The Cambridges Host Buckingham Palace Audience with Ukraine's President and First Lady

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held an audience with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and First Lady Olena Zelenska at Buckingham Palace earlier today.

William and Kate held the meeting on behalf of Her Majesty, who has returned to Windsor Castle following a spell at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate with Prince Philip. It is the first time the couple has been separated since restrictions regarding the pandemic were imposed seven months ago. The appearances follow news all receptions and investitures, including the much anticipated white-tie Diplomatic Reception, will be cancelled for the remainder of the year.

Given the enormous change to the royal schedule this year, it was great to see today's meeting proceeding at BP and to see the Cambridges stepping in. Whether it's a brief audience at the Palace or the pomp and ceremony of a State visit, participation from the Royal family has long been a key element in welcoming heads of state from other nations. This is an area I would love to see William and Kate increasingly involved in - especially as it will be a central part of their duties as Prince and Princess of Wales.

ABC News reports:

'London's Buckingham Palace held its first royal event in more than six months on Wednesday as Prince William and his wife Kate welcomed Ukraine’s president and his wife.

Buckingham Palace, the queen’s central London residence and the monarchy’s administrative hub, has not been used for a royal event since March when the coronavirus lockdown was announced. Its State Rooms are usually open to the public during the summer, but they have remained closed along with other royal attractions.'

We've seen a marked reduction in the number of official visits from other countries this year. President Zelensky and the First Lady are making an important two-day stop in London with a ministerial delegation. The President will sign the Ukranian-British Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Prime Minister tomorrow. It is understood he will also sign a number of bilateral documents related to defense and financial support for joint projects.

The Mail reported additional details on the visit:

'Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the agreement is a 'clear demonstration' of the UK's commitment to Ukraine's prosperity and security.

Mr Raab will meet Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba today to reaffirm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of what the Foreign Office called 'malign behaviour from Russia'.

The Foreign Secretary will announce £5 million in humanitarian aid to support communities in eastern Ukraine who have been affected by conflict and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aid will go towards the provision of food, water, medical supplies and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, the Foreign Office said.'

On social media, President Zelensky noted the importance of "people-to-people" contact for countries, adding a friendly meeting was enjoyed by both couples with a focus on topics of shared interest between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The Duchess was elegant in a blue V-neck belted dress. It's thought the piece is a bespoke Emilia Wickstead creation. Royal Wikipedia notes Kate's dress is very similar to a belt the Duchess owns by the designer in black.

Kate wore her praline Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps.

The Duchess accessorised with Diana's sapphire and diamond earrings and a new matching necklace.

Liz from Kate's Closet and All Things Royal suggests the stones may in fact be from Diana's sapphire suite. It certainly makes sense, I've long thought we would see other jewels from the set in Kate's rotation. Below, Diana wearing a pair of earrings in Australia which may have been used for the pendant.

Embed from Getty Images

A great look for the Duchess!