The Cambridges Return to Westminster Abbey on National Day of Reflection

On the National Day of Reflection, marking one year since the first lockdown in the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned to Westminster Abbey, where they were married almost a decade ago, to visit the recently opened vaccination centre.

Kensington Palace said, "In early March, the NHS opened the Westminster Abbey clinic to provide up to two thousand life-saving jabs each week to local Westminster residents. Run by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the vaccination centre operates from the south transept, home to the world-famous Poets' Corner. The Abbey continues to remain open for a daily Holy Communion service. Doctors, nurses and countless other staff, supported by volunteers and others, are delivering the vaccination programme at more than 1,600 sites across the country ranging from cathedrals, mosques and temples to racecourses, sports stadiums, cinemas and museums."

The couple were welcomed to the Abbey by the Dean, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and the Receiver General, Paul Baumann.

More from Westminster Abbey:

'The Duke and Duchess were escorted around the clinic by Scott Craddock, the Abbey’s Head of Visitor Experience, and Victoria de la Morinière, Head of Quality Improvement at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. The visitors met NHS clinicians, Abbey volunteers and patients.'

William and Kate spent time with staff and heard about their roles in the country's largest vaccination programme to date. 

In just over 100 days since the programme began, over 22.8 million people have had at least one jab. On Sunday alone, between 11 am and 12 pm,  almost 100,000 vaccinations were undertaken - at a rate of 27 per second.

The Duke and Duchess spoke with a number of people receiving their vaccines today.

The Duchess speaking with staff.

Kate discussed the abbey with staff, noting, "It's a good distraction to be in a beautiful building like this."

Following their visit, the Cambridges took a moment for private reflection in Westminster Abbey, remembering all those who lost their lives over the past twelve months. William lit a candle at the Shrine’s altar and Kate laid fresh daffodils.

The BBC reports:

'A year ago today, fewer than 1,000 people in the UK had died with coronavirus. The figure now stands at more than 126,000. The prime minister said then there were "no easy options" and the way ahead would be "hard". But few would have imagined the scale of the loss of lives - or liberties - to come; the restrictions we would still be facing 12 months on.

Indeed, as millions of us watched, listened and stopped a year ago, Boris Johnson said the restrictions would be reviewed three weeks later, and would be relaxed, if possible.

This easing of the rules came months rather than weeks later, soon to be followed by their reimposition as summer gave way to autumn and winter. As we enter a second year of restrictions, there is hope life will soon get better.

But the shadow of the pandemic looms large.'

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said, "This day of reflection is an opportunity to pause and remember all that's happened over the past year. To mourn those who have died, but also to give thanks for those who have looked after us and our communities."

The visit comes as Her Majesty reflected on the "loss felt by so many" while she marked the day by sending flowers to to St Bartholomew's Hospital, where Prince Philip underwent heart surgery. The Queen wrote: "As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year."

The Duchess was elegant in the Catherine Walker 'Valeria' coat for the visit (with thanks to Caroline Parr). The Valeria is a signature piece in the Catherine Walker & Co. Collection. The winter white, soft wool coat is a timeless piece described as "precision tailoring...contrasted with an artisanal approach to embellishment".

Delicate ivory floral lace has been hand-applied to the front.

The Duchess accessorised with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki McDonough hoops.

Kate carried her Métier Roma small suede shoulder bag.

Kate's tan suede pumps have proved quite a tricky ID due to limited high-res images. Kate's Closet suggests the Jimmy Choo Romy 85 while Kate's Closet shared the Gianvito Rossi 85 style. 

As several of you correctly noted, elements of the look echoed Kate's wedding day in the choice of white, floral lace and her hair worn in a demi-chignon. I expect we should hear more on celebrations for the Cambridges' tenth anniversary in due course. Perhaps previously unreleased images and a new portrait to mark the occasion. 

Update: Westminster Abbey lit up NHS blue tonight to remember all those who have died during the pandemic.