On the 9th of March 2015, the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) joined The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and husband the Duke of Cambridge for a special Commonwealth Observance service at Westminster Abbey.
The service marked Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March and marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey. The Queen, who is head of the Commonwealth, always attends the service. The following is a picture of the Observance’s programme, tweeted by Peter Kallaghe, the Tanzania High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland.
This year’s Commonwealth Observance focused on the theme ‘A Young Commonwealth‘:
“A Young Commonwealth recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy. The Commonwealth is also a family of dynamic countries at the forefront of innovation, growth and contributing global value. As a diverse and increasingly connected global network, we bring fresh perspectives and new ideas.”
The Queen always broadcasts an address on Commonwealth Day, you can read the full message by clicking here.
Kate’s outfit:
Kate looked pretty in pink for the Observance service, she opted for head-to-toe pink clothing and accessories:
Fans of the Duchess will recognise the coat. She ‘recycled’ her pale pink coat from her last pregnancy, during the 2013 ‘Trooping the Colour’ procession. Here’s a reminder of Kate at that event:
Back in 2013, I wrote that the palace and press did not have too much information about the coat, and so we assumed it was a bespoke maternity piece, made-to-order for Kate.
The baby pink coat features a large collar, side darting, three-quarter length sleeves and oversized pearl buttons. In 2013, Susan from WhatKateWore.com said she believed the coat was made from a “lightweight wool crepe”, and mentioned that the buttons are ornate, with “filigree decor.”
As you can see, today Kate is wearing a different hat. The Duchess opted for a new piece by Jane Taylor Millinery.
The Duchess wore a new (to us) pair of Kiki McDonough earrings, the Morganite and Diamond Cushion Drop Earrings from the designer’s Classic collection.
Here’s how they’re described on Kiki McDonough’s website:
Two looks in one make these earrings an irresistible buy; featuring a subtle and very pretty pale pink morganite cushion drop on an elegant 18ct white gold and diamond tapered hoop.
Writing on the Kiki McDonough Twitter account, a representative stated that the earrings will be restocked soon. They retail for £3,400 (approximately $5,140 USD).
She wore her pink satin Prada shoes, the photo comes via RepliKate-It:
Kate carried her Prada “Raso” Minaudiere in pink satin.
