The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Windsor for Easter Mattins service at St George's Chapel today.
It's the first time we've seen the Cambridges since the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey on 29 March.
The family jetted off for a skiing break in snowy France with members of the Middleton family. Skiing holidays were a staple of William's childhood and of the Cambridges relationship from their dating years. In the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed annual holidays to Mustique. Their new tradition is skiing and taking in new destinations over the summer and autumn breaks. It's thought they very recently returned to England.
William, Kate, George and Charlotte arriving.
It marks the first public royal Easter walk to church since the pandemic. In a sign of changing times, the gathering was much smaller. Since the last appearance, the Duke of Edinburgh has passed and Her Majesty was not feeling strong enough to attend. It's been reported it's going to be a case of no longer scheduling public engagements for Her Majesty, due to the strong possibility of cancellation. Instead, it is to be presume she will not attend and should that change Buckingham Palace will inform through press release. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are marking Easter in Scotland.
'Notably missing from the outing was Queen Elizabeth, who will celebrate her 96th birthday this month. It was confirmed earlier this week that the monarch would not attend the annual Easter outing.
The Queen, who is a devout Christian and the head of the Church of England, attends services regularly and, if she can't go in person, has been able to worship online, a source has told PEOPLE.
But it's likely that the Queen will have some visitors — she is staying at her apartments in Windsor Castle, so family members may stop by following the church service to wish her a happy holiday.'
The Earl and Countess of Wessex making the walk with their children Louise and James. In the background, Peter Phillips with Princess Eugenie and his daughters Savannah and Isla.
Zara and Mike Tindall.
The Queen's niece Lady Sarah Chatto and her son Arthur.
St George's Chapel is a 14th century building located in the lower ward of the castle.
The chapel has been the site of many royal weddings, including the weddings of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank last year. The chapel is also home to the annual Order of the Garter ceremony held in June. Within the Chapel are the tombs of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. Of course, Prince Philip was laid to rest in the Royal Vault beneath St George's Chapel.
More on the history of the chapel:
'In 1348, King Edward III founded two new religious colleges: St Stephen's at Westminster and St George's at Windsor. The new college at Windsor was attached to the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor which had been constructed by Henry III in the early thirteenth century. The chapel was then rededicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Edward the Confessor and St George the Martyr. Edward III also built the Aerary Porch in 1353–1354. It was used as the entrance to the new college.
The Quire of St George's Chapel, by Charles Wild, from W.H. Pyne's Royal Residences, 1818. St George's Chapel became the Mother Church of the Order of the Garter, and a special service is still held in the chapel every June and is attended by the members of the order. Their heraldic banners hang above the upper stalls of the choir where they have a seat for life.'
The Cambridges departing.
It is not known what their plans for the day are. Possibly a visit to see the Queen and then drive the short distance to the Middletons' Berkshire home. Several years ago, Kate told a gathering her children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, so perhaps one awaits them today!
A wave from Kate as the @RoyalFamily leave today's Easter Sunday service at #windsor pic.twitter.com/FF07dQCQGN
— Slough Observer (@sloughobserver) April 17, 2022
In his Easter message, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to those helping refugees in the wake of the atrocities in Ukraine. More from ITV News:
'He said meeting the “innocent victims of conflict” over the years, he had found it “profoundly moving” to see the numbers of people ready to invite those in need into their homes.
Charles also said it was an “enormous privilege“ to perform the ancient ceremony of distributing Maundy money to community stalwarts at Thursday’s Royal Maundy service, on behalf of the Queen who was unable to attend.
The prince poignantly remembered the role his father the Duke of Edinburgh played during the many Maundy services he attended, when he would “read the Gospel which tells how on the night of the Last Supper, Jesus knelt before his disciples and washed their travel-weary feet”.'
In 2017 and 2018, the Duchess repeated classic Catherine Walker coats for Easter Sunday. In 2019, Kate repeated her dove grey Alexander McQueen coat, first worn for Easter Sunday service at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, in 2014.
The Duchess repeated her sky blue Emilia Wickstead coat today.
Kate debuted the full-skirted piece during a 2017 solo trip to Luxembourg.
The Duchess wore her blue Jane Taylor headband.
And accessorized with her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore pearl earrings.
The Duchess sported her Emmy London Rebecca pumps in 'riviera' or another shade of custom blue. Kate owns the shoes in several colours. They are described as: "A stylish pointed court shoe in a summery blue-grey suede. Rebecca in riviera is perfect for creating a chic, effortless look. With a super straight heel that is flattering to your foot and leg."
And a matching Emmy London clutch.
Below, a wooden egg with a portrait of HM given to the monarch by the Ambassador of Ukraine, Volodymyr Khandogiy.
A reminder -- readers can avail of an exclusive 30% discount from luxury accessories brand Black.co.uk until tomorrow night (20% automatically applied + discount code HRH10). Shop the women's collection here.
Kensington Palace shared this image to mark the day.
Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Easter!
I’m so pleased to see this great coat dress again. I enjoy a fun restyle more than when she wears something new.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Zara is wearing LK Bennett. I recognized it immediately.
I agree Emily! I was hoping for a 're-wear' today as well. I was guessing she'd choose a pink ensemble but this light blue full skirt coat is lovely. It picks up the sunshine nicely. I'll say it again, I would be happy seeing 're-wears' for an entire year. She has so many options.
DeleteA good re-styling of all these items - they make a lovely Easter ensemble for the Duchess. Sarah Chatto looks as elegant as ever in her very personal style.
ReplyDeleteWell said TrickyMum! I too loved seeing Lady Sarah (and liked her ensemble) and you captured it perfectly, "her very personal style."
DeleteAgree. Sarah Chatto is very elegant and understated. Love her hats. And her wedding dress was stunning! She is very discreet and loyal.
DeleteHappy Easter everyone! Happy Easter Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteBeloved Queen has seemed to go downhill since the passing of the DOE. I remember in an interview Harry said without him "She couldn't do it" and it seems, not intentionally, she is beginning to pass the torch (Insert crying emoji here).
Kate's look today was boring to me. I have never been a fan of headbands or pillbox-ish look on her. The coat looked great when debuted with her hair down and a clutch, but it didn't have any wow-ness to it today with the headband.
George is the spitting image of grandpa Michael to me. He is getting so big and handsome.
I see some of Pippa in Charlotte today and she too, is getting very tall. I think her dress is too young for her. To put an almost 7 year old in a baby dress isn't my taste. It's always that blue one too, I wish it could at least be different colors. I dunno, I was underwhelmed today by the outfits.
I loved Sophie's dress and especially her hat! Also loved Zara's look today-her hat was stunning too.
A toddlers dress??? Lena's dress is almost identical to Charlotte's dress. They are girls. Sever year old girls
DeletePerhaps "boring" was the point. It's Easter, not a fashion show.
DeleteLet’s remember when Kate first wore a headband 4 years ago and people here went crazy hating it and it’s now a trend everywhere. It’s funny how people call her matronly and conservative when she frequently wears most trends before they become mainstream.
ReplyDeleteI think she is a trend setter. She knows how to wear a hat, no wonder people copy her. I remember the first headband, that was Louis christening, wasn't it? She was the very first to wear them.
DeleteI never said it was matronly or conservative I said it was MY TASTE. My taste remains, I don't like it. In fact, I HATE it. Saw someone wearing one today and ya know what I thought? "I hate that headband."
DeleteAnd four years later, I still hate the Anne Boleyn handbands.
DeleteOk, you cannot like it. But people here often talk about Kate’s choices being matronly, aging, conservative and cosplays of Diana without realizing fashion is cyclical and she’s been wearing trendy clothes for years.
DeleteIt’s making me a bit sad realizing how age and illness are impacting the Queen’s ability to do the things she loves. Time marches on, but I’m not sure the world is quite prepared for what happens when HM is no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteShifting to a lighter topic: Kate’s outfit today. A very typical Kate silhouette and a very pretty color on her. I don’t care for her headpiece, but it’s not unattractive, just not my taste. Or maybe it doesn’t look great with the dress. She’s working with a lot of different shades of blue here, and I don’t think they look great together. I guess that’s usually my critique of her styling choices - using a whole bunch of different tones of a particular color that don’t really coordinate with each other. It makes be quite cautious when I try for a monochrome approach to dressing.
I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter!
I agree about mixing shades of blue as Kate has done here, it’s odd looking. The headgear is not to my taste either. It visually mashes down her hair.
DeleteOne of the other girls is wearing what looks like a clown costume but perhaps that’s the style for young girls today and she looks cute in it. I think Charlotte looks lovely and entirely appropriate for a seven year-old. She’s SEVEN, not a pre-teen.
I like her outfit although I agree with a pp that Charlotte's dress, tights and shoes are essentially a rewear from her toddler years (obviously not the same item). However, it's always nice to see the kids and these kinds of event are good for them to learn the ropes (while still living 99% of their childhood privately which is as it should be).
ReplyDeletei enjoyed seeing a little girl dressed as a little girl and not as some sort of kardashian clone
DeleteWell said, I agree entirely.
DeleteI like this look today better than the first wearing. It’s a gorgeous coat and I like her hair away so you can see it! The light blue is such a pretty spring color, which my soul needs as I’m still waiting to thaw out from our winter. :) I’m so happy that they all went to church as that is the meaning behind Easter. I hope they all had a lovely visit! Thank you Chatlotte. -Sue
ReplyDeleteI agree, so nice to see them go to church, also the children. Times are changing, they were the most senior royals. Kate was lovely in a very Kate's way and a clever recycling. I like the coat and the hat. The children gorgeous of course and Charlotte dressed as a little girl, very appropriate and charming. Happy Easter!
DeleteI like Catherine’s outfit. She looked lovely. I love the color of her shoes. William and George great. Charlotte looked very cute. I suspect the outfit was her choice, it is a very typical girls dress and to me not just for a toddler. Sad the Queen could not join in. The other kids and family all looked relaxed and lovely for an Easter service.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I'd like to wish you and your family a very Easter. I hope you're Husband surprised you with a nice egg. I think the Duchess looked very well today. Beautiful and blue suits her. A very successful rewear. I don't know where he is at the moment but I really think Prince Charles should of been there this morning. Seeing Prince William leading the Royal Family just felt so different. I feel sad for The Queen. These adjustments to her life because of her mobility, must be very frustrating for her. Loosing her beloved and the stress she has had to deal with as a Mother and Grandmother these last few years has taken its toll on her. Hopefully she will feel well enough to attend as many events she wants to in the next few months. Praying for peace this Easter Sunday. 🇺🇦. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteFirst I like to wish everyone a happy Easter. Kate looks very lovely. I like this coatdress the color is very nice to. Spring is in the air, it seems every other Lady opted for a floral dress. Sadly Jack was not with Eugenie or sister Beatrice and her husband were missing as well. A nice change to see George and Charlotte there they have grown so much. I really miss HM walking in and out of the Church.
ReplyDeleteFirst I like to wish everyone a happy Easter. Everyone hnn its seems the duke and duchess Cambridge are not France ski according to report the Cambridge's kids are growing fast the the duchess really fashion re wear but different style
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely also so nice to see beautiful Zara. I am sad the Queen was not present I am afraid to lose the Queen. Things will never be the same once she is gone. Praying for her continued good health and Happy Easter to all especially you Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteLike George’s shorts when he was younger I think Charlotte’s dress is typical of what seven year-old girls in their circles wear to church. If you look at Mia Tindall and Isla Phillips, their are wearing very similar outfits and they are both older than Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteBut like Queen Maxima of The Netherlands and Queen Letitzia of Spain did with their daughters, I expect Kate will dress Charlotte as “young” as she can for as long as she can to protect her from the hyper-critcal and hyper-sexualized media scrutiny that teenage girls often suffer.
Catherine looks lovely this style dress suits her beautifully, love the color. Her pearl earrings are gorgeous. Her shoes and clutch are a great color combination.
ReplyDeleteSarah Chatto’s outfit, looked absolutely wonderful. Her hat is stylish and very becoming, but those strand of pearls where the perfect finishing touch, she looked beautifully groomed.
Zara looked stunning in the polka dress, she wore it beautifully, love the hat.
Lady Louise looked pretty, love her dress, she is a beautiful young lady.
I agree 100% with every word of yours, Ava! :) I also loved Lady Louise's look.
DeleteFirst, hoping everybody had a very happy and healthy Easter. Kate looked lovely and think she was smart to rework items from her closet; the colors were vibrant, springlike (her shoe color was beautiful), and the entire family looked very handsome together! Lots of thoughts in no particular order. It was hard to not see the Queen at this and other events as all are somewhat defined by her presence, but above all else very happy to see the cousins with their children attending and carrying on the tradition. Charlotte's look, while I liked the tights, not a fan of their color, was very appropriately dressed for a seven year old girl. Its obvious she has her mother's influence and can see Kate keeps similar looks in Charlotte's closet as she does in hers. There was a comment that this was a toddler's dress, and I have to disagree. If you look at Mia Tindall, she has on a similar 'liberty print' type dress, with the younger girls wearing ankle socks rather than tights, and all of their styles were perfect Easter looks. Maybe just remembering how special dressing for Easter was and how proud I was of what I wore. I had to smile because when I saw Savannah's outfit, it just reminded me of a single father who is dressing his two daughters for Easter, each with different tastes, and allowing them to pick what they wanted to wear, and that was her choice, I LOVED IT!! It felt very relatable, in fact all of the family looked at ease and each personally styled. My two favorite looks, aside from Kate's, were Zara Tindall's and Lady Louise, who by the way looked very grown-up and fresh in her beret. The Cambridge's appear to be a very close family, after the service Charlotte was somewhat pensive and for all her confidence reached for her mother's hand. I am not sure why that small act carried so much weight for me, but it did. Our children grow up quickly and time seems to be moving at warp speed, so little moments like that just seem special. Will join others in praying for peace for Ukraine. Thankful and grateful Charlotte for this happy place that you allow us to visit!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit late in commenting here, but hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful Easter holiday. It was lovely to see the family members walking to church, such a show of unity and support for the Queen who was unable to attend. I do hope she is able to gain strength in coming days and weeks. Covid and grief appears to have taken a bit of a toll on her, especially at her age. Who better to lead the way to Easter service than William and Catherine? I'm happy to see that George and Charlotte are getting a taste of what will become their future lives in a bit of the spotlight. They all looked fantastic in blue! That coat dress of Catherine's has been a fave of mine - such a classic and perfect for this occasion. No matter the event, no matter the headlines, no matter the smears directed at them, Catherine never fails to demonstrate her natural poise and elegance. I do believe she was born to be Queen Consort one day. She carries out her duties and responsibilities to the Queen without drama, complaint, and always in good humor and kindness. Her respect for the Queen is always evident. My favorite part of her outfit is her shoes - what a fantastic color! Simply perfection. I also love that she continues to wear headbands - a sort of trademark for her through the years. Catherine has matured beautifully into her unfolding role as future Queen. William chose his partner very well, and they are a lovely family. Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteBeauties in blue.
ReplyDeleteThere is a wonderful photo circulating around of the Cambridges spotted departing Windsor Castle. It seems they spent Easter with the Queen after church, as perhaps many of those attending church did as well. It also shows Louis who must have been at Windsor with his nanny, and maybe having some one on one with the Queen and the other younger children, I hope so!! Everybody looks changed to a casual look and a very lovely photo suggesting that the Queen was surrounded by her family!!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find it? I couldn't!
DeleteNatacha, first saw it as a photo and then as a video on a FB page, and it was also posted on a Daily Mail article, but has since been taken down. Here is a YouTube video compilation of stills from the video. The video is really nice as the Cambridges looks like any other family leaving their grandmother's home after an Easter visit. Seems they all changed clothes, and the star of this little video is Louis, who can be seen hopping around and trying to get into the back of the car. What is really cute, is that it appears that Kate helps him get in the back and he climbs over to get to his seat. This YouTube collage also shows some stills of Beatrice, Edo and their baby! It's obvious that they didn't know they were being filmed, hence why it has been taken down by the Daily Mail, but it does show that the Queen was surrounded by her family and all their children, which is heartwarming.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrYFJkqUhoc
Kate's outfit is extremely pretty -- I like the extra flare of the skirt. I think the ladies and little girls all look very Easter-y -- they look pretty and spring-like. I can't imagine what else the little girls should be wearing. And they are on public display and should be able to wear what makes them comfortable.
ReplyDeleteIs it just my imagination ir really Kate wore some dress very similar to the one Zara wears at the photo? Some pictures with Prince Charles? Zofia
ReplyDeleteIt does look like the dress Kate wore for the family photo
DeleteGorgeous, wholesome, loving family in blue.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved what Kate wore except for the 1940's-style headband which makes me think of Wallis Simpson. Not someone who's fashion should be recreated ever, IMO. I wondered if the reason for this unattractive (to my subjective eye) headband was to draw attention away from Kate's hair which appears to be uncharacteristically flat and lifeless, perhaps due to lasting effects of a frizz-reducing Brazilian keratin hair treatment that I'm guessing she got before the Caribbean tour.
I wholeheartedly agree with you that her hair is, "uncharacteristically flat and lifeless", and as another commenter wrote, "mashed down" by the headband. I think that in addition to any hair treatments that she received, her hair is far too long, which makes her hair look thin and flat. Her hair circa 2017 (in the months preceding Pippa's wedding) was the best: a rich dark brown, bouncy and voluminous. I believe that she's growing her hair out for a big event, a fancy updo in June 2022.
DeleteMy take: she didn't want to make a hairdresser need to come to work to deal with her hair on Easter, so went with this look. She generally wears her hair down on Christmas, too. I don't like these hairband things either, but notice how many of the royals wear them.
DeleteKate looks wonderful in that color & the kids so cute & coordinated in color with her. She always has such a lovely smile. I think the headband is awful but she looks fab in spite of it!
ReplyDeleteGood evening Charlotte. I know you are very busy but would you consider starting a page for Sophie, the Countess of Wessex? I like her style and would enjoy reading about it. Thank you. US mom
ReplyDelete