Dec Donnelly mingled amongst Hollywood superstar George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney as they attended a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace On Wednesday.

However as the TV presenter, 49, warmly greeted King Charles alongside his wife Alison there was one notable absence.

Dec’s co-host Ant McPartlin was no where to be seen as he failed to make an appearance at the King’s Trust Awards reception during the afternoon.

However it has now been confirmed Ant was away on a family holiday so was unable to make the reception.

The King’s Trust said in a statement: ‘Ant is currently away on a pre-arranged family holiday so is unable to attend today.

‘He will be back from his holiday to present The King’s Trust Awards tomorrow.’

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Ant McPartlin’s absence at the King’s Trust Awards reception has been revealed after Dec Donnelly appeared without his right hand man at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday

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It has now been confirmed Ant was away on a family holiday so was unable to make the reception, with Dec attending alongside his wife Alison (pictured)

Yet it isn’t the first time Ant’s absence has been noted after the Geordie TV star failed to attend the reception for the winners of the 20th Prince’s Trust Awards at the palace in May 2024.

King Charles couldn’t contain his laughter during a sweet encounter with Dec as he asked where his right-hand man was.

Explaining why Ant wasn’t able to attend his event, Dec joked that Ant was ‘too busy breastfeeding’ after welcoming his first child with wife Anne-Marie, a son named Wilder.

Dec said: ‘Good to see you, nice to see you too. He’s [Ant] not here today but he sends his apologises. He’s got a week old baby so he’s home breastfeeding or something.’

King Charles asked: ‘Is it his first one [child]?’

Dec responded: ‘Yeah, it’s his first one. They’ve got daughters from previous marriages but it’s his first one.’

‘So will you please give him my many congratulations’, King Charles added.

Dec said: ‘I will, of course.’

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Yet it isn’t the first time Ant’s absence has been noted after the Geordie TV star failed to attend the reception for the winners of the 20th Prince’s Trust Awards in May 2024

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Explaining why Ant wasn’t able to attend his event, Dec joked that Ant was ‘too busy breastfeeding’ after welcoming his first child with wife Anne-Marie, a son named Wilder

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Meanwhile George Clooney and wife Amal were in good spirits on Wednesday as they arrived hand in hand at the event

Meanwhile George and wife Amal were in good spirits on Wednesday as they arrived hand in hand at the event.

The Hollywood icon, 64, and his human rights lawyer wife, 47, dressed to impress as they attended the reception celebrating the winners at the palace.

The actor was back to his grey locks, much to the delight of his wife who George previously said ‘hated’ the freshly brown dyed locks he had for his latest Broadway show.

The couple couldn’t contain their smile as King Charles III chatted away to the couple before greeting guests.

The Clooneys have long supported the work of The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust.

The Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award, launched in 2019 with the Trust, celebrates the achievements of inspirational female youngsters around the world.

The actor cut a dapper figure in a grey suit which he teamed with a matching open collar shirt.

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George and Amal couldn’t contain their smile as King Charles III chatted away to the couple before greeting guests

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Charles appeared to be in high spirits as he chatted with George, Amal and Charlotte Tilbury

Meanwhile Amal made sure to turn heads in a black off the shoulder gown which she teamed with towering heels and a gold clutch.

The King met with the winners of the eight UK categories during the day as well as the three winners of the three global categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday.

Also mingling with the royal was make-up mogul Charlotte Tilbury, who looked to enjoy a spirited chat with the royal, and national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley.

Actor Joseph Fiennes, presenter Fearne Cotton, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and members of girl group the Sugababes were also present at the glitzy reception.