Prince William parades vintage top hat while attending Queen's garden party without Duchess Kate

Prince William looked dapper at the Queen’s Garden Party this Thursday. The UK Royal parties only occur four times in the summer.

A typically Royal feature for them is that they have a dress code according to People. William was seen in a black top hat at the event with a black umbrella on his arm and no Kate in sight.

Prince William, 36, wore classic black and grey with his top hat to the second Royal Garden Party. There he joined Queen Elizabeth, 92, and Princess Eugenie at a Buckingham Palace.

Princess Alexandra and Prince Edward were also in attendance. The event had approximately 8,000 guests that were invited.

Every year the Queen hosts three parties at the palace and one in Holyrood House. The events are a way to recognize and reward public service.

On Thursday the party started off when members of the Royal Family gathered on the West Terrace for the National Anthem. The first party was on May 15 and the third one will be on June 5.

The Garden Party at The Palace of Holyrood House will take place on July 4. Each event, on average, sees around 27,000 cups of tea served, 20,000 sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed according to the palace

As per Royal protocol, all the guests adhere to a strict dress code. Gentlemen are expected to wear morning dress or lounge suits.

In turn, women wear day dresses which are typically accessorized with hats or fascinators. If you aren’t keen on the suits and dresses, national dress and uniform are also allowed.

The Queen led by example this week as she wore a bright dress in multiple shades of blue. She completed her look with a matching hat and umbrella.

Prince William and his grandmother spent the party shaking hands with various community leaders and members. Garden parties have been a tradition at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s.