Sun greets William and Kate at Hillsborough Garden party

They met a host of dignitaries, including Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster, on the steps of the historic building for the playing of the national anthem.

The couple then made their way to the gardens where they chatted with guests.

Catherine wore a coat by Day Birger et Mikkelsen and a hat by Lock & Co.

She also wore a brooch presented to her as a wedding gift from the Irish Guards.

The region’s secretary of state has hosted the garden party event annually since 1984.

Around 2,500 guests were invited by Theresa Villiers this year, with attendees drawn from a wide cross-section of Northern Ireland society, including the voluntary and community sectors, local charities and youth organisations.

The occasion is only the second time the Royal couple have visited Northern Ireland together - and their first visit together since they married

The last time was in March 2011, only weeks before their wedding.

On that occasion Catherine tossed pancakes at Belfast City Hall and hammered in fence posts at Greenmount Agriculture College in Co Antrim.