The 88-year-old Princess Alexandra of Kent emerged from her largely private life yesterday to witness her grandson's commissioning ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II joined family members including Alexander Charles Ogilvy's parents, James and Julia Ogilvy, for the significant military occasion.
Her granddaughter Flora Vesterberg also attended the ceremony, capturing photographs of her brother during the proceedings.
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The Princess wore an eye-catching paisley coat for the event, whilst Flora chose a floral blue ensemble complete with coordinating shawl and pillbox hat.
Princess Alexandra of Kent, the late Queen Elizabeth's cousin, has made a rare public appearance
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The appearance marks a notable public engagement for Princess Alexandra, who has significantly reduced her royal duties in recent years.
She was last seen publicly in June alongside King Charles at the Queen's Chapel at St James’s Palace.
The late Queen’s cousin was set sat next to the monarch at the service which marked the chapel's 400th anniversary.
Before this, her previous appearance was during the King's Christmas lunch for extended family at Buckingham Palace last December.
Alexandra was spectating her grandson's commissioning ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
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Alexandra was also photographed attending the Windsor thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of Greece in February 2024, accompanied by her daughter, Marina Ogilvy.
The ceremony that marked Alexander Ogilvy's transition to military officer is known as the Sovereign's Parade, a formal event concluding the intensive 44-week training programme at Sandhurst.
This prestigious procession occurs three times annually and represents the moment when officer cadets receive their commissions into the British Army and various international forces.
The event remains exclusive to graduates' families and friends, providing an intimate setting for this military milestone.
The seldom seen royal was attending alongside other family members James Ogilvy, Julia Ogilvy and Flora Vesterberg
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Through this ceremony, the 28-year-old joins the ranks of commissioned officers, having completed the same rigorous training programme that both Princes William and Harry underwent at the renowned military academy.
Alexander Ogilvy's path to military service began in Scotland, where he served as head boy at Edinburgh's Merchiston Castle School.
His academic journey continued across the Atlantic at Brown University in Rhode Island, establishing him as an international student with diverse experiences.
During a gap year in 2016, the future officer worked at Sydney's prestigious Scots College, where he coached rugby and supported Indigenous education programmes.
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Alexander Ogilvy has recently completed the same rigorous training programme that both Princes William and Harry underwent
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His varied background includes time in New York's technology sector, where he held a position at the firm Prove before choosing to pursue military training.
Alexander holds the position of 54th in the succession to the British throne through his grandmother's royal lineage.
His sister Flora, who announced his Sandhurst entry through social media last year, expressed pride in her brother's military ambitions with an Instagram post from the Cartier Queen's Cup Polo.
"Very proud of my brother @acogilvy beginning at RMA Sandhurst this weekend. We're full of admiration for you. Forever thoughtful and inspiring. Very good luck xx," Flora wrote alongside a photograph of the siblings.