Duchess of Gloucester teams up with Eastenders' Pat Butcher for afternoon tea

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, was the royal host at an annual tea party held in St James's Palace in London.

• The Duchess of Gloucester was joined by a number of veterans at an important event celebrating those in the Armed Forces.
• The Duchess was joined by television royalty in the form of Pam St Clement, who was in attendance at this important engagement.
• In other royal news, Who is Lady Susan Hussey and why did the former lady-in-waiting step down?

Members of the extended Royal Family have had a very busy schedule this week. The Prince and Princess of Wales have just touched down in Boston ahead of the Earthshor Prize ceremony, King Charles has been appearing across London in support of Ukrainian refugees, and Queen Camilla has been hosting events at Buckingham Palace in support of ending violence against women.

The Duchess of Gloucester, who is the wife of Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Prince Richard The Duke of Gloucester, is a full-time working member of the Royal Family and has also been busy this week.

The Duchess was in attendance at the annual, The Not Forgotten Tea Party, which has been held since 1921, and was first hosted by King George V and Queen Mary.

The party is hosted at the State Apartments at St James’s Palace and invites veterans and serving personnel to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment.

The association promotes a community among those involved in the Armed Forces and there are many events that take place across the year to help prevent loneliness. This isn't just limited to royal afternoon tea parties and veterans and service people are invited to a variety of outings, concerts, and activities held throughout the year.

Fans loved to see the Duchess of Gloucester hosting this event and many took to social media to compliment Birgitte. "The Duchess is a real asset to the Royal Family! So engaged and generous with her time ❤️," said one fan.

"Respect. Kindness and availability are two characteristics of the Duchess of Gloucester ⚘who, as usual, organizes a party for veterans and service personnel including their families every year. A meeting full of cordiality and good feelings. Best wishes!!" said another.

Another fan commented that it was nice to see the Royal Family promoting the Duchess' good work on social media. "Nice to see some content featuring the Duchess of Gloucester," said the royal fan.

Eagle-eyed fans who watched the video posted by the Royal Family were quick to spot that the Duchess was joined by a British icon, as Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher in the beloved British soap, Eastenders.

"Pat Butcher from Eastenders ❤️❤️she looks great !" said one fan. "Pat from Eastenders 👏 ❤️ lovely video clip," said another. "Is that Pat Butcher??" said yet another who couldn't believe their eyes.

"Hold on. Pam St Clement is still alive? This has made my Christmas 🎄 ✔️" said another commenter who jokingly confused Pam's on-screen character for her real-life counterpart.

It has not been revealed exactly why the Eastenders legend was in attendance at this event at St James' Palace but guests at the tea party are typically entertained by singers, magicians, caricaturists, balloonists, silhouettists, celebrities, and a military quintet.  

It is likely that Pam was invited as a celebrity guest to this function to chat with the guests. Pam has been a guest at this event in previous years and was in attendance at the same engagement in 2016 with Princess Anne. 

The actress is known for her charity work and has supported a number of important causes over the years including LGBTQ+, conservation, and animal welfare charities.