Hours after apologising in public for editing a Mother’s Day family photo that featured her kids, the Princess of Wales made her first public appearance.
The Prince of Wales and Catherine, 42, were seen driving out of Windsor in a black Land Rover while she recovered from abdominal surgery.
Prince William and the Princess were spotted travelling from Adelaide Cottage to London in the back seat of the car. William, 41, then accompanied his stepmother Queen Camilla to lead the senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
It is acknowledged that Catherine had a private appointment, so she was unable to accompany him. The Princess anticipates devoting herself to official duties only after Easter.
Among the royals present were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.
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As the royal family stood for the playing of the national anthem at the beginning of the service, William was observed grinning and chatting with Queen Camilla.
The 76-year-old Queen looked stunning in a turquoise coat with a matching hat and two heart-shaped brooches. She arrived at the Abbey shortly after her stepson.
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The 73-year-old Princess Royal was joined by Dolly Maude, her daughter Zara Tindall’s closest friend, and her new lady-in-waiting. The Court Circular earlier this year confirmed the appointments.
For the service, Anne wore a mint-colored hat with a teal silk dress and a red coat with embroidery.
Just one day after Prince Edward turned sixty, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived at Westminster Abbey beaming with happiness.
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Edward, 60, looked sharp in a charcoal-grey suit while Sophie, 59, dazzled in a flared coat and a trilby hat.
The 75-year-old Charles, who is presently receiving cancer treatment, promised to continue serving the Commonwealth “to the best of my ability” in a prerecorded message.
Throughout his speech, he emphasised that the Commonwealth’s fundamental “strength” was its “diversity” and that its 56 member nations were a “precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride” for him.
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The King’s video message, which will be shown during the service, said, “In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”
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“My belief in our shared endeavours and in our people’s potential remains as sure and strong as it has ever been,” he continued.
“I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”
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The president of Malta, senior politicians and dignitaries from throughout the Commonwealth, faith leaders, schoolchildren and young people from all around the UK, and Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland were among the 2,000 guests.
Photo: © Chris Jackson
A Ugandan dance group that wowed the royals was among the performers from throughout the Commonwealth at the 75th anniversary celebration of the family of nations.
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The children, who had appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, twirled and jumped, and the front row of Camilla, William, Edward, Sophie, and Anne smiled.
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Afterwards, the Queen went to the yearly Commonwealth Day Reception held at London’s Marlborough House to meet high commissioners, UK lawmakers, and foreign ministers.
