During the solemn National Service of Remembrance held on Sunday, November 12, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, drew attention not only for her dignified presence but also for her seemingly weary appearance, stirring concern among royal followers.
At the ceremony, where the royal family, along with politicians and veterans, gathered to honor those affected by wartime, Middleton, 41, stood beside Queen Camilla. Dressed in an all-black Alexander McQueen military-inspired coat adorned with three red poppies, Middleton's attire was a symbol of respect and remembrance. She complemented her outfit with a silver brooch, a nod to her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, a chic updo, and a Philip Treacy hat embellished with a velvet bow.
While Middleton maintained a composed demeanor, there were moments during the service when she appeared to hold back tears and shared a smile with Queen Camilla. This event also marked King Charles III's first Remembrance Sunday as monarch, where he laid a wreath at The Cenotaph war memorial, followed by Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne.
However, it was Middleton's appearance that sparked a wave of reactions online, with some observers suggesting that the strains of royal duty were evident on her face. Comments on social media platforms noted that Middleton looked "old" and "worn out," with one user even advising her to consider leaving the institution for the sake of her happiness, drawing parallels with Princess Diana.
Remembering those who served this country today, and every day. Lest we forget. pic.twitter.com/R5DAhLmosn — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 12, 2023
Comparisons were made with her previous appearances at the event, with some remarking that the Princess of Wales appeared as aged as Queen Camilla. Others noted her "sad eyes and mouth," interpreting them as signs of unhappiness. Some even attributed her appearance to the effects of stress and hate, with remarks about her and Prince William looking older than their years.
Despite these observations, many praised Middleton and Queen Camilla for their elegance and sophistication. Admirers hailed Middleton as a strong and classy woman, with one user noting the honor of her wearing the late Queen's poppy brooch.
The National Service of Remembrance, a longstanding tradition, began with a two-minute silence observed nationwide at 11:00 a.m. King Charles III led the nation in commemorating the end of the First World War and other conflicts, laying a wreath featuring 41 poppy petals, a design reminiscent of King George VI's. Queen Camilla's wreath was laid by Major Ollie Plunket, reflecting a design similar to that of the Queen Mother.
The event was attended by several senior politicians, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and former prime ministers such as Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May. The preceding day, the royal family, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
