The King and Queen, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall last night (November 8), honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and those who have lost their lives in conflict. It marked both a touching and a surprising appearance from the young prince, who was making his debut at the historic event while his father, Prince William, journeyed back from royal duties in Brazil.
Twelve-year-old George, who is second in line to the throne, has been quietly accompanying his parents on some of their most recent engagements. In May, he joined them at a veterans tea party at Buckingham Palace, which marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The Princess of Wales—who ardently shops her own wardrobe and regularly rewears her favorite pieces—embraced a new look on Saturday, but one still straight from the Kate Middleton style playbook. She wore a black satin midi dress by Alessandra Rich (a beloved brand) with a peplum waist and a frilly, angular white collar with a bow. Accessories included Bahrain pearl drop earrings, a James Porter Son Scottish silver thistle brooch, and a Mulberry Bayswater black suede clutch. George, meanwhile, looked dapper in a black suit and striped navy, white, and red tie—a look in keeping with his father’s own sharp suiting.
The princess’s fashion also spoke to the style tenets of Princess Diana—particularly her penchant for prairie-esque collars. And her earrings once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who received them as a wedding present in 1947 from the Hakim of Bahrain. Elizabeth was often photographed wearing them to galas and other royal occasions, and sat for a portrait with the jewels in the 1950s. Catherine also wore her sapphire engagement ring, a piece that famously once belonged to Diana.
It’s been a few weeks since we last saw the princess, who has been getting George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte settled into Forest Lodge, their new home in the English countryside to the west of London. In the last few months, though, Kate has remained active in her duties following a hiatus while she underwent treatment for cancer. Visiting Northern Ireland with Prince William, a center for children’s development in Oxford, and the Royal Air Force (plus, hosting the Trumps), Kate has kept to her well-established fall style. There’s been a lot of fall-ready and royal-coded olive green, country-traversing boots, and power suiting.
Last night’s event was a poignant moment for the mother and son; expect to see more in the coming months as the royal calendar builds up—with both Princess Catherine and Prince George sure to look a polished pair.
