On March 11th, the Duchess of Edinburgh made headlines as she attended the Commonwealth Day Mass at Westminster Abbey, showcasing royal protocol with a refreshing twist.
Sophie, the Duchess, demonstrated her commitment to tradition while injecting a bit of informality into the proceedings, making her entrance memorable.
As she arrived at the service, Sophie greeted Queen Camilla with a friendly kiss on the cheek, a gesture that felt both warm and approachable.
Following this casual greeting, she performed the customary bow, but quickly stepped aside to allow her husband, Prince Edward, the opportunity to pay his respects to the Queen.
This moment highlighted the balance between adhering to royal customs and embracing a more relaxed atmosphere.
In stark contrast, Princess Anne, who was also in attendance, opted for a different approach.
She greeted Sophie with a kiss but chose to skip the bow altogether.
This deviation from protocol raised eyebrows, especially since royal guidelines dictate that anyone holding the title of HRH should bow to the King and his wife.
It seems that the royals are leaning towards a more laid-back style in the wake of the late Queen Elizabeth‘s passing.
The shift in royal demeanor is evident among other family members as well.
King Charles and Camilla have been spotted exchanging kisses with relatives during various events, such as Princess Kate’s Christmas Carols concert.
This trend reflects a broader change within the royal family, moving away from rigid traditions to a more relatable image.
The Commonwealth Day service saw a notable gathering of royals, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, King Charles remained absent from public engagements as he continues his cancer treatment, underscoring the challenging times faced by the royal family.
Despite the circumstances, Princess Sophie appeared cheerful at the Mass.
She looked elegant in a cream Susanna London coat paired with a matching Jane Taylor Damona hat and stylish Stuart Weitzman stiletto heels.
Her fashion choice added a touch of glamour to the event, celebrating her husband’s milestone birthday, which fell on the same day.
Queen Camilla’s choice of brooch for the occasion sparked excitement among royal fashion enthusiasts.
The piece was previously part of the late Queen Elizabeth’s impressive collection, lending an air of nostalgia and continuity to the day’s events.
During the service, King Charles emphasized the importance of the Commonwealth.
He described its diversity as a core strength and expressed pride in the 56 nations that make up this global community.
His commitment to serving the Commonwealth remains steadfast, even as he navigates personal health challenges.
In a heartfelt video message, King Charles acknowledged the support he has received from the public.
He expressed gratitude for the thoughtful wishes regarding his health and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the community to the best of his ability.
