Kate Middleton Makes a Surprise Appearance at the Remembrance Day Service in London
The duchess wore custom Alexander McQueen for the commemorative event.


In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.K.'s decision to go into a second lockdown earlier this week, Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) commemorated Remembrance Day (opens in new tab) by appearing in person at the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London. The Duchess of Cambridge joined her mother-in-law, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, on a balcony overlooking the monument, which honors military personnel who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
For the occasion, Duchess Kate wore a custom black Alexander McQueen (opens in new tab) coat with shoulder detailing. She accessorized the chic look with a Philip Treacy hat and diamond and pearl drop earrings borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II (opens in new tab), per the Daily Mail (opens in new tab). Camilla and Kate abided by current COVID-19 guidelines and kept their distance from one another at opposite ends of the balcony.
Queen Elizabeth also watched the service from a balcony, with the monarch donning an all-black outfit for the important occasion.
Kensington Palace's official Instagram account shared photos from the service and wrote, "On #RemembranceSunday The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen and Members of the Royal Family for the annual Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph." The caption continued, "This year the @RoyalBritishLegion encouraged us all to to take to our windows and doorsteps for a two minutes’ silence at 11am on Sunday November 8, to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom."
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
During the socially distanced service, Prince William and Prince Charles laid wreaths at The Cenotaph honoring all military personnel who lost their lives during the war.
Related Stories
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
-
This Epic Prank Princess Diana Played on a Teenage Prince William is Hilarious
It involved Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Kate Middleton Makes Two Signature Moves Whenever She Steps Out with Prince William, Body Language Expert Claims
Once you see them, you can’t unsee them.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Diana Would Be "Mortified" by Prince William and Prince Harry’s Ongoing Feud
Her biographer Andrew Morton weighs in on what the late Princess of Wales would think of it all.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
How Princess Diana and Duchess Camilla's Birth Charts Predicted Compatibility With Prince Charles: Astrologer
Diana and Camilla share the same sun sign.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Is "Frantically" Trying to Repair Princes William and Harry's Bond, Reportedly
Good for her!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Can't Recognize Prince Harry, As Relationship Reportedly Suffers Irreparable "Damage"
This is so so sad.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Drank Beer and Played Soccer After a Kind of Uncomfortable Portrait Unveiling
They looked uncharacteristically nervous.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Cambridges Shine in Cambridge on Official Visit to Their Dukedom
A new portrait of the couple is being unveiled.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why Kate Middleton Wore White to Mark Windrush Day: Body Language Expert
It shows discretion and humility.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Know When to Show PDA—And When to Hold Back: Body Language Expert
It depends what the engagement consists of.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Acknowledged the Great Contributions of Caribbean People Who Came to the U.K. in Windrush Day Speech
He also denounced the still prevalent problem of racism in the U.K. today.
By Iris Goldsztajn