The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Her Majesty and other royals for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
The annual event is considered the highlight of the Commonwealth year, offering an opportunity to reflect on the ties that bind member nations together and to look to future hopes and plans. The monarchy's links with member nations are also celebrated today. In October, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Pakistan, I expect a Commonwealth tour for 2020 is in the planning stages.
Buckingham Palace said: "The Commonwealth represents a global network of 54 countries, including the Maldives who re-joined earlier this year. Working in collaboration towards shared economic, environmental, social and democratic goals, the Service seeks to highlight a vast community which spans every geographical region, religion and culture, embracing diversity amongst its population of 2.4 billion people, of which 60 percent are under 30 years old."
A video of the royals arriving.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arriving.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were also in attendance.
Prince Charles arriving.
And the Duchess of Cornwall.
And Her Majesty in blue.
From a firm focus on preserving the planet and its natural resources to supporting and empowering youth and highlighting fair business and trade, the service celebrates the Commonwealth's continued commitment to delivering a peaceful, prosperous and more sustainable future for all.
The Commonwealth Flags standing proudly in Parliament Square.
In the Queen's Commonwealth Day message, she highlighted the diversity of our "worldwide family".
'On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through
Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future. This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day. Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to see and hear how membership of the Commonwealth family means so much to those living in all parts of the world, often in places that are quite remote. Advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy - with remarkable immediacy - this experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.
Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances. For many, this awareness awakens a desire to employ our planet’s natural resources with greater care, and it is encouraging to see how the countries of the Commonwealth continue to devise new ways of working together to achieve prosperity, whilst protecting our planet.
As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.'
The Edinburgh Tattoo performed traditional Scottish music and dancing outside the abbey as guests arrived.
Beautiful floral arrangements inside the abbey.
A 2,000 strong guest list included the Prime Minister, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, alongside High Commissioners, Ambassadors and dignitaries, senior politicians from across the UK and Commonwealth, faith leaders and over 800 school children and young people.
There was one notable change in today's proceedings compared to recent years. Neither the Cambridges nor the Sussexes joined the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in the procession. Today marks Harry and Meghan's last engagement as senior royals and given the emphasis would have been placed on "body language" and "gestures" between the royals, I imagine it was decided it was best for the young royals to walk straight to their seats and keep the focus on the event as much as possible.
The Duchess of Sussex waves to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge as they arrive at the #CommonwealthDay Service pic.twitter.com/G5S4382d0w— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) March 9, 2020
Kate and Sophie chatting before the Queen arrived.
The State Trumpeters and the Fanfare Team play the fanfare.
Craig David performed Unbelievable before The Melodians Steel Orchestra played the Commonwealth Melody.
One Drum, a collective of London-based African master drummers and performers, presented ‘Intore’.
A rousing performance of Ain't No Mountain by Alexandra Burke.
The Queen meets Anthony Joshua who spoke at the service.
Click here to read the order of service.
After the service, the Duchess received a posy of flowers.
You can watch the service in its entirety below.
The Duchess wore the berry red Catherine Walker coat she debuted on Christmas Day 2018. The double-breasted piece features a full skirt and velvet trim on the collar, cuffs and pockets.
The Duchess wore the SADA Felt Saucer Hat by British milliner Sally-Ann Provan (with thanks to Polka Popp). The £460 piece is described as: "This hand-blocked peachbloom felt saucer style hat is trimmed with hand-made silk camellias in toning shades, and finished with hand-made felt leaves in toning shades" I love the pop of purple - it's a great piece and the new hat offers a freshness to the look as Kate's coat is a repeat.
Kate's wore her burgundy suede Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps.
Kate's stunning earrings might look familiar...
It very much appears they are part of the Mouawad ruby and diamond jewels the Duchess wore for the Sun Military Awards in 2011. Let's hope we see the entire set (and that gown) again very soon.
This evening, the Duchess Patron of Place2Be, will host a reception at Buckingham Palace in celebration of Place2Be’s 25th anniversary.
**This post will be updated shortly**
Not too excited about her dress but she always has wonderful hats! I could just look at her hat for a long time; they are like beautiful centerpieces! And amazing earrings, too.
ReplyDeleteI deeply dislike the hat. I don’t know how people can prefer this to her beautiful headbands!
DeleteI guess there are headband people and hat people. :)
DeleteLove the hat, hate the Kokoshnick headbands. On the same page with you, Allison. Also, very good for her to not show yet another (likely very similar and very expensive) coat. So far, I really like what I can see!
DeleteLiv
Hee hee. I love this hat also and also love the coat. Gorgeous look.
DeleteAnd then there headband AND hat people!! I love both styles, but her hats are truly gorgeous. Love the little contrast color and the back detail, very elegant. cc
DeleteHa ha, I was just thinking ‘thank goodness it’s not a headband’! Different strokes for different folks :-)
DeleteAnonymous here. This coat with her original hat for Christmas was soooo much better. This hat is for a woman 15 years older!
DeleteI love the hat too! Beautiful and classic, and her updo is so beautiful.
DeleteSeeing her wear hats like this reminds me of the reason my headmistress gave for why the prefects at my girls' school, fifty years ago, wore proper heavy, hard, men's boaters: to keep them on, you had to stand very straight. Standing straight overawed the little girls. At least, that was the theory. Certainly, it was hard to slouch or crouch when wearing one, and the angle of the neck needed to keep them on was very elegant.
DeleteI am hat and headband! She truly is a hat girl, what a collection. She wears them all wonderfully
DeleteHat-and-headband person here! ☺️Kate wears both styles so well. Of course it's a matter of personal preference but for my part, I can't remember an occasion when I would think, "oh no, not this hat/headband".
DeleteLovely rewear and great hat. She looks ready for royal church.
ReplyDeleteJust saw that out of the gazillion outfits she must have, Kate chose what she wore at Christmas in 2018 to walk with Meghan and Harry, so no coincidence! I also read the "scandalous" information that H&M will be escorted to their seats and that, unexpectedly, so will K&W, so this seems to be a very obvious gesture of support and friendship. I guess I won't ever get a selfie of the four of them giggling together, but this is a nice way to say farewell. It should not be farewell to family -- technology allows a face-to-face with anyone around the world at any time.
ReplyDeleteAllison in US: I too choose to believe that W&K made the decision to forego the procession in support of Harry and Meghan rather than the belief circulating that Harry did a tantrum and insisted that if he and Meghan couldn't be in the procession, then W & K shouldn't either. I choose to believe that all four are grown-ups who can make their own decisions about things like this and all evidence I've seen and read leads me to choose to believe that this is a time William has chosen to support his brother. They may be on different paths and have different futures, but they are still brothers and they've both said they support the other, so let's just believe what they say and not what everyone else says.
DeleteAgree Allison, I think it is a perfect gesture to avoid further negative gossip. I believe the two couples have found time to visit in private and that everything is certainly fine between them.
DeleteI guess we are seeing things a bit differently. I see the addition of the D&DoC being escorted to their seats as trying not to make the situation worse not as some great show of friendship and support. they will be back in the procession next year. just glad that they have the Wessex's, at least they have a mature couple to look up too and have each others backs, hope to see more of them in the future.
DeleteCaroline - I see things the way you are seeing things. I am just glad this time has come and now everyone can move forward. It will take time (hopefully the brothers can find their way back to each other). This whole situation was handled horribly and the Sussexes just need to be done already and live their lives - however that will be. I personally do not think they spent any time together prior to this moment, which to me really says alot.
DeleteCaroline Montana. I agree with you. I don’t think it was a show of support either, just not to make things worse, considering as you said, they will be in it next year.
DeleteI’m not sure why everyone has to think they get along all the time or are so close as couples now. I’m not saying they aren’t either. Who knows lol.
I also think , we have to remember, do all of us get along with our in-laws all the time? Do all of us even like all of our in laws? Probably not all of us, you just tolerate them because they’re in your family. Maybe they all get along great, and maybe both the wives really enjoy each other’s company, and maybe not. I’m not sure why everyone is trying to paint a picture of amazing closeness.
At the time, it’s a case of “we have to show up at an event together and put on a happy face” weather they were happy with each other or not. As couples, they may not be close, maybe they are, as brothers I do think they’re probably still close but I do think there is some tension. Not trying to upset anyone, Just my two cents from the other side of the spectrum.
On a fashion note I love the hat. The coat is just ok but I wasn’t crazy about it at Christmas either. I like the shoes but I don’t like the Color of the gloves. They kinda match but also kinda don’t? Silly I know lol. I do like when she wears head to toe Color sometimes, but sometimes I wish she would switch it up. Grey shoes and accessories would have been nice with this, and offer a change instead of black accessories too.
Whilst William and Catherine were supposed to partake in the procession as per the OoS, they were removed last minute for whatever reason. The result that only The Queen, The PoW and The DoC took part however, is not unprecedented, the procession was ‘reduced’ in 2018 as well. Thus, I don’t think there is much to read into this situation.
DeleteCaroline, the Sussexes are a mature couple as well. The fact that they took themselves out of an unhealthy environment with the UK press, and who knows what else going on, speaks volumes about their maturity. They’ll be living their best life. The BRF lost something special with the exit of this dynamic and engaging couple.
DeleteAnonymous, yes the RF lost with the exit of the Sussexes. I don't know why it is implied that the RF is somehow to blame for it? From the Queen's statement it is very clear she would have preferred them to stay. IMO it is unfair and untruthful to put the blame on the RF, when as you say a mature couple takes the decision to live their life. The other members of the royal family have to go on with it all, the drawbacks, scrutiny,people around them constantly,lack of support, being careful all the time,not being able to give their own opinion, nor to earn money, everything that the Sussexes are leaving behind. This has made clear to me how difficult and ungrateful a position it is to be in, in spite of the perks and I admire those who keep going more than those who are fleeing. The Queen is a remarkable woman and I have come to appreciate Charles and Camilla and the Wessex more. And of course, it shows how difficult it has been for Kate and how she strong and purposeful she is.
DeleteWell said Natacha!!
DeleteExactly Natasha.
DeleteShe wore her rubies!!!! I want to see this full set worn so badly!
ReplyDeleteI love it already! Gorgeous color coat and those earrings! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI loved this dress the first time she wore it and I'm so so so beyond happy to see it again. She looks absolutely elegant and regal!
ReplyDeleteSo perfect.
ReplyDeleteFinally no head band! Love the hat and the coat combo!
ReplyDeleteI too love the hat. She wore red last year also. Not a fan of this coat but it is proper and refined as suits the occasion. Her nails appear bitten ?
ReplyDeleteSurely not bitten nails. Many of us in Britain find long nails rather unpleasing. I can't imagine how people with them do their gardening, play the piano, knit, sew and play with children.
DeleteI agree with you Cecilia, as if she would have gone to this event with bitten off finger nails?? she prefers them short, they look the way they always look to me.
DeleteI think athletic Kate has a tendency to keep her nails short, neat and natural. I do not recall too many events where she wears nail varnish/polish.
DeleteAnd if she does bite her nails, what about it? It is a habit she then shares with millions of other people.
DeleteA joy to the eye from head to toe: great color, good fabric and cut, a little fanciness on the head, not least the beautifully made hair!) AND - what's even more important to me - so appropriate to a (Commonwealth) church service. I absolutely love that Kate is rewearing so often. I think people expect her to look regal, but it's just as important not to show off.
ReplyDeleteSusanne, Vienna
I agree with you Susanne, I think Kate tries to balance her rewear looks and this one is perfect for the occasion, classic Kate, very elegant and refined. The hat and the earrings are beautiful touches!! She is always properly turned out and well put together. cc
DeletePS. Her hair is particularly pretty! Think that the shorter cut makes the updo a little softer. The hat and hair are just as interesting from the back! cc
DeleteI also appreciate that she wears both designer and high street clothes and accessories for events.
DeleteI agree, Susanne. She is regal and appropriately dressed, lovely and a joy to see. The hat is fun and pretty, both.
DeleteBeautiful, and perfectly tailored. She looks lovely, elegant and serene.
ReplyDeleteKate and her princess style coats. She looks very appropriate but nothing not expected. Love her hat. I love love Sophie's look today from head to toe. I do believe we will see more of her.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful look, I always like Kate in Catherine Walker - so elegant. Plus her typical attention to detail: the colour of the hat decoration matches her gloves and clutch perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI think she looks amazing and appropriate for this service. I adore her hat and earrings. She is pure perfection today.
ReplyDeleteSharyn—USA
Stunning, classy, and elegant! ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteI love it! she looks great in red. the hat looks great, i think its very pretty and I am excited to see those earing's, I really really want to see that whole set on her. Love that William is wearing a darker shade of suit and it looks good with the matching red tie. QE2 looks lovely in her blue! and boy the Wessex's look fantastic too, love Edwards pin strip suit and Sophie looks amazing from head to toe and they coordinate so well together, very smart looking couples. so glad the D&DoC have the Wessex's to lean on, nice to know someone has their backs. looks like a wonderful service. Thanks Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteAny ideas about why the C were pulled off the procession when they did appear on it in the order of service?
ReplyDeleteCatherine is the epitome of polished elegance in her gorgeous red Catherine Walker. I admire her for her frequent re-wears. And that hat -- love, love it. Red really is one of her best colours.
ReplyDeleteAs always, Kate looks perfect for the occasion. Specifically, I adore the hat and her updo. Catherine Walker is not my favourite designer and I find her designs on Kate a bit matronly or boring. This one is one of the better ones but still a yawn for me. Meghan's and Sophie's outfits were much more exciting to me. But, Kate is pure style and grace. The coat while a yawn from me, is tailored perfectly and so classy. She looks every inch the senior royal that she is.
ReplyDeleteGood for Charles not shaking hands!
ReplyDeleteShe looked beautiful but I was a little disappointed to see such a similar coat to last year’s Commonwealth Day Service. She has sooo many other coats to choose from for a repeat, why go with red again?
ReplyDeleteDidn’t love the hat either... I think smaller hats (similar to the one Meghan wore) suit her better.
Love Kate's overall look today! Both Kate & Meghan have their own unique styles that they stay true to so I admire that! And great decision for William & Kate to also be seated ahead of time...the press would have made way too much out of it if H & M were the only ones left out of the processional. This is such an important service for the Queen - I hope it still got the focus it deserves in spite of the attention to the family stuff. But I'm sure lots of emotions internally for all which is evident on faces in some of the pictures...knowing the world is analyzing every movement and feature doesn't help. For William and Kate it can be many things including their children missing "Uncle Harry" and the fun he had with them. I hope out of the spotlight there have been some good conversations and that healing and moving forward for all will be positive.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sue Ann. I'm hoping they had chance to talk and there will be better days ahead
DeleteBoth Kate and Meghan looked great.
She looks perfect for the occasion. Loved this coat the first time we saw it and I love it today; it fits her so well and gives her an elegant silhouette. Love all the accessories too.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute pure perfection
ReplyDeleteI just Love Kate!!:) xoxo On what was such an emotional day (for me, lol) I just loved that Kate wore the red coat that she wore the last time the 2 couples walked to Church together on Christmas Day 2018! I'm a big believer in "KateThings" & while there wasn't much to go from, via body language, during the service today between the 2 couples... I'd like to think this coat choice was a nod of love/support to them. At least in my little mind! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOnce again, today just smacked of Will & Kate having hit their stride! I just love them!! They just seem so comfortable & at east in their roles! Thanks again Charlotte for your wonderful coverage!
BeccaUSA
Of all her many coats, Kate chose the one that she was wearing at Christmas 2018 when both the Cambridges and the Sussexes were seen and photographed together. This is hardly a coincidence. We don't know how things are between the two couples (and there wasn't much interaction at today's service, just the brief greeting at the beginning), but I believe that good will will eventually prevail on both sides. Perhaps it will take time but let's hope things will turn out well.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with you, Zora! Things will all come right in the end.
DeleteThe earrings! I loved this set on her and was hoping to see them again. I liked the new hat but not a fan of velvet accessories this time of year as we’re so close to Spring.
ReplyDeleteThat video looks really awkward. Let's hope time and distance will heal this broken relationship.
ReplyDeleteAfter Meghan's sensational outfit, I loved Camilla's the most.
Agree that it did look a bit awkward although it was always going to be difficult after all the adverse publicity. I do hope the two brothers and their wives made time to meet privately and sort out any lingering problems. It will be too easy for them to grow further apart if they are living in different countries and not socialising regularly as a family and encouraging their children to get to know each other. I am looking forward to hearing about Harry and Meghan's new work programme and how it will differ from what they were already doing. Sadly it looks as if they won't be making overseas tours to Commonwealth countries on behalf of the Queen, at least in the next twelve months. That will place an extra burden on those members of the Royal family who are able to cope with the rigors of long distance travel. The Duchess of Cambridge obviously finds it difficult to cope in hotter climates and I suppose the Cambridge duo don't want to be spending lengthy periods away from their young family. It was noticeable that the Prince of Wales' sons and their wives attracted more interest than older members of their family. While Princess Anne does a sterling job, not many turn out for her visits here.
DeleteOops! I meant that the Duchess of Cornwall doesn't like it too hot, not Kate. Sorry about that.
DeleteI love Church Kate as much as Farm Kate. Always appropriate, great choices, she looks every inch the future Queen.
ReplyDeleteI agree Rita!!!!
DeleteHi Rita, you are speaking my mind once again! Especially as of late Kate´s choices for church or farm outings have stood out for me.
DeleteElla
Oh i love the rewear the duchess lovely i also love cammilla i love the hat too
ReplyDeleteI love this coat. And I'm not usually a big fan of the fancy fascinators but this one was very cute. Great overall look.
ReplyDeleteOn another note it made me sad that Meghan and Kate exchanged greetings but William and Harry still seem unable to look at each other.
Kate is always impeccable. Love this ensemble.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, people are looking for drama where there is none. I saw no one else at the service greeting anyone with affection. It wasn't the place for it, and a few pictures certainly do not tell the whole story. I choose to believe they all had a happy time together during this visit at some point. I hope so.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! I love her in red.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I loved both her looks today. The most important thing was she was smiling and seemed happy, especially in the second event. Brava, Kate! Love, love her!
ReplyDeleteI am sure the Queen was responsible for the way everyone was seated today. It’s so sad how the once inseparable brothers seem so distant now. I hope time will heal all wounds. Kate looks nice. Meghan looks very elegant.
ReplyDeleteShe finally wore the earrings!!! My year is made lol
ReplyDeleteAll three ladies looked gorgeous in my opinion. I do think and hope that within a year or two Harry and Meghan will return to Harry's roots i.e the Royal family. They might be taking just a short break me thinks. I really hope for that day to arrive when uncle Harry and aunt Meghan will simply pop into Kensington palace to meet the Cambridges with a ton of American gifts for their nephews and niece. And I also hope that someday the Cambridges will just visit Frogmore Cottage unannounced to have a special bbq and meet and greet with their nephew Archie who can play with the cousins. It is very sad that in the name of Royal rules and regulations and protocols such simple pleasures of first cousins second cousins third cousins meeting and having fun will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone will come to their senses and put family and relationships first. Yes it's good to heal the world but healing one's own self and one's families is even more important.
I have not lost faith.
Harry did put family first. His wife and child. And he’s certainly nowhere near the first to distance from a family situation that isn’t working. This just happens to be a famous family on the world stage.
DeleteAlso everyone has met Archie! Including the kids! I’m not sure what protocol or Royal related precedence you are referring to as far as cousins “meeting and having fun” nowhere in the current situation is anyone banned from private get togethers. Perhaps with time your visions of bbqs and visits will still happen, but they would be private regardless of if M and H are official royals or not.
This is a kate blog, can folks keep the harry and meghan debate over on meghans blog?
Deletecaroline: completely agree. the H&M comments have no place here. please, let's move on.
DeleteLove the hairdo and the hat. Love that they were able to take her necklace apart and make earrings!
ReplyDeleteshe looks gorgeous and classy
ReplyDeleteLove the earrings, but the rest not so much. Appropriate for the occasion though.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte for so much history. I enjoyed the post. The Duchess looked lovely.
ReplyDeleteLove this berry red color on Kate. She really can pull off any sort of hat.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I was sad to see the tension between harry, meg, wills and kate :(
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I am beyond sad. I actually had visions of all of Charles' family hanging out together, babysitting each other's kids, etc. Thoughts of Charles and Doria taking care of Archie and Kate's kids with the nanny or her mother so the two pairs could go to a movie. I think the problem is working for the same "business." People who work in family businesses may have some of the same problems. If the three men involved had regular occupations, I bet things would be better.
ReplyDelete