On March 10, 2025, the British royal family gathered at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service, a significant event celebrating the unity of the 56 member nations. This year’s service was particularly noteworthy as it marked the return of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, following her recovery from cancer.
Kate Middleton, accompanied by her husband, Prince William, made a striking entrance in a red Catherine Walker coat dress adorned with an oversized bow; a piece she had previously worn during her ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service in 2021. She complemented the ensemble with a matching Gina Foster hat and heels, embodying her penchant for sartorial elegance and thoughtful fashion choices.
Her accessories carried profound sentimental value. She wore the Collingwood pearl drop earrings, a cherished possession of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. These earrings were a wedding gift to Diana from Collingwood jewellers and were frequently worn by her on various occasions. Additionally, Kate donned a pearl choker that previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, further honouring the royal lineage.
The service also marked the return of King Charles III, who, like Kate, had been absent from public events in 2024 due to his own health challenges. His presence underscored the resilience and continuity of the monarchy. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day, “Together We Thrive,” resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective progress among the member nations.
Throughout the service, Kate exhibited her characteristic poise and grace. A moment that captured public attention was her deep curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla upon their arrival, reflecting her respect for royal traditions. Her interactions with attendees and fellow royals highlighted her warmth and commitment to her royal duties.
The Commonwealth Day service was not just a ceremonial observance but also a platform to showcase the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth nations. The event featured performances by the Masai Cultural Arts team and Britain’s Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, Braimah and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, enriching the service with artistic expressions from different cultures.
Kate’s return to public life has been met with widespread admiration. Royal expert Jennie Bond noted that Kate, “looks fantastic and is enjoying her engagements,” signalling a rejuvenation in her royal endeavours. Her health journey has also influenced her and Prince William’s approach to their roles, with a renewed emphasis on balancing public duties with family life, cherishing time with their children, and engaging meaningfully with the public.
In the days following the Commonwealth Day service, Prince William continued his public engagements, visiting a referee training course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall. This visit was part of the Football Association’s Reflective and Representative campaign, aiming to recruit referees from diverse backgrounds. His involvement underscored the royal family’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in various sectors of society.
The 2025 Commonwealth Day service not only celebrated the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth nations but also symbolized resilience and continuity within the British royal family. Kate Middleton’s return, marked by her elegant attire and heartfelt tributes to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, highlighted her enduring commitment to her royal duties and the values of the Commonwealth.
