitting tribute to those who serve quietly yet impactfully. With the royal household balancing tradition and modern outreach, events like this strengthen ties between the Crown and the communities it represents.