Princess of Wales makes historic outing at Cenotaph wearing poppy on behalf of King Charles

Dorothy Reddin
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:01:44 +0000

The Princess of Wales has stepped out in central London to honour fallen Australian and New Zealand service personnel at the capital’s annual Anzac Day commemorations.

For the first time as a working royal, Catherine attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph, where she wore a poppy and laid a wreath on behalf of the King.

The service was organised by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions.

It followed the early-morning dawn ceremony at Wellington Arch, attended by Princess Anne.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Catherine, 44, wore a pair of Diana, Princess of Wales's earrings to commemorate Anzac Day.

The diamond-and-sapphire drop earrings were once owned by the former Princess of Wales and even matched her engagement ring, which Catherine inherited when Prince William proposed.

Diana was spotted wearing the set on multiple occasions, including during a trip to Canada in 1991, on the cover of British Vogue in 1994, and at the Met Gala in 1996.

Catherine also wore an £8,400 Tanzanite and diamond pendant necklace from G. Collins and Sons today, which she first wore in 2015.

After Saturday's Cenotaph ceremony, Catherine is due to join worshippers at Westminster Abbey for a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving.

The abbey service includes readings from representatives of both nations, prayers delivered by children, and a traditional Māori waiata performed by London-based group Ngāti Rānana.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of Australian and New Zealand troops landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War One.

It has been observed in London since King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey in 1916.

LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS

Andrew’s ‘worn and dirty’ Falklands gloves go under the hammer

‘We’re optimistic despite the challenges’: Palace insiders speak out ahead of US visit

Princess Anne leads Anzac Day tributes at dawn in Hyde Park

The Princess of Wales’s appearance comes hours after the Princess Royal led tributes at the capital’s dawn service, continuing the Royal Family’s long-standing role in commemorating those who served.

Anne wrapped up warm in a long dark green coat to attend the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner.

At the service, which lasted about 45 minutes, the Princess Royal listened to various readings.

The service also included the Last Post, silence, reveille and national anthems.

Before leaving, Princess Anne laid a wreath and signed a book of remembrance.

A post on the Royal Family X account on Saturday morning read: “Today is #ANZACDay – which honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”