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It’s a major milestone for the Princess of Wales: Today marks Kate Middleton’s official return to Commonwealth Day after missing the 2024 occasion due to her cancer diagnosis, which she revealed to the world almost exactly a year ago on March 22. This made her arrival a sight to see as she joined her husband, Prince William, at Westminster Abbey for the annual service, which celebrates the voluntary association of 56 nations with King Charles as the ceremonial head.
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In honor of the day, Kate opted to wear a royal repeat—the very same Catherine Walker coat dress she donned back in December 2021 to kick off her first “Together at Christmas” concert, which was also held at Westminster Abbey. (Remember she played the piano?) That particular celebration also marked a grand and meaningful return in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. (The red version of her coat dress was also a replica of the design she wore in black to Prince Philip’s funeral earlier that same year.)
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This year, Kate added an updated flourish to the familiar ensemble: A matching hat by Gina Foster, which served as a lovely compliment to her bold red bow. She also wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s four-strand, diamond-and-pearl choker, a piece she has reached for quite often including at the late monarch’s funeral in September 2022.
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But Kate isn’t the only one making a major entrance today: The 2025 occasion also marks a return for King Charles, too. His Majesty also missed Commonwealth Day in 2024 due to his own battle with cancer, which is ongoing. (Kate shared an emotional video last fall to mark the end of her cancer treatment while simultaneously noting that her royal workload would be selective going forward as she continues to prioritize her health and recovery.)
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Knowing her royal calendar is limited is exactly why it was extra special to have her in attendance today. More royals who popped up at Westminster Abbey this afternoon: Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
What a difference a year makes.
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