Queen Camilla and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh sport matching powder blue ensembles as they join King Charles and Prince Edward for Sovereign's Garden Party at Palace of Holyroodhouse

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The Queen and the Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped out looking supremely elegant in matching blue ensembles.

Both Camilla, 76, and Sophie, 59, selected stylish pastel dresses for a garden party at King Charles's official Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse today. Also joining them at the event was the Duke of Edinburgh, 60.

The wife of Prince Edward has stepped up her royal duties since the King's coronation, a year ago - particularly recently, after she took on engagements on behalf of the cancer-stricken monarch amid his treatment. 

While Her Majesty opted for a stunning long sleeve frock with a lengthy floral pattern at its centre and white leather gloves, the Duchess donned a similar, yet simpler dress decorated only by a large bow placed at the shoulder.

The colours may be a stylish coincidence, or may also signal a possible nod to the nation's flag colours. 

Queen Camilla has stepped out looking supremely elegant in an all blue ensemble (The Queen is pictured with King Charles at the the Sovereign's Garden Party held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh today)

Camilla's Fiona Clare dress was adorned with intricate trim detailing, and accessorised with a glimmering brooch.

But Sophie wore more understated maxi-dress, featuring additional fabric at the left shoulder, which cinched at the waist.

Both royals also sported similar hats, however the Queen's Philip Treacy number featured a large blue rose while Sophie's fascinator was beautified with three feathers.

The pair even opted for the same coloured heels - a pair of nude pumps, Camilla's shoes differing slightly due to a black pattern at the toe.

While Camilla wore her hair down, Sophie gathered her blonde tresses back - but both went for glamorous, summer evening make-up looks. 

The women appeared in high spirits and were photographed greeting various guests in attendance.

King Charles was also on fine form at the garden party today  and even asked to stay later than planned order to meet as many people as possible.

His Majesty, accompanied by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, greeted hundreds of the 8,000 guests gathered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official Scottish residence.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, matched the Queen's look in a simpler yet sophisticated blue frock

Her Majesty opted for a stunning long sleeve dress with a lengthy floral pattern at its centre and white leather gloves

The Duchess's dress featured a large bow placed at the left shoulder. She opted for a dusky blue number

Both royals donned matching hats, however the Queen's featured a large blue rose

Sophie wore a fascinator beautified with three feathers, opting for a glamorous make up look this evening

King Charles appeared in high spirits as he attended the Sovereign's Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

Dressed to the nines in a morning suit and top hat, His Majesty walked down the red carpet-lined stairs to guests waiting in the garden. 

Among the guests was a four-legged VIP - Kratu, a rescue dog from Transylvania. The Carpathian-Mioritic mix is something of a celebrity after causing havoc at Crufts during the agility tests but also has a serious day job as an Autism support dog for his owner, Tess Eagle Swan.

She rescued him when he was just weeks old and brought him to the UK.And she says he has transformed her life and 'taught me love' as a therapy dog. Kratu gently sniffed the sovereign's hand and the king stroked him.

Tess said afterwards that His Majesty - who has a number of homes in Transylvania and visits the region regularly - that he told her that he knew the breed, which is normally used for guarding. 'He was taken with how gentle he was, she said.

Charles also roared with laughter as he joked with vicar, Rev Mark Miller from Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham.

Mr Miller said afterwards: 'I told His Majesty "welcome to the fun section" and he was in hysterics. I pointed out that he was my boss as [head of] the Church of England and he said he was delighted to have a Scotsman there. He also said he know Stockton Parish Church well.'

Meanwhile Queen Camilla also set out to shake as many hands as possibly.

She was introduced to dozens of members of the public including two Scout leaders and a forensic scientist. 'It certainly keeps me busy,' the woman said in response to Her Majesty's enquiries.

'Are you in charge?' She asked the Scout leaders. 'We are meant to be but sometimes I wonder,' she was told and laughed.

The King also spoke at length to Dr Belinda Hacking, 52, an NHS psychologist, and Mrs Victoria Webber, 42, an NHS breast surgeon.

They are the first Lady High Constables in 800 years at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The pair were invited to apply for the voluntary roles as part of the ceremonial bodyguards at the Sovereign's official residence in Edinburgh.

His Majesty, 75, is in Edinburgh to mark Holyrood Week, the official visit by the Sovereign to Scotland every July to celebrate Scottish culture, community, and achievement.

Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured from left to right) joined Charles at the event

Created in the early sixteenth century to protect the Monarch in residence at Holyrood, as well as to guard the Palace and Abbey, they enforce law and order within the precincts of the Palace and the Holyrood Abbey Sanctuary and are said to be the oldest statutory police force in the world.

Dr Hacking said it was 'an absolute honour' to become the first women to take on the now ceremonial roles.

Mrs Webber added: 'People have been really intrigued and interested. It's a ceremonial role and we have our day jobs but it's been wonderful so far and a huge honour to be here with Their Majesties today.'

Also accompanying the King and Queen were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the latter in ice blue Roland Mouret and a Jane Taylor hat.

After meeting the crowds, which were comprised of notable members of Scottish communities and representatives from many of the charities they support, the family group went to the royal tea tent for refreshments .

Charles pictured enjoying a conversation during the Sovereign's Garden Party held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

The royal appeared to be in high spirits as he enjoyed the garden party in the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King was on such fine form at a Scottish garden party today that he asked to stay later than planned order to meet as many people as possible

His Majesty, accompanied by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, greeted hundreds of the 8,000 guests gathered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official Scottish residence

The monarch appeared to be in high spirits as he enjoyed the garden party festivities this evening

The King's brother, Prince Edward - the Duke of Edinburgh - pictured during the Sovereign's Garden Party

Pictured: King Charles III meets Victoria Webber, one of the first female High Constables, at the party

Charles and Camilla pictured during the Sovereign's Garden Party held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

The King was joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, brother Prince Edward, and sister-in-law Sophie 

King Charles at the Ceremony of the Keys at the The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Tuesday

Charles has travelled to the Scottish capital for two days of royal engagements (Pictured: The Ceremony of the Keys)

The King was formally welcomed to Scotland today in a ceremony whose origins stretch back centuries.

His Majesty was handed the keys to the City of Edinburgh on a red velvet cushion by the Lord Provost in what is known as the Ceremony of the Keys at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official residence in Edinburgh.

The gesture signals the start of what is known as Holyrood Week, the official visit by the Sovereign to Scotland every July to celebrate Scottish culture, community and achievement.

This year events are, however, being restricted to just two days as His Majesty needs to return to London for Thursday's General Election.

The King and Queen flew in by helicopter from Birkhall, their Scottish home, where they had spent the weekend.