Commonwealth Day Service 2025
Last year, major annual event after major annual event passed without the Princess of Wales. The royal watching scene lost so much of it luster without its most popular star. 2025 has felt supercharged as a result, despite the fact that Kate is recycling a lot of late. Today was the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, and William and Kate joined the King, Queen, and senior royals for the event.
I can’t remember when protestors were so prominent at Westminster Abbey for a royal arrival, but large crowds had gathered with bright yellow protest signs that read “Down with the Crown” and “Not My King.” I noticed there was a set of photos of Kate getting out of the car, and she had a pretty unhappy look on her face. It must be uncomfortable to arrive to a crowd of people calling for the downfall of your family. But she rallied quickly as she joined William and the two walked into the Abbey.
We are all familiar with this Catherine Walker coat. Kate debuted it in 2021 at her Together at Christmas service, and she wore it again in 2023 to the welcome ceremony for the President and First Lady of South Korea. On other wears, it has looked a little flat, but today you could really see its lovely silhouette and graceful skirt.
Today, Kate paired it with her Gina Foster pillbox, which she debuted in Wellington, NZ, in 2014. I love this hat. I think it is classic and so flattering; I was thrilled to see it again. For me, the hat balanced the bow. Until this wear, I just haven’t liked this coat, but today, I finally did!
Kate was wearing her Collingwood pearl earrings and the Japanese choker. These are heavy hitters in her jewelry box. I liked them with this ensemble. It’s a big event, and she recycled, which is fine, but adding the extra sparkle was very nice. It was a well thought out ensemble and executed perfectly.
It was wonderful to see the senior royals in action today, and especially to see the Prince and Princess of Wales at a formal state event together. They looked fabulous, despite the protestors.
I agree- the coat has always been ‘old-fashioned’ to me, but I can see, at this event especially, how when you dress for attending a massive space and crowds outdoors, the heavy hitting pieces like a prominent pearl choker, bright hat and the bold color makes a regal signal. There isn’t much room for subtlety, or following high fashion, though she always looks very appropriate. You can’t really be too proud in dress if you’re a Royal- just go with what the event needs! I think of Queen Elizabeth.
I think Catherine is really stepping into this now, as she would probably never pick this for a wedding or such at age 43 if she had remained a ‘commoner’ (God forbid!) and her outfits are increasingly mature, but I think it’s part of the progression of the role.
I thought she looked beautiful. Loved the whole look Jackie O vibe. Beautiful jewellery I love that pearl necklace !! I didn’t know about the protestors and to be honest it annoyed me to hear it.