Today the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace for children of members of the armed forces who have died in service. The Palace’s gardens were turned into an outdoors festival, with games, food and entertainment

Around 850 children and teenagers turned up at the Palace this afternoon where the three young Royals made it clear the day was about their guests by providing children’s performance artists, face painting and plate spinning. At one point Kate helped launch a massive water balloon across the lawn via a giant slingshot, which you really don’t see every day.

The event was in line with the trio’s focus on mental health awareness, particularly early prevention. Kate and Harry, in particular, were very much in the driver’s seat for today given their focus on child development and the military, respectively.

Kate recycled a white day dress by Chloe that she first debuted during last year’s tour of Canada. She famously wore it for another children’s event where Prince George and Princess Charlotte were on hand and we were all privy to some of the most candid snaps of the family to-date. Apparently the dress comes in handy for interacting with kids, which…no one has ever said about white dresses ever, but I tip my hat to Kate, because it still appears pristine.

The wedges, however, need to be thrown away. That’s enough of that and I don’t care if they’re more practical for walking on the grass. So are flats.

But to leave on a more positive note, the Army Widows Association tweeted back in April that Harry had sent around hand-written notes to attendees welcoming them to the Palace:

Thanks to all involved #partyatthepalace #KensingtonRoyal Very generous travel gift and 'handwritten' letter! Members and children smiling 😊 pic.twitter.com/bU46YskO3u

— Army Widows (@ArmywidowsA) April 14, 2017

The note reads:

“Hi Guys, I just wanted to put a note with all your tickets to say how much William, Catherine and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday 13th May at Buckingham Palace.

“We have been planning this party for a long time and are all really excited that the day is finally nearly here. We hope it will be a great opportunity for all of you to relax and have fun; to meet friends and hopefully make some new ones.

“I know it’s Buckingham Palace but please don’t worry about dressing up, there’s no need, I won’t tell if you don’t! Loads of fun stuff organized so wear what u want, I dare you! Fingers crossed for sunshine.”

Which is really, very sweet.