William & Kate join HM for Commonwealth Day Service

William & Kate join HM for Commonwealth Day Service

Prince Willam and The Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen for the Commonwealth Day church service at Westminster Abbey yesterday, March 9.

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The inter-faith service, which lasted about an hour, celebrates the people and cultures of the 54 Commonwealth nations. The service was conducted by the new Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, and included performances by singers Alexandra Burke and Craig David, African drumming group One-Drum, and south London-based steel orchestra, Melodians.

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Unlike previous years, the Cambridges did not join HM, Prince Charles, and The Duchess of Cornwall for the precession, instead taking their seats ahead of time.

Joining HM, Charles & Camilla, and the Cambridges were Prince Harry and The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Edward and The Countess of Wessex. I covered Harry and Meghan separately over on MMR.

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During the departure, the women received posies. The Queen received a posie from Ruby, 10, from Nash Mill Primary School; Camilla from Zainah, 8, from Godwin Junior School in London; Kate from Ruby, 6, from 1st Magor Rainbows in Wales; and Sophie from Connie, 9, from Northern Ireland.

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The Queen’s 2020 Commonwealth Day message is about the importance of the Commonwealth connection and diversity, it reads, in part:

On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.

This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day. Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.

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Kate looked great in burgundy, which is a color I love, with a coat from Catherine Walker (debuted in 2018), a Prada clutch (debuted in 2018), and Gianvito Rossi pumps (debuted in 2015). I know many people dislike Kate’s monochromatic looks, but when they’re done well, I like them. I like this one.

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The hat is a new one from Sally Ann Provan: “SADA felt saucer felt hat” (£460.00). Kate’s earrings are part of the Mouawad set of jewelry which was supposedly a wedding gift. She wore the necklace and bracelet to the Sun Military Awards in 2011, but I don’t remember her ever wearing the earrings before. So these earrings are a new-to-us debut from a set she received in 2011.

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The Queen went with a soft blue look from Stewart Parvin and the Jardine Star Brooch.

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Camilla chose navy and plumage, along with her four strand pearl choker with diamond clasp and her diamond pretzel brooch.

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Sophie went with a white and navy color block look, opting for a repeated Suzannah “Evangeline White and Navy Dress” (£1,850.00), a navy clutch she’s had for years, navy pumps, and a navy hat. Her rose brooch was debuted in 2016 or 2017, and her earrings are a pair Kate has as well but I can’t remember the brand name to look them up.

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Ireland day 3 will be coming up later this week, as well as Kate’s gala dinner from last night.

For the arrivals, see the video above. For the departures, see the video below. If you want to watch the full ceremony, you can view it here.


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