Today, the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine and Duke of Sussex Prince Harry attended the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”. It is observed on 25th April each year and was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the Great War from 1914 to1918. Anzac Day is commemorated as a public holiday in both countries with memorial ceremonies held at various locations.
Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1916 when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey and more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. Since then, Anzac Day has become an important moment to recognize the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who died during the landings and to honour the sacrifices of men and women in all wars.
Catherine and Harry arrived at the Abbey together. After listening to rumours of tension for a long time, it was heartwarming to see them smiling and together.
The Duchess of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex were joined by the guests including the Duke of Gloucester, Australian High Commissioner, at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving. This was a traditional church service, incorporating an ‘Act of Remembrance’, the Last Post and Kemal Ataturk’s words from Anzac Cove read by the Turkish Ambassador to the UK.
The service started with the Fanfare Trumpeters from The Royal Artillery Band playing the fanfare at the start of the National Anthem of the United Kingdom. The Dean of the Westminster Abbey conducted the service and gave the bidding, ‘The spirit of national pride encourages us, as we bring to mind, in particular, the recent terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. We pray for an end to terror and for the triumph of peace’.
A lovely shot of Duchess during the service.
After the service Duchess met with the members of the choir.
Harry and Catherine talking to the guests.
Catherine and harry Leaving the Abbey after the service.
Coming to the sartorial details of the day, Duchess looked lovely in a blue coat dress from Catherine Walker.
@GabiK_blogoKate noted on twitter that Duchess might be wearing a bespoke version of label’s Amber coat dress that is defined as, “A clever diagonal fastening of dimpled gold buttons adds further interest to this sharp peacock blue coatdress.”.
Duchess paired the coatdress with a new hat from a new label. She was wearing a modified version of Rosie Olivia Varick Hat. Thanks to @Japanese_Ginger for the id. Defined as, “This hat is designed to sit at a flattering angle to the left of the head and is fitted with a discrete clear elastic that sits behind both ears, beneath the hair” the hat is available for £440.
Duchess chose to pair the outfit with emerald green clutch and shoes from Emmy London. Thanks to @GabiK_blogoKate and @Emma4AboutRoyal for the id. Catherine was carrying Emmy London’s Natasha Greenery & Gold Clutch. The £350 clutch is described as, “A popular Emmy London kid suede clutch bag in a rich greenery shade. This elegant hand-crafted clutch is piped in gold calf leather and opens to reveal a soft neutral oyster suede lining and zip pocket. The clutch is roomy enough for your essentials and fastens with a secure magnetic popper. The rich jet black colour works well with a variety of outfit options and is immensely popular with stylists and the press. There’s handy detachable gold and leather chain strap. This super-soft clutch is a must your festive event”.
And wore Emmy London Green Suede Rebecca Pumps that she last wore at 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Duchess finished her look with Kiki Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings that we first saw in 2017 on the day one of Germany Tour.
And Kiki Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant.
I will leave you with this beautiful shot of Catherine at today’s service. Next, we will see Catherine on May 1 when she will officially open Anna Freud National Center for Children and Families new Centre of Excellence.
