Kate's Glamorous in Pink as the Queen Leads Touching Tributes for Charles' 70th Birthday!

It's been one of the most anticipated royal events of the year. Tonight the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Royal family, relatives and friends to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday with a glittering bash hosted by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace.

Royal photographer James Whatling was on hand outside Kensington Palace to capture photographs of departures ahead of the party. The Duke and Duchess spent the day in South Yorkshire before returning to London to get ready.

The black-tie affair saw the royals in all their finery for the milestone birthday. Although these images are being circulated around the globe, it was very much a family affair tonight.

Harry and Meghan leaving Kensington Palace.

Mark Stewart photographed a selection of arrivals including Lady Helen Taylor, the Earl of Snowdon and the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg.

A host of European royals were in attendance. The Norwegian Palace shared a photo of King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit before the party. Both the Queen and the Crown Princess look terrific. Last month, Mette-Marit revealed she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Mette-Marit said: "For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are, although such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I'm glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible." It was wonderful to see her there tonight looking so well.

The Danish royal palace shared a look at elegant Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick.

Catherine Walker posted a photo of Lady Frederick Windsor in one of their gorgeous gowns.

Clarence House shared this lovely photo of Charles and Camilla leaving their residence.

Her Majesty paid tribute to her son and heir in an incredibly heartfelt and touching speech: “It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like - to use an analogy I am certain will find favour - planting a tree and being able to watch it grow. My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out.

"Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader - a dedicated and respected heir to the throne, to stand comparison with any in history - and a wonderful father.

"Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a Happy Birthday to my son, in every respect a Duchy original.

"To you, Charles. To the Prince of Wales."

Duchy Originals is a company which the Prince of Wales set up in 1990, principally to sell organic food products. Since then, it has become established as a leading organic and natural food brand.  In 2010 the brand went into partnership with Waitrose. The Duchy Originals biscuits are a particular favourite; a splendid joke from Her Majesty.

In celebration of Charles' birthday, this week’s issue of  Country Life has been guest edited by the Prince of Wales. The magazine included a contribution from Prince William. William said: "His unwavering commitment to rural issues and the countryside has been a big inspiration to me and something I am keen to emulate and teach my children about." William jokingly added: "He is completely infatuated by the red squirrels that live around the Birkhall estate in Scotland - to the extent that he’s given them names and is allowing them into the house!"

Earlier today, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun Royal Salute to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday in Green Park, central London.

A very nice video with highlights from the future king's 70th year.

The Duchess looked magnificent tonight. The gown (from what we can see), the hair and make, the earrings... Earlier in the post I noted, despite the gravitas of the event, it is essentially a family affair: the celebration of a son, father, brother, husband and friend as much as a future sovereign. I often feel at family events we get a glimpse into Kate's 'off duty' style. The Duchess wore a one shoulder gown with rose shaped ruffles in a beautiful pink hue.

This Mark Stewart image offers a slightly better look.

Heaven received confirmation from Jenny Packham it is not one of their designs. Marchesa could be another contender. Laura shared a look at their 3D Floral Gown and Harini posted a Resort 2018 design.

A closer look at Kate's elaborate updo.

The Duchess wore her dazzling pink earrings.

Kate wore the statement earrings for the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala in 2011 and again for the BAFTAs in 2016. Their provenance is unknown. The Palace confirmed previously they are not on loan from the Queen. I expect it's highly possible they were a wedding gift.

Unfortunately, it seems we will not see a family portrait from the evening as many of us hoped would be the case. Rebecca English said the Palace confirmed photos wouldn't be released. Hopefully Kate will re-wear the gown, perhaps for a future State banquet. I hope the entire family had a wonderful night.

Click here to catch up on William and Kate's engagements in South Yorkshire.

Happy Birthday Prince Charles!