Lionel Richie is all smiles with King Charles at monarch’s first royal garden party ahead of Coronation Concert

US singer Lionel Richie was hosted by King Charles at his first royal garden party as monarch (Picture: PA)

The King and Queen Consort met singer Lionel Richie and other guests as they soaked up the sunny weather at the first traditional garden party of the King’s reign.

Buckingham Palace hosted around 8,000 guests on Wednesday afternoon, where attendees also had the chance to mingle with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Guests included ‘Coronation Champions’, exceptional volunteers recognised for their work by the Royal Voluntary Service, of which Camilla is the president.

Richie, who is performing at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday, met Charles and Camilla who laughed and smiled in separate chats with the singer.

He told reporters: ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be a part of it is everything.

‘I’ve known His Majesty for a couple of years, so it’s fun to be here.’

The 73-year-old, who will perform at the Coronation Concert, attended with his partner Lisa Parigi, 33 (Picture: PA)

He shook hands with the King and they chatted during the party (Picture: PA)

Richie, who has been involved with the Prince’s Trust as an ambassador since the 1980s but still said he was ‘surprised’ to be asked to perform, praised the King’s work.

 ‘Believe it or not, he cares. He’s hands on,’ the US star insisted.

Although Richie did not give anything away about his upcoming performance, he said he was ‘excited’ about the event, which is also set to include performances from chart-topping singer and Richie’s fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry, as well as Take That.

Richie and Perry will be replaced on the popular US TV show while they are in London by Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morisette.

He and his partner also spoke with Camilla (Picture: Rebecca English/Twitter)

The All Night Long singer shared: ‘Are you kidding me? This doesn’t happen every day. So, am I excited about this? Absolutely. This is not like any other time in life or any occasion.

‘Once the lights hit and the music starts it’s just going to be magical. I have to pinch myself. We’re walking in history.’

The King and Queen Consort were in good spirits as they shook hands and chatted with invited guests and charity representatives.

Camilla shone in a navy and white Bruce Oldfield dress and Philip Treacy hat, while Charles wore a morning suit with a top hat.

Richie did not hide his excitement ahead of Sunday’s special concert (Picture: PA)

Police officers commended for acts of exceptional bravery also attended, alongside Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.

They included 20-year-old Petra Lopes, who was awarded for her quick action at a shooting last year.

Ms Lopes said: ‘It was such an honour. I can’t wait to tell my friends about it. It was really nice to meet him.’

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The Queen Consort also met John Aitchison, 99, who was a dispatch driver with the Royal Artillery in Normandy during the Second World War.

Mr Aitchison, from Castle Douglas, Dumfries proudly showed photographs of himself from his Army days to Camilla, who congratulated him on his service.

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The singer is taking centre stage to perform on Sunday.