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

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

GB NEWS

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 25/04/2026

- 11:01

Updated: 25/04/2026

- 12:17

It comes after Princess Anne stepped out at dawn on Saturday morning

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.

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.

Princess of Wales

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

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Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales holding a wreath as she approached the Cenotaph

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Princess of Wales

Today marked the first time the Princess of Wales laid a wreath on Anzac Day

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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.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales wore a bespoke Alexander McQueen coat

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Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales appeared at the Cenotaph for the solemn occasion

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The Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales (left) attended a wreath laying ceremony and parade commemorating Anzac Day

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PA

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.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales bowed her head as she represented the King

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Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales will later attend a service at Westminster Abbey

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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.”