#WillYUM: Prince William makes first ever garden party as host memorable with this striking photo

In a most recent poll, Prince William was revealed to be the third sexiest man in the UK—beaten by Tom Holland and Jeremy Clarkson, who won second and first place respectively.

It looks like Prince William is fully living up to his title as recent photos from his garden party at Buckingham Palace have royal fans sweating. This photo of Prince William in particular is garnering heaps of attention.

#WillYUM trending on X

Weather might have been damp and dreary during the garden party, but Prince William sure heated things up when he appeared in a top hat and morning suit. Just as the royal was tipping his hat to the crowd, a very very skilled photographer took this photo that is now wreaking havoc on X under the hashtag #WillYUM.

Intentional or not, his striking pose has pierced through the hearts of royal fans all over the world, and this photo will definitely go down in history as one of his most iconic.

One user tweeted:

Well this 64 yr old granny thinks he is #willYUM am I allowed to say that lol

While others posted:

I just don't think I'll ever get over this picture! Prince William is 🔥

Prince William's first ever garden party

When Prince William was snapped, he had just arrived at the tea party he was hosting at Buckingham Palace, on behalf of his father King Charles. This year, two garden parties were planned by the monarch—the first on 8 May, which is when Prince Harry was also in the UK for Invictus Games, and the second on 21 May.

This was the first time Prince William hosted the party, marking a huge transition in his role as heir to the throne. A stark difference between the two garden parties was the list of attendees—the first was attended by older working royals like Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The second featured younger faces from the Royal Family—non-working royals who are still integral to the institution.

Prince William invited many of his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Zara and Mike Tindall, and even Peter Phillips—who showed up without his alleged new girlfriend. They were among the 8000 guests invited to the garden party.

What is a garden party and who gets invited?

The summer garden parties hosted by the monarch of England are the most sought-after events of the season. As explained on the Royal Family's website, they are:

an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.

One party is usually held at Palace of Holyroodhouse (Scotland), while the other takes place in Buckingham Palace. The guest list is, as you can imagine, quite exclusive and only those who have been sponsored receive invites. Sponsors include:

Lord-Lieutenants, Societies and Associations, Government Departments, Local Government, the Services, the Church and other Faiths.

Based on who the sponsors vouch for, the crowd that turns up to the event range from local farmers, members of the military to reality TV stars. In fact, Maya Jama was seen chatting with the King about Love Island during the first garden party of the season.

Indeed, the host, usually the King, tries his level best to give a moment to every guest present. It can be a taxing event, which is why it is understandable that Prince William took over to give his father a break.

Prince William himself was seen chatting with local tenant farmers from the Duchy of Cornwall, members of his patronages, and an author who gave him a children's book about a boy who lost his home. Prince William said as quoted by Daily Mail, while taking the book:

This is great, so inspirational. I'll read this to Louis tonight at bedtime.

With happy guests and an unforgettably powerful photo that live in the minds of many many fans, it looks like Prince William managed to successfully pull off his first ever garden party as a host.

Read more:

⋙ Prince William: Is the heir jealous of wife Kate Middleton, like Charles was of Diana?

⋙ King Charles gives Prince William key military role: A move being seen as a big blow to Prince Harry

⋙ Prince William gives rare insight into life at home with his three children, George, Charlotte and Louis

Sources used:

People: Prince William Teams Up with His Royal Cousins to Host a Rainy Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Daily Mail: Prince William is joined by Princess Beatrice for his first garden party of 2024 without Kate by his side as they brave the rain at Buckingham Palace

The Telegraph: Young royals join Prince William at his Buckingham Palace garden party

Royal Family website