The Duchess of Cambridge has made an unexpected appearance at the annual Anzac Day memorial at Westminster Abbey on Monday, April 25, and the royal lady certainly looked the part.
The Duke had originally been scheduled to attend the ceremony on his own after attending an earlier service at Whitehall on behalf of the Queen, however, it was announced that Kate would be joining him just prior to the service at Westminster.
The Duchess donned a stunning Alexander McQueen white collared dress paired with a statement white headpiece attached to a graceful black bow, elegant pearl drop earrings and simplistic black clutch. The Duchess looked the picture of royal duty and sophistication as she held a delicate bouquet of bright yellow flowers and featured a graceful red poppy pin attached to the left lapel of her coat. According to news.com.au, the Duchess had previously worn the outfit for daughter Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015.
Prince William also wore a matching poppy pin paired with a navy blue and red tie and service medallions in tribute to the sacrifice of those who lived and died during the first World War.
The ceremony saw appearances from UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and Australian High Commissioner George Brandis. The Prince of Wales and Camilla also lead a special memorial tribute on behalf of the Royal family after the couple issued a touching message to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who had worked and fought in global conflicts.
The statement, released to Instagram on Monday, April 25, read, “As we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of the Armed Services personnel of Australia and New Zealand in two World Wars, and in other conflicts and peacekeeping operations, our thoughts will also be with those communities around the world who are being torn apart by violence and conflict, and those who are fighting for freedom in the face of oppression.”
“In 1916, one year after the Gallipoli landings, my great-grandfather, King George V, wrote of the first ANZACs, ‘They gave their lives for a supreme cause in gallant comradeship.”