King Charles joined by three rarely seen royals for special celebration at Windsor Castle

King Charles arrived at Windsor Castle for a very special engagement this evening. The King was pictured beaming as he arrived to host a reception for the winners of this year's King’s Award for Enterprise.

The awards, previously known as The Queen's Award for Enterprise, have been running for 58 years and recognise some of the best of British businesses, many of whom are leading in their fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

They are one of the most prestigious business accolades in the country, with winners able to use The King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years on their products, with many reporting that it boosts their profile and access to new markets.

Charles was all smiles as he mingled with guests during the reception. He looked dapper in a navy pinstriped suit which he paired with a crisp white shirt and a pink novelty tie featuring blue cacti.

The monarch was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the Duke of Kent.

Birgitte looked chic in a black and white ensemble with a neutral shawl over her shoulders.

Among the guests was Jonathan Reynolds, the new Business Secretary, and pointing to the business people Charles told the politician "they represent the best of British".

One of the first winners Charles met was the senior team from WeWalk, which has produced a smart walking stick for the visually impaired that can give directions, beep when obstacles are sensed and even provide information about points of interest.

Dr Jean-Marc Feghali, the company's chief innovation officer, was joined by its chief executive officer Gokhan Mericliler and the King noticed the white stick beeping as there was an obstacle nearby.

Mr Mericliler said: "The King seemed impressed by the voice-assisted aspect, being about to talk to the cane, its interactive element, that excited him the most."

Other 2024 recipients - of the 252 in total - include Bluewater Bio Ltd, which removes deadly phosphorus from rivers; Frugalpac Ltd, the world's first and only commercially available paper bottle for wine and spirits; and Whitehouse Construction Co. Ltd, a flood-resistant door and gasket for domestic properties which provides a passive defence against water.

Tonight's event marks one of the rare times the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have made an appearance.

It comes after reports suggested Birgitte has been chosen as a replacement for the Princess of Wales for this weekend's Wimbledon finals if the future Queen is unable to attend.

Princess Kate has presented the Wimbledon trophies for four years, however, her attendance this year is unclear as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Gloucester, who is said to also be an avid tennis fan, has been Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years.