Katherine, the Princess of Wales, joined her husband Prince William and father-in-law King Charles at the Remembrance Sunday service to honor Britain’s fallen servicemen and women. It is the first time in over a year that she has carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements, following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment earlier this year.
After attending the Royal Festival of Remembrance last night and appearing solemn on the central balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office overlooking Whitehall, Catherine is now the highest-ranked female royal in attendance. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, stood next to her, after Queen Camilla, the highest-ranked female royal, was forced to pull out of the event due to a chest infection.
The two women looked solemn as they observed the remembrance service, standing still for the two minutes’ silence. The future Queen looked elegant in an all-black ensemble with three poppies pinned on the left side of her chest. Although this will not mark a permanent return to her duties following an incredibly difficult year, the Princess looked happy to be back in the fold.
That Catherine would rally for this most important royal event of the year was never really in doubt. Ever since King George V unveiled the Cenotaph in November 1920, the royal family’s participation on Remembrance Sunday has reflected the nation’s collective mourning. Every year, the late Queen laid a wreath on Armistice Day, connecting us back to World War II—a conflict that saw her uncle, the Duke of Kent, die on active service.
Though Britain is not currently at war, conflict continues to rage worldwide, making life feel especially precious. Among those honoring this year, the most striking non-verbal gesture was a fantastic smile shared by the Princess with William, while William appeared slightly tense, which is unusual for him.
Last year, the Princess of Wales was the embodiment of elegant royal reflection, with her hair neatly rolled under a large black hat and her slender frame outlined in a Catherine Walker coat. Her dark ensemble contrasted majestically against the white lines of the Cenotaph. This year, the Princess looked as dignified as ever, though her cancer experience adds poignancy to her appearance.
At last year’s service, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, wore her recycled billowing black coat dress designed by Suzannah London, paired with a small boater hat. She swept her blonde hair into a low chignon, and for makeup, kept her look simple, opting for a heavy eye and soft blush.
Queen Camilla was reportedly disappointed not to be able to attend the Remembrance events this weekend. However, she plans to resume her royal duties this week and had dearly wanted to pay tribute in person to the nation’s fallen servicemen and women. The service at the Cenotaph is a significant fixture in the royal calendar, holding deep personal meaning for the Queen due to her official roles with the Armed Forces and her connection to military service through her father.
Being at her home in Ray Mill meant she was also taking precautions to avoid spreading her infection to others, especially considering the King is resuming cancer treatment. Additionally, on such solemn occasions, any coughing or discomfort could interrupt the proceedings, so Camilla may have felt she would have had an uncomfortable time at these events, trying to suppress symptoms.
It is likely upsetting for her to miss such an important weekend. As the daughter of a military man, the Remembrance Day commemorations are very dear to her heart.